Having a variety of funds within an asset class, a variety of industries, and a variety of maturity dates.

Percentage of your portfolio devoted to different investment categories.

Accumulation of interest on both principal and previously credited interest. The longer you invest, the better.

How much you can afford to lose; helps you govern the types of investments you choose.

This refers to investing a set amount regularly, over time, to soften the impact of market fluctuations.