SmaartMoney

Understanding GDP (Gross Domestic Product): A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, is the total monetary value of all finished goods and services produced within a country's borders during a specific time period, usually a quarter or a year. For investors and traders, GDP is like the ultimate scoreboard

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education

Understanding Options: A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Are Options? Options are financial contracts that give you the right—but not the obligation—to buy or sell an asset (usually stocks) at a specific price within a certain time period. Think of them as financial reservations or insurance policies on investments. There are two main types: calls

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education

Understanding Corporate Bonds: A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Are Corporate Bonds? Corporate bonds are loans that you make to companies instead of to governments. When you buy a corporate bond, you're lending money directly to businesses like Apple, Amazon, or your local manufacturing company. In return, they promise to pay you regular interest payments and

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education

Understanding Municipal Bonds (Munis): A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Are Municipal Bonds? Municipal bonds, affectionately called "munis," are loans that you make to local governments like cities, counties, states, or their agencies. When you buy a municipal bond, you're essentially lending money to build schools, repair bridges, upgrade water systems, or fund other community

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education

Understanding Treasury Bonds (T-Bonds): A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Are Treasury Bonds? Treasury Bonds, commonly called T-Bonds, are long-term loans you make to the United States government that last from 20 to 30 years. They're like the marathon runners of government securities—in it for the long haul. T-Bonds pay you interest every six months and

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education

Understanding Treasury Notes (T-Notes): A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Are Treasury Notes? Treasury Notes, commonly called T-Notes, are loans you make to the United States government that last between 2 and 10 years. Unlike their shorter cousin T-Bills, T-Notes pay you interest every six months and then return your original investment (principal) when they mature. "T-Notes are

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education

Understanding Treasury Bills (T-Bills): A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Are Treasury Bills? Treasury Bills, commonly called T-Bills, are short-term loans you make to the United States government. Unlike typical bonds that pay interest regularly, T-Bills work differently: you buy them for less than their face value and receive the full face value when they mature. "T-Bills are

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education

Understanding Bonds: A Rookie's Guide Members Public

What Are Bonds? Bonds are essentially loans where you become the lender instead of the borrower. When you buy a bond, you're lending your money to a company or government, and they promise to pay you back with interest. "A bond is like being the bank instead

SmaartMoney
Rookie Education