UNIT 2: Building Financial Security Study Guide

How does investing in the stock market differ from putting money in a savings account at a bank?

• Investing is always a less risky option than saving

• Investing is best for short-term situations like emergency funds; saving is best for the long-term

• Investing typically earns between 1-2% while saving generally earns between 5-7%

• Investing allows you to accumulate wealth for retirement while saving is best for short-term purchases or emergencies

All of the following are strategies to reduce risk EXCEPT...

• Holding your investments for at least five years

• Making sure your investments are diversified

• Hiring an investment manager who you think can beat the market

• Investing small amounts of money over longer periods of time

Which of the statements below BEST describes the relationship between risk and return when considering an investment?

• Investors expect to earn a lower return when they invest in a high risk asset

• Investors expect to earn a higher return when they invest in a low risk asset

• Investors expect to earn a higher return when they invest in a high risk asset

• Investors expect to earn zero return when investing in a low risk asset

Why is diversification a recommended investment strategy?

• Investing in a diversified portfolio guarantees that you won’t lose money with your investments

• If you tell your fund manager to use diversification, they'll charge you lower fees

• Diversifying your portfolio helps reduce risk

• If you diversify your portfolio, you will definitely earn a high return

How is a bond different from a stock?

• A bond is a loan you give to an organization while a stock is partial ownership in a company

• Bonds are typically riskier than stocks but have the potential to earn higher returns

• Bonds are usually issued by smaller startup companies while stocks are issued by well established organizations

• Bonds are best for earning high returns while stocks are best for providing a stable source of income

How can someone make money from investing in a stock?

• They sell the stock for a lower price than what they bought it for

• They receive dividends or they sell the stock at a higher price than what they bought it for

• The stock loses value but the overall market experiences a positive return

• They sell the stock for the same price they bought it for

Why is it important for you to understand your risk tolerance before you start investing?

• It helps you decide if you want to participate in your employer’s match program for your 401(k)

• It’s recommended that people with a low risk tolerance shouldn’t invest at all

• If you have a high risk tolerance, you may be eligible for lower fees since you won’t care if your portfolio drastically loses value

• You should tailor your investment portfolio so that it assumes an amount of risk you are comfortable with

What is one question an investor should ask when deciding whether or not they would like to open a Roth IRA or a Traditional IRA?

• Do I want to make a guaranteed return of 6% or 8%?

• Do I want to pay taxes now or later?

• Do I want to take advantage of my employer’s matching contribution?

• Do I want to take on more or less risk?

Which of the following is an example of diversification?

• Putting the majority of your money into a savings account and investing the rest

• Investing different amounts of money every month

• Purchasing shares of stock in a variety of companies and industries

• Using multiple investment managers to get different opinions

The higher the risk associated with a bond, the ______ (more/less) likely a corporation might default on paying the investor.

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