Investing is a lot like going to the casino. If you play your cards right, you can end up walking away from the table with a lot more money then you came with. However, there is much to chance when it comes to investing, and for that reason, you need to know all that you can to avoid the potential pitfalls investors make. Every investment offers the potential of risk, and knowing exactly what odds you face can greatly increase your investment potential.
When considering the purchase of a new investment, there are some questions that you need to research to insure that you are getting a square deal. Assessing the risk you face is one of the most important aspects of investment, and therefore, you need to establish a basis of what you may expect. Higher risk investments usually result in higher payoffs if the stock takes off, but there is also a heightened risk of losing your money. Those who choose to invest in bank accounts and US Treasury securities have the benefit of knowing that their investment is protected by the federal government, limiting the potential risk. Next, you need to question whether or not your investments are diversified. Buying stocks in various...