Index Investing for Dummies

Broaden your portfolio and your profits with this plain-English guide. Interested in index funds. Want to invest your money wisely. This plain-English guide explains a recommended, proven way to use index investments to build a well-diversified, low-cost portfolio. Whether you're a conservative or aggressive investor, you'll see how to find the right funds that provide healthy long-term returns - and stay afloat in tough economic times. What are index funds, anyway. - learn how index mutual funds and exchange-traded funds work and their advantages over other funds. Evaluate your index fund choices - from stocks and bonds to commodities and real estate, understand the risks and rewards. Make the right investing moves - discover your investing style, your connection to the market, and your long-term financial needs. Develop your portfolio blueprint - decide how many funds you need, where to house them, and whether to mix index funds with other investments. Manage your money wisely - disaster-proof your portfolio, correct your mistakes, and get help from the pros if you need it (but tread carefully. ). Ensure happy returns - see how to maintain a smooth-running, age-appropriate, profitable portfolio for years to come. Open the book and find:. Clear explanations of index funds - and why they work. How to avoid the temptation to beat the markets. Evaluations of popular index funds - the best and the worst. Sample portfolios, from conservative to aggressive. Lists of index mutual funds and ETFs. Web resources that help you stay up-to-date. A Q&A with John Bogle, founder of Vanguard.