Investing can be intimidating, but financial planners recommend index funds to make things easier. Index funds are generally low-cost, but make sure you understand what fees are involved. Instead, experts have a suggestion to reduce the overwhelm for new and experienced investors alike: total stock market index funds, which give you exposure to the stock market more broadly. AdvertisementWhen you're picking your total market index fund, keep in mind that many of the funds are tracking the same indexes. Susan Dziubinski, an investment specialist at investment research firm Morningstar, identified total market funds as one of the five best ways to invest money.

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Persons: Bryan Hasling, Hasling, there's, Charles Schwab, Susan Dziubinski, Morningstar, Dziubinski, doesn't Organizations: Apple, Financial, Fidelity Investments, Wall Street Locations: U.S