It really is one of the oldest pick-up lines in the book. I'm sure Neanderthals were standing around rocks looking at one another and grunting the question. Are you my type? Whether it is people, cars, music or pets, finding the type that suits you is important to your overall well being and happiness.

Finding something that fits you and where you are in life can be the best of heaven. Settling with something that does not match your dreams or desires is the worst kind of hell. Online investing offers another opportunity to do the same kind of seeking. When it comes to investment options, what is your type?

Options and Futures

Options and Futures get their value from the buying and selling of stock based in a future date. The two are often joined in thought but have one important difference. Options give the contract holder, buyer or seller, the option to trade the stock at preset date but there in no legal obligation to do so. Futures require the contract holder to sell or buy the stock at a preset date. Futures have a higher income potential, however also have more of a financial risk. The science of both options and futures is an intricate ability for short term prediction of capital gain. It is not recommended for new traders and an experienced broker offering guidance and advice is a requirement.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are a great place for a new investor to being to learn about online trading, and the practice of investing. Mutual fund groups combine the investments of many people to create a large enough fund to invest in a diversified stock portfolio. Mutual funds offer many benefits including ability for small initial investments, more opportunities for top stocks because of the buying power of the combined investments, and relatively low risk because of the ability of the fund to diversify stocks and balance out the portfolio from ups and downs. The return is not as elevated as a high yield stock, but the lower risk is generally worth it.

IPO's

When internet giant Google put their stock out for sale the previously unknown world of IPO's came into the public eye like never before. IPO stands for Initial Public Offering. When a company takes itself public IPO buyers have a chance to get in on the "ground floor" of a new company or an established company going into a new financial arena. IPO's can be a great opportunity to get stock at a lower rate because of the speculation as to how well the company will really do. If you buy a stock at the low rate and the business takes off you have a chance for amazing profits. However, there is also the risk that the company won't take off. Businesses fail everyday and even established companies simply don't do well in the public stock arena. IPO's carry a low buy-in and a moderate risk. An experienced broker's guidance is helpful to new traders as they invest in IPO's as a major part of their portfolio.

The good news in the world of online investing is you can have more than one type. A portfolio balanced with different types of stocks can provide congruence between the investment and risk to protect your future and add to your ability to profit. The next time someone asks your type you can answer with confidence, "I like all kinds!"