This book and the other three books in Making the Most of Your Money series provide readers with practical and usable information about money. The Basics of Investing offers a clear road map for readers to follow when handling money and making decisions about what to do with it. It answers these fundamental questions: Why is saving not enough? When is the right time to begin investing? What are the goals of investing, and how do they change over the investor's lifetime? What investment alternatives are right for each type of investor? How can a new investor build a solid portfolio? Should investors manage their own porfolios? The Basics of Investing is written for consumers who are confused about their finances and need a well-written, easy-to-understand guide to making safe, sound investments.