Investment Management

Whether you invest in mutual funds or stocks depends on three factors:

First, you must decide how much risk you can tolerate versus how much return you want or need. If you want a higher return, then you must accept a higher risk.

It also depends on how much time you have to research your investments, or whether you pay someone to do the heavy lifting.

The third factor is what type of fees and expenses you are willing to endure. If you plan to buy and hold, you don't want annual fees. You also will need to consider the various tax implications.

A managed account is an investment account owned by a single investor and overseen by a professional money manager hired by that investor. (A six-figure amount is often required as a minimum investment in order to manage accounts and be compensated.)

These are financial assets that do not fall into one of the conventional investment categories. Conventional categories include stocks, bonds, and cash. Most alternative investment assets are held by institutional investors or accredited, high-net-worth individuals because of their complex nature, lack of regulation, and degree of risk.

Alternative investments include: private equity or venture capital, managed futures, art and antiques, commodities, and derivatives contracts. (Real estate can also often be classified as an alternative investment.)