Topic Investing

Vesting

Earning full ownership of employer-provided benefits gradually over time.

How sharply an investment's price swings up and down over time.

An account with special tax breaks designed to encourage saving, such as a 401(k), IRA, or HSA.

A small ownership share of a company. Its value rises and falls with the company's fortunes and market mood.

A retirement account funded with after-tax money. You pay tax now, and qualified withdrawals in retirement are tax-free.

How much you gained or lost compared to what you put in, as a percentage.

The full collection of your investments, viewed as one whole.

What you give up when you choose one option over another.

A professionally managed pool of many investors' money, spread across many investments.

An employer-sponsored retirement account funded straight from your paycheck, often with an employer match.