Resources by topic: Investing

Links to a number of helpful investing resources.

Investment Fraud and Scams

Verify That You're Working with Licensed Individuals
Check whether an investment, investment professional or firm is registered by calling DFI at 1-877-RING DFI (746-4334) or searching our online database.
Most Common Investment Traps
List of the most common investment traps as identified by DFI.
Signs of Investment Fraud
Educate yourself and recognize the signs of fraud.
Investor Alerts from NASAA
Latest investor alerts and tips from NASAA.
Fraud Scene Investigator (FSI)
Fraud Scene Investigator is an online interactive investor education program that teaches and empowers students how to detect and stop a million-dollar investment fraud and put the mysterious con man, “Mr. X,” behind bars.

7 Free Investor Education Booklets
7 investor education booklets covering a wide array of investment topics.
Variable Annuities: What You Should Know
Explains the basics of variable annuities, including what questions to ask before purchasing.
Auction Rate Securities: What Happens When Auctions Fail
Auction rate securities (ARS) refer to long-term investments that have a short-term twist: the interest rates or dividends they pay are reset at frequent intervals through auctions, which typically occur every 7, 14, 28, or 35 days.
Calculating Mutual Fund Fees and Expenses
Fees and expenses are an important consideration in selecting a mutual fund because these charges lower your returns. Many investors find it helpful to compare the fees and expenses of different mutual funds before they invest.
Equity-Indexed Annuities (pdf)
Information you should know before you buy an Equity-Indexed Annuity.
Beginners Guide to Financial Statements
This brochure from the Securities and Exchange Commission is designed to help you gain a basic understanding of how to read financial statements.

Investing Information from DFI
Information from DFI about investment products and how to protect yourself from fraud.
Investor.Gov
Information and articles for investors from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Investor Bill of Rights
Information about your rights.

Verify That You're Working with Licensed Individuals
Check whether an investment, investment professional or firm is registered by calling DFI at 1-877-RING DFI (746-4334) or searching our online database.

NASAA Investor Education
Investor education and information from the North American Securities Administrators Association.
SEC Investor Education and Advocacy
Investor information and tips from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
FINRA Investor Information
Tools, information, and resources from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Alliance for Investor Education
Investor's Clearinghouse with information, resources, and more.
Investor Protection Trust
Offering great resources and publications for investors.