Publications and Research Studies

The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy provides a variety of publications and research studies to address the problems and questions you may face as an investor. We cannot tell you what investments to make, but we can provide unbiased information to help you evaluate your choices and protect yourself against fraud.

To order printed copies of publications, please visit the Federal Citizen Information Center or call 888-878-3256, Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Publications

Ask Questions - Questions You Should Ask About Your Investments

"Ask Questions." That’s the best advice we can give you about how to invest wisely. We see too many investors who might have avoided trouble and losses if they had asked basic questions from the start.

Info Sheets

3 Easy Ways to Boost Your Retirement Savings

Take Advantage of Company Matching:

In many employer-sponsored retirement plans, your company will match some or all of your contributions. If your employer offers a plan like this and you do not contribute enough to get your employer’s match, you are passing up “free money” for your retirement savings.

SEC Research

Learn about Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) research projects focused on individual investors.

View SEC Research »

Other Research

Review research on financial literacy and investing from other government agencies, securities regulators, and other organizations focused on individual investors.

View Other Research »