Consult information sources such as business and financial publications. Information regarding the fundamentals of investing and basic financial terminology can be found at your local library. If you have questions, talk with your sales representative before investing. You also may want to check with another brokerage firm, an accountant, or a trusted business adviser to get a second opinion about a particular investment you are considering. Keep good records of all information you receive, copies of forms you sign, and conversations you have with your sales representative.
Nobody invests to lose money.
However, investments always entail some degree of risk. Some investments cannot easily be sold or converted to cash. Check to see if there is any penalty or charge if you must sell an investment quickly or before its maturity date. Investments in securities issued by a company with little or no operating history or published information may involve greater risk. Securities investments, including mutual funds, are NOT federally insured against a loss in market value.