This book provides a solid foundation for understanding the basis of investments. It is a basic introductory text that explains fully different kinds of financial and real assets generally used in practice to build profitable investment portfolios. The book introduces readers to traditional investments i.e. money markets instruments, equities and fixed income securities and alternative investments including real estate, commodities, collectibles, and hedge funds etc, which have received less attention in investment books. The book applies investment theory and concepts in a practical manner using examples, illustrations and real world problems. Although many of the concepts are illustrated with numerical examples, the text does not require advanced background in economics, accounting and statistics to understand. It is easy to understand and can be used for investment courses in undergraduate programs. Finance professionals practicing investment management for a living and ordinary people who want to learn about investment practice will also find this book very useful. By reading this book readers will be able to understand the importance of setting investment goals for individual and institutional investors and the strategies needed to achieve them. May you live long to see the fruits of your investments