Clever Girl Finance

Learn the basics of investing with this approachable guide to the world of finance Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money is the leading guide for women who seek to learn the basic foundations of personal investing. In a no-nonsense and straightforward style, this book teaches readers: Exactly how investing works and what you should be doing, no fancy finance degree required How to leverage investing to build long term wealth even on a modest salary The key pitfalls to avoid in order to become a successful investor How to build a nest egg and invest in your future Insights from real-world success stories from other "e;clever girl investors"e; Clever Girl Finance teaches readers the irreplaceable value of investing for long-term financial gain, and the difference between making money and building wealth. Written for any woman who s ever sought out an accessible introduction to the world of investing, this book is especially suited to women interested in learning how investing works and taking guided action towards their financial success.

Learn the basics of investing with this approachable guide to the world of financeClever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money is the leading guide for women who seek to learn the basic foundations of personal investing. In a no-nonsense and straightforward style, this book teaches readers:* Exactly how investing works and what you should be doing, no fancy finance degree required* How to leverage investing to build long term wealth even on a modest salary* The key pitfalls to avoid in order to become a successful investor* How to build a nest egg and invest in your future* Insights from real-world success stories from other "clever girl investors"Clever Girl Finance teaches readers the irreplaceable value of investing for long-term financial gain, and the difference between making money and building wealth.Written for any woman who's ever sought out an accessible introduction to the world of investing, this book is especially suited to women interested in learning how investing works and taking guided action towards their financial success.

About the Author xiAcknowledgments xiiiYou are in the Right Place! Get Ready to Become a Clever Girl Investor! xvHow to Use This Book xixChapter 1 Adjusting Your Mindset About Investing 1Why Investing Matters 7Getting Educated About Investing 9Women and the Investment Gap: Why It's More Important Than Ever for Women in Particular to Invest 11My Investing Story: The Complete Game-Changer for My Finances 15Chapter 2 How the Stock Market Works 19What Is the Stock Market? 21Stock Exchanges in the United States 22Indices and the Stock Market 23The Economy and the Stock Market 26How the Economy Affects Your Portfolio 26Clever Girl Investor: Meet Jennifer "Jenny" Coombs 30Chapter 3 Core Investing Concepts: Inflation, Compounding, and the Rule of 72 33Inflation 36What Causes Inflation? 37Inflation in the United States 38Compounding 39How Compound Interest Works 40The Rule of 72 44Compound Interest, the Rule of 72, and Debt 46Clever Girl Investor: Meet Cindy E. Zuniga 48Chapter 4 Preparing to Invest 51Key Factors to Ensure You're Prepared to Invest 54Setting Your Investment Objectives 58Understanding Risk 59Mitigating Risk 60Chapter 5 The Different Types of Stock Market Investments 65Investing in Stocks 67Market Capitalization and Stocks 68Investing in Bonds 70What to Know About Bonds 70Should You Buy Individual Stocks and/or Bonds? 73Investing in Funds 74Index Funds to Win 76The Key Benefits of Index Funds 77Popular Index Funds 79Chapter 6 Researching Your Investments 83Things to Look for When Researching Investments 86Extra Credit: More Investing Terms and Definitions 90Clever Girl Investor: Meet Adeola Omole 92Chapter 7 Where and How to Purchase Your Investments 97Brokerage Firms and Robo-Advisors 99Working with a Financial Advisor 102Practicing with Simulation Accounts 103Trading versus Investing 104Clever Girl Investor: Meet Jully-Alma Taveras 105Chapter 8 Investing for Retirement 109Types of Retirement Investment Accounts 114What to Do When You Leave Your Employer 122Tips to Maximize Your Retirement Investments 123Are You Saving Enough? 126Investing During Retirement 128Clever Girl Investor: Meet Faneisha "Fo" Alexander 129Chapter 9 Simple Investing Strategies 133The 3-Fund Portfolio Investing Strategy 136Alternative Investing Strategies: The 1-Fund, 2-Fund, 4-Fund, and 5-Fund Portfolios 139Clever Girl Investor: Meet Jamila Souffrant 143Chapter 10 Keeping Your Investments on Target 147How Does Rebalancing Work? 149When to Rebalance Your Portfolio 150A Common Rule of Thumb: 100 Minus Your Age 151How Often Should You Rebalance Your Portfolio? 151Target-Date Funds, Robo-Advisors, and Portfolio Rebalancing 152Letting Go of a Losing Investment 153Chapter 11 The Deal with Taxes 157Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax 159Tax Losses 160Minimizing Your Tax Obligation 161Chapter 12 Investing Mistakes and Pitfalls to Avoid 165Key Investing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 168Clever Girl Investor: Meet Regina Byrd 170In Closing 175Takeaways to Remember 177Index 181