Deposit Accounts: Understanding Stocks

(3/11/2013) Savings accounts, CDs, money market accounts and other deposit accounts provide savers an opportunity to set money aside in a risk-free manner and earn steady interest.

But when saving towards a longer-term goal like retirement, many people look for an opportunity to try a riskier but potentially more lucrative method: stocks.

Business owners have several options when they wish to raise money for the company. They can borrow money through a loan. They can issue bonds. Or they can go public, creating a certain number of shares of ownership (stocks) for sale.

Buying a stock is buying a unit of ownership in a company. Owning stock gives you the right to help determine the future of the company through voting on members of the board and other key issues. And it gives you the right to share in profits made by the company. If a company is highly successful, you will gain money through increased value of your stock; if a company suffers, you will lose money through decreased stock value.

A stock is considered a security, along with bonds. Stocks are equity, while bonds are debt. Stock buyers are considered owners and bond buyers are considered creditors. In a worst-case scenario of an organization failing and claiming bankruptcy, bondholders have higher claims on assets than shareholders and will get paid first. This makes bonds less risky by comparison, but with potentially lower return.

There are two types of stock:

• Common stock. This is the type usually owned by individuals and represents the majority of stock held by the public and discussed in the news. Buying this type of stock provides voting rights and the rights to share profits (also known as dividends).

• Preferred stock. This type of stock usually carriers fewer ownership rights. However, companies issuing this type of stock usually pay dividends on preferred stock first, and pay fairly consistently.

Stocks are considered a highly liquid investment, meaning you are free to buy or sell shares at any point and as often as you wish. Other investment vehicles usually limit movement of funds.

Since stocks are liquid, many savvy investors buy and sell regularly in search for the best deal and highest return. Stocks are bought and sold through exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (NASDAQ). To do it well, constant research is required. For those that want guidance and assistance, brokerages are a great resource.

For Additional Reading:

Understanding Stocks and Shares for Beginners:
http://budgeting.thenest.com/understanding-stocks-shares-beginners-10005.html

Stocks Basics:
http://www.investopedia.com/university/stocks/stocks1.asp#axzz2MhUfA6ly







 

 

Other related articles:

Deposit Accounts: Beyond Savings, Beginning Investing

Deposit Accounts: CD Laddering

Deposit Accounts: 5 Tips to Build Your Savings

Deposit Accounts: Understanding Checking Accounts

Deposit Accounts: Types of CDs

Deposit Accounts: Understanding Money Market Accounts

Deposit Accounts: Understanding Certificates of Deposit

Deposit Accounts: Types of Savings Accounts

When Shopping for a Savings Account, Don't Forget About Credit Unions

Combat the Weak Dollar With Smart Savings

Don't Let Low Rates Scare You Away fromSaving

Look Online to Kick Off Your Savings the Right Way

Save Money Using a Money Market Account

Americans Now Have More Options for Retirement Savings

Do Yourself a Huge Favor: Save 10%

 

Fannie Mae & Jumbo Mortgage Rates

Just One Click! = Current Rate Chart

Pennsylvania Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - Hawaii Current Mortgage Rates - Alaska West Virginia Mortgage Rates Virginia Mortgage Rates District of Columbia Mortgage Rates Maryland Mortgage Rates Delaware Mortgage Rates New Jersey Mortgage Rates Connecticut Mortgage Rates Rhode Island Mortgage Rates Massachusetts Mortgage Rates New Hampshire Mortgage Rates Vermont Mortgage Rates New Hampshire Mortgage Rates Maine Current Mortgage Rates Vermont Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - New York Current Mortgage Rates - Michigan Current Interest Rates - Wisconsin Current Mortgage Rates - MINNESOTA Ohio Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - Kentucky Current Mortgage Rates - Indiana Illinois - Current Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - Iowa Missouri Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - North Carolina South Carolina Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - Florida Current Mortgage Rates - Georgia Current Mortgage Rates - Tennessee Current Mortgage Rates - Alabama Current Mortgage Rates - Mississippi Current Mortgage Rates - Louisiana Current Mortgage Rates - Arkansas Current Mortgage Rates - Oklahoma Current Mortgage Rates - TEXAS Current Mortgage Rates - New Mexico Current Mortgage Rates - Arizona Current Mortgage Rates - Kansas Current Mortgage Rates - Nebraska Current Mortgage Rates - Colorado Current Mortgage Rates - Wyoming South Dakota Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - North Dakota Current Rates - Montana Idaho Current Rates Washington Mortgage Rates Current Mortgage Rates - Oregon Current Mortgage Rates - Utah Current Mortgage Rates - Nevada Current Mortgage Rates - California

Start by selecting your state





Get the Updated and Improved Mortgage Rates App from ERATE.com

ERATE App - Current Mortgage Rates and Credit Cards
FREE Mortgage Rate Widgets
Your State's Rates or National Rates
Get this Widget for any State you want