World Investor Week is a global campaign promoted by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) to raise awareness about the importance of investor education and protection. During October 2-8, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (national coordinator), Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, National Futures Association, Securities Investor Protection Corporation, North American Securities Administrators Association and supporters are working together with interested government agencies, localities, and organizations to promote World Investor Week 2023 (WIW 2023) and its goals in the United States.
Never Stop Learning
Never stop having fun, never stop exploring, and never stop learning, especially when it comes to investing and protecting your hard-earned money. With arising technologies and new digital tools making it easier and quicker to invest, it’s important that investors do their due diligence when making investment decisions in order to make better informed decisions and to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Watch a video from our Never Stop Learning video series, read the WIW 2023’s key topics below, and test your knowledge with our quiz.
POWER OF COMPOUND GROWTH
|
If you are investing or saving toward a goal, or just want to learn about how your money can grow under various hypothetical scenarios, take advantage of our compound interest and savings goal calculators. These calculators are great tools to help inform any decisions you make about your investing and saving. |
 |
DIVERSIFICATION
 |
Diversification is a strategy where you spread your money among different investments to reduce your overall investment risk. By picking the right mix of investments, you may be able to limit your losses and reduce the fluctuations of your investment returns without sacrificing too much in potential gains. |
EMERGENCY FUND
|
An emergency fund is rainy day money you keep in a bank or credit union to use for an unexpected expense, like a cracked screen on your phone, car repair, or family emergency. If you don’t have an emergency fund, even a small financial upset can result in a long-term debt. |
 |
HIGH “GUARANTEED” RETURNS
 |
Be skeptical of any investment opportunity that promises high investment returns with little or no risk. High guaranteed returns are a hallmark of investment fraud. |
LOSING MORE THAN YOU INVEST
All investments have risk and you should never invest more money than you can afford to lose. Be aware that in some cases, however, you can lose more money than you invested, such as with options, using margin, or selling short. |
 |
ESG INVESTING
 |
“ESG” stands for environmental, social, and governance. ESG investing is a way of investing in companies based on their commitment to one or more ESG factors. It is often also called sustainable investing, socially responsible investing, and impact investing. |
CRYPTO ASSETS
|
Investments in crypto asset securities can be exceptionally volatile and speculative, and the platforms where investors buy, sell, borrow, or lend these securities may lack important protections for investors.
|
 |
Outreach
During WIW 2023, SEC staff will participate in outreach events highlighting the importance of establishing an emergency fund, avoiding high-interest debt, conducting research on investment opportunities, understanding the risks of investing, portfolio diversification, and fraud prevention. Outreach events include: saving and investing presentations for older investors, military service members, students, and teachers; investor education events for college students, including events at Historically Black Colleges and Universities; radio interview on topics important to older investors; and a Thrift Savings Plan program for federal employees. Registration information for in-person and virtual events that are open to the public will be posted below when they become available. Please contact the organizer directly with any questions about these events.
Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023:
- DC Returning Citizens Financial Empowerment Summit (in-person)
Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023:
- Your TSP Account – What to Think About When Nearing Retirement or Considering Leaving the Government (online)
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023:
- SEC-NASAA-Georgia Secretary of State Joint Investor Roundtable at the University of North Georgia (To be rescheduled)
Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023:
- WIW Global Webinar on Crypto-Assets in the Context of Investor Education and Protection
- Online registration (open until Oct. 4)
- SEC-NASAA-Georgia Secretary of State Joint Investor Roundtable at Dalton State College (To be rescheduled)
