A pooled investment vehicle that collects money from multiple investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities, managed by a professional fund manager.
Mutual Fund
A type of investment fund that trades on stock exchanges like individual stocks, offering diversification with lower expense ratios than mutual funds.
Exchange-Traded Fund
Taxable accounts are subject to capital gains and dividend taxes, while tax-advantaged accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401(k)s) offer tax deferral or tax-free growth.
Taxable vs. Tax-Advantaged Accounts
A tax on the profit from the sale of investments; short-term gains (held <1 year) are taxed as ordinary income, while long-term gains (held >1 year) have lower rates.
Capital Gains Tax
Qualified dividends are taxed at long-term capital gains rates, while non-qualified dividends are taxed as ordinary income.
Dividend Taxation
A company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate and is required to distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to shareholders.
Real Estate Investment Trust
A contract with an insurance company that provides periodic payments, typically for retirement, with tax-deferred growth until withdrawal.
Annuity
Debt securities issued by state and local governments, often providing tax-free interest income at the federal and sometimes state level.
Municipal Bonds
A Roth IRA offers tax-free withdrawals in retirement with after-tax contributions, while a Traditional IRA allows tax-deductible contributions with taxable withdrawals.
Roth vs. Traditional IRA