Near monies are assets which are almost but not exactly like money. Their values are stated in dollars and cents and they are very liquid. This means that they can be turned into currency or a means of payment easily and without loss of value. These include savings accounts, Treasury bills, mutual funds, and money market accounts. Investments are money put into a business or government in hopes of making money.
People invest in stocks and bonds.
Stocks are sold by all corporations. Buying stock entitles the buyer to a share of the corporations future profits and assets. The stock holder is now part owner of the corporation. The corporation uses the buyer's money to expand its business and increase earnings. The stock holder can make money in one of two ways.