Research has shown that 75 percent of women want to know more about money and investing, but aren’t talking about it. Fidelity’s 2015 Money Fit Study found that eight in 10 women confess they have refrained from discussing their finances with those they are close to. The study also shows that lack of confidence — or fear — is a leading factor holding women back from investing. Stories in the media certainly don’t help: financial advisors losing their clients’ money — or worse — stealing it; investors striking it rich and then losing everything; and news commentators talking about “bear markets” or “market volatility.” Reports like these can make anyone feel as if the best place for their money is in a savings account.
In this constantly changing global economy (you’ve no doubt heard that “Brexit” sent global markets into a tizzy, causing the British pound to fall to its lowest level in decades), it is more important than ever to have at least a basic understanding of how the stock market works, and how you can make it work for you. Confronting your fear of investing by improving your understanding is the first step. Once you get to know it, you will realize that smart investing in the stock market can be a great way to start building wealth.
Take the first step by checking out this helpful video, “So You Think You Know The Stock Market.” Learn how a private company goes “public;” how companies like Twilio, a software company that helps companies such as Uber and Nordstrom communicate with their customers, raised $150 million in an IPO, the largest within the technology sector so far in 2016; what Fitbit, Alibaba and GoPro have in common; and why the NASDAQ means more to you then you realize. Terms like asset managers, S1 filing, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and investment bankers will be demystified and you’ll learn which investment companies get access to investments first, and why.
Charisse Conanan Johnson is a writer, speaker and financial wellness expert. She attended Yale University and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and is a chartered financial analyst. Learn more at her website, Charisse Says.
