Investment is the process of taking one's finances, either in the form of monetary capital or time and energy, and using it to generate a future return. Put simply, investments involve taking money, putting it to work, and expecting a profit in the future. Investment is a popular way to increase financial wealth and security, as well as to reach financial independence, but it also carries risks.

Any type of asset can be an investment, such as stocks, bonds, real estate and even antiques, that are purchased with the expectation of a higher return or value. Investments of this nature can be bought and sold under the stock market or through a broker. On the other hand, non-market investments are those that are not bought or sold on the stock market, such as a business venture, an inheriting estate and cryptocurrencies. These investments typically require a substantial amount of capital to begin and, unlike the stock market, these investments are not liquid, meaning capital can be tied up for an extended period of time.

Investing also involves risk. The more volatile the asset and the higher the return that is expected in the future, the greater the risk involved. Taking on too much risk can lead to significant losses and can create financial insecurity. It is important to research and weigh the pros and cons of any investment before investing.

Investors should also think about diversifying their portfolio in order to reduce the amount of risk assumed. This means owning a variety of investments, in different types of assets, sectors and geographical regions. By diversifying, they can reduce overall risk while maintaining the potential for a higher return.

Investment is an effective way to increase wealth. With the right strategy and an eye out for risk, investors can create financial security and independence through putting capital to work. By diversifying their portfolio and carefully researching the potential returns and risks associated with different investments, they can ensure their money will be well-spent.