Investing Unit 5: Action Steps

• Introduction
• Unit 1: Basic Building Blocks of Successful Financial Management
• Unit 2: Investing Basics
• Unit 3: Finding Money to Invest
• Unit 4: Ownership Investments
• Unit 5: Fixed-Income Investing

• Certificates of Deposit
• Series EE and I U.S. Savings Bonds
• Money Market Mutual Funds
• Bonds
• Unit Investment Trusts
• Bond Mutual Funds
• Mortgage-Backed Securities
• Annuities
• Preferred Stock
• Guaranteed Investment Contracts
• Five Tips for Fixed-Income Investors
• Summary
• Action Steps
• About the Author

• Unit 6: Mutual Fund Investing
• Unit 7: Tax-Deferred Investments
• Unit 8: Investing Small Dollar Amounts
• Unit 9: Getting Help: Investing Resources
• Unit 10: Selecting Financial Professionals
• Unit 11: Investment Fraud

• Study Guide
• Action Steps
• Monthly Investment Messages
• Glossary

Action Steps - Check each action step as it is completed.

Identify fixed-income investments that match your goals and available cash flow.

Research these investments and compare at least three specific products (e.g., bond mutual funds). Make a list of financial goals so you can match them with appropriate fixed-income and other investments.

Determine your marginal tax bracket to see if tax-exempt investments are a cost-effective option (See Unit 7 for details).

Investigate fixed-income investments (e.g., bond funds) available through your employer [e.g., 401(k) plan].

Attend an investment seminar sponsored by Cooperative Extension or financial services firms.

Reduce household expenses to free up money to invest (See Unit 3 for details).

Calculate the percentage of your portfolio allocated to fixed-income investments.