<human>:  I would like help understanding the basics of investing
<bot>: Investing can be a great way to grow your wealth and reach your financial goals. It’s important to understand the basics of investing before you start so you can ensure that you are making intelligent decisions with your hard-earned money. Here are some key concepts that you should have a basic understanding of before getting started: risk and return, diversification, market cycles, financial markets and instruments, and financial planning. Doing research and speaking with knowledgeable professionals can help you to make smart and informed decisions when investing.