Investing is how you put your money to work, generating wealth and helping you achieve financial goals like retirement. The Investors Centre concept of investing can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. There are more options than ever before, from robo-advisors that can help you create a balanced portfolio at low cost to fee-only financial advisors that don’t make commissions on the products they sell.

The basics of investing include assessing your risk tolerance and time horizon, maximizing any employer match or tax incentives in your workplace savings plan, and balancing the risks and potential returns for different investment options. To avoid a big mistake, don’t invest with cash. Instead, save a bit of your earnings each month and set aside enough to cover at least a few months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund or other savings account.

The Role of ESG Investing in a Sustainable Future

If you’re comfortable with a little risk, consider investing in stocks. Start with blue chip shares of large, well-established companies with a proven track record. Look for stability and steady growth over time. And resist the temptation to chase hot tips or hunches — even experienced investors can miss the mark.

If you’re not ready to invest in individual stocks, consider an index fund that contains a collection of stocks. That way, if one stock performs poorly, it’ll likely have little impact on the overall performance of your investments. You can also invest in debt securities, such as bonds.