8
Survey: Crypto Is Popular but Plagued With Misconceptions
You’re our first priority.
Every time.
NerdWallet, Inc. is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. Its articles, interactive tools and other content are provided to you for free, as self-help tools and for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide investment advice. NerdWallet does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. Examples are hypothetical, and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific investment issues. Our estimates are based on past market performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.
So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners.
Survey: Crypto Is Popular but Plagued With Misconceptions
Cryptocurrency is a mystery to folks who don’t use it and a source of confusion even for those who do.
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.
Published · 8 min readHow is this page expert verified?
NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible.
More on our editorial rigor
Economist & Spokesperson
19 years of experience Expertise Economics Data analysis Personal financeAs NerdWallet’s Senior Economist, Elizabeth Renter spends her time analyzing economic trends and data to help people make more informed decisions about their personal finances. Her work has been cited by The New York Times, The Washington Post, the "Today" show, CNBC and elsewhere. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2014, she was a freelance journalist. She received a Masters of Science in Finance and Economics from West Texas A&M University, and focused her elective coursework on macroeconomics and analytics. When she’s not at work, Elizabeth enjoys college football, old houses, traveling to old cities and powerlifting. She is based in Durham, North Carolina.
As NerdWallet’s Senior Economist, Elizabeth Renter spends her time analyzing economic trends and data to help people make more informed decisions about their personal finances. Her work has been cited by The New York Times, The Washington Post, the "Today" show, CNBC and elsewhere. Prior to joining NerdWallet in 2014, she was a freelance journalist. She received a Masters of Science in Finance and Economics from West Texas A&M University, and focused her elective coursework on macroeconomics and analytics. When she’s not at work, Elizabeth enjoys college football, old houses, traveling to old cities and powerlifting. She is based in Durham, North Carolina. Published in Economist & Spokesperson + more + more
Managing Editor
24 years of experience Expertise Personal Finance Budgeting Taxes Retirement Underrepresented communitiesPamela de la Fuente is a managing editor of NerdWallet's personal finance content. She leads budgeting, money-making, consumer credit and and debt coverage.
Pamela de la Fuente is a managing editor of NerdWallet's personal finance content. She leads budgeting, money-making, consumer credit and and debt coverage.Ask her and her talented team about why credit scores matter, how to save money on your grocery bill, finding the right side hustle, how to protect your identity for free and more.
Ask her and her talented team about why credit scores matter, how to save money on your grocery bill, finding the right side hustle, how to protect your identity for free and more.Previously, she led taxes and retirement coverage at NerdWallet.
Previously, she led taxes and retirement coverage at NerdWallet.Pamela joined NerdWallet after working at companies including Hallmark Cards, Sprint Corp. and The Kansas City Star. She has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years.
Pamela joined NerdWallet after working at companies including Hallmark Cards, Sprint Corp. and The Kansas City Star. She has been a writer and editor for more than 20 years.Pamela is a thought leader in content diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and finds ways to make every piece of content conversational and accessible to all.
Pamela is a thought leader in content diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and finds ways to make every piece of content conversational and accessible to all.She is a graduate of the Maynard Institute's Maynard 200 program, and the National Association of Black Journalists Executive Leadership Academy. She is a two-time winner of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists' President's Award. She was also founding co-chair of NerdWallet's Nerds of Color employee resource group.
She is a graduate of the Maynard Institute's Maynard 200 program, and the National Association of Black Journalists Executive Leadership Academy. She is a two-time winner of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists' President's Award. She was also founding co-chair of NerdWallet's Nerds of Color employee resource group. Managing Editor + more + morePeople without cryptocurrency may view the crypto market’s 2022 upheaval with a cursory glance — they have no skin in the game. But many Americans are invested in crypto, according to a new NerdWallet survey, and misunderstandings about their investments could be detrimental when things are volatile.
People without cryptocurrency may view the crypto market’s 2022 upheaval with a cursory glance — they have no skin in the game. But many Americans are invested in crypto, according to a new NerdWallet survey, and misunderstandings about their investments could be detrimental when things are volatile.An estimated 64 million Americans owned cryptocurrency, according to and at the time of the NerdWallet survey, conducted May 25-27 online by The Harris Poll among more than 2,000 adults. Then, relatively early in the current crypto market upheaval, more than half (54%) of those investors said they’d sell off their crypto if the market seemed unstable. For those who have left the market, and those enduring the current ride, understanding the concepts around this novel and developing monetary vehicle is crucially important.
An estimated 64 million Americans owned cryptocurrency, according to and at the time of the NerdWallet survey, conducted May 25-27 online by The Harris Poll among more than 2,000 adults. Then, relatively early in the current crypto market upheaval, more than half (54%) of those investors said they’d sell off their crypto if the market seemed unstable. For those who have left the market, and those enduring the current ride, understanding the concepts around this novel and developing monetary vehicle is crucially important.Editorial note: Throughout this report, “current” crypto owners and investors refers to those who owned crypto at the time of the survey fielding.
Editorial note: Throughout this report, “current” crypto owners and investors refers to those who owned crypto at the time of the survey fielding.Cryptocurrency is complex — more than two-thirds (68%) of Americans say they don’t fully understand the concept and how it works, according to the new survey. Perhaps even more telling — 37% of current crypto investors feel the same way.
Cryptocurrency is complex — more than two-thirds (68%) of Americans say they don’t fully understand the concept and how it works, according to the new survey. Perhaps even more telling — 37% of current crypto investors feel the same way.“The technology behind cryptocurrency is complicated, and many of the concepts are being put to the test using real money provided by everyday investors,” says NerdWallet investing writer Andy Rosen. ”Especially now, people involved with crypto should do their homework and make sure they really understand what they’re dealing with.”
“The technology behind cryptocurrency is complicated, and many of the concepts are being put to the test using real money provided by everyday investors,” says NerdWallet investing writer Andy Rosen. ”Especially now, people involved with crypto should do their homework and make sure they really understand what they’re dealing with.”Key findings
Key findingsOne in 4 Americans (25%) currently own cryptocurrency. Men at 33% (vs. 16% of women); millennials at 42% (vs. 31% of Generation Zers, 27% of Generation Xers and 7% of baby boomers); and Black non-Hispanic Americans at 32% (vs. 29% Hispanic and 20% white non-Hispanic Americans) are among those more likely to own crypto.
One in 4 Americans (25%) currently own cryptocurrency. One in 4 Americans (25%) currently own cryptocurrency. Men at 33% (vs. 16% of women); millennials at 42% (vs. 31% of Generation Zers, 27% of Generation Xers and 7% of baby boomers); and Black non-Hispanic Americans at 32% (vs. 29% Hispanic and 20% white non-Hispanic Americans) are among those more likely to own crypto.Average value of crypto indicates both small and large investors. On average, current crypto owners say their investments value $5,512. But 1 in 5 current crypto owners (20%) say the value is less than $100.
Average value of crypto indicates both small and large investors. Average value of crypto indicates both small and large investors. On average, current crypto owners say their investments value $5,512. But 1 in 5 current crypto owners (20%) say the value is less than $100.Investment diversification is the most common reason for owning crypto. Among Americans who have ever owned crypto, 48% say it was to diversify their investments. Nearly one-third (31%) cite popularity on social media.
Investment diversification is the most common reason for owning crypto. Investment diversification is the most common reason for owning crypto. Among Americans who have ever owned crypto, 48% say it was to diversify their investments. Nearly one-third (31%) cite popularity on social media.Cryptocurrency is a puzzle even for current crypto owners. Almost two-thirds (64%) of current crypto owners say the concepts around cryptocurrency are needlessly complex, and 37% say they don’t fully understand the concept of crypto and how it works.
Cryptocurrency is a puzzle even for current crypto owners. Cryptocurrency is a puzzle even for current crypto owners. Almost two-thirds (64%) of current crypto owners say the concepts around cryptocurrency are needlessly complex, and 37% say they don’t fully understand the concept of crypto and how it works.Brokerage firms
Brokerage firms
Brokerage firmson Charles Schwab's website
on E*TRADE's website
on Vanguard's website
on Fidelity's website
The state of crypto ownership
The state of crypto ownershipFor those not invested in cryptocurrency, it might seem like a trend, used by only the most technically inclined and younger generations. But this isn’t necessarily true — many Americans own crypto, and some hold thousands of dollars of value in it.
For those not invested in cryptocurrency, it might seem like a trend, used by only the most technically inclined and younger generations. But this isn’t necessarily true — many Americans own crypto, and some hold thousands of dollars of value in it. Who owns cryptoRoughly one-third (32%) of Americans have owned crypto, and 1 in 4 (25%) currently do, according to the survey. The rate of crypto ownership varies fairy widely across some demographics:
Roughly one-third (32%) of Americans have owned crypto, and 1 in 4 (25%) currently do, according to the survey. The rate of crypto ownership varies fairy widely across some demographics:Men are more likely than women to own cryptocurrency (33% vs. 16%).
Men are more likely than women to own cryptocurrency (33% vs. 16%).Younger generations, and particularly millennials, are more likely to own crypto (31% of Gen Zers, 42% of millennials, 27% of Gen Xers vs. 7% of baby boomers).
Younger generations, and particularly millennials, are more likely to own crypto (31% of Gen Zers, 42% of millennials, 27% of Gen Xers vs. 7% of baby boomers).Both Black non-Hispanic Americans (32%) and Hispanic Americans (29%) are more likely than white non-Hispanic Americans (20%) to currently own the currency.
Both Black non-Hispanic Americans (32%) and Hispanic Americans (29%) are more likely than white non-Hispanic Americans (20%) to currently own the currency.Parents of children under 18 years old are more likely than Americans without children under 18 to have crypto (41% vs. 16%).
Parents of children under 18 years old are more likely than Americans without children under 18 to have crypto (41% vs. 16%). How much they’re investingThe median value of crypto held by these investors is $500, though a smaller share of big-dollar investors pushes the average up to $5,512.
The median value of crypto held by these investors is $500, though a smaller share of big-dollar investors pushes the average up to $5,512.This wide difference between the median and average could indicate some people are trying their hand with the investment with some discretionary income or “fun money,” while others see it as a larger investment vehicle.
This wide difference between the median and average could indicate some people are trying their hand with the investment with some discretionary income or “fun money,” while others see it as a larger investment vehicle.One in 5 (20%) crypto owners say their crypto is currently valued at $100 or less. At the other end of the spectrum, about 1 in 5 (21%) say their crypto is valued at $5,000 or more.
One in 5 (20%) crypto owners say their crypto is currently valued at $100 or less. At the other end of the spectrum, about 1 in 5 (21%) say their crypto is valued at $5,000 or more. Why they’re choosing cryptocurrencyCrypto could be seen as the trendy cousin of traditional investment. Its newness on the scene could explain why some people choose not to invest. Jumping on a bandwagon because TikTok told you to might seem like a scary approach when we’re talking about money. But this newness and popularity are precisely the reasons some crypto owners have dived in.
Crypto could be seen as the trendy cousin of traditional investment. Its newness on the scene could explain why some people choose not to invest. Jumping on a bandwagon because TikTok told you to might seem like a scary approach when we’re talking about money. But this newness and popularity are precisely the reasons some crypto owners have dived in.The most commonly cited reason among Gen Zers who have ever invested in crypto was popularity on social media (45% of this generation cited this reason versus 32% of millennials, 24% of Gen Xers and 11% of baby boomers).
The most commonly cited reason among Gen Zers who have ever invested in crypto was popularity on social media (45% of this generation cited this reason versus 32% of millennials, 24% of Gen Xers and 11% of baby boomers). What results are they seeingMore than four-fifths (83%) of current crypto owners view the currency as a long-term investment. And like other long-term investments, it’s bound to see ups and downs.
More than four-fifths (83%) of current crypto owners view the currency as a long-term investment. And like other long-term investments, it’s bound to see ups and downs.Crypto investors’ results are mixed — 50% of current owners say they’ve lost more money than they’ve gained investing in the currency. One might expect a similar share to regret getting into crypto, because of those losses, but just one-third (33%) of current owners regret investing in cryptocurrency.
Crypto investors’ results are mixed — 50% of current owners say they’ve lost more money than they’ve gained investing in the currency. One might expect a similar share to regret getting into crypto, because of those losses, but just one-third (33%) of current owners regret investing in cryptocurrency.It isn’t clear how many of these investors plan to stay committed. But the survey found more than half (54%) of current crypto owners say they’d sell off their cryptocurrency if the market seemed unstable.
It isn’t clear how many of these investors plan to stay committed. But the survey found more than half (54%) of current crypto owners say they’d sell off their cryptocurrency if the market seemed unstable.Despite this, nearly 4 in 5 (81%) of current crypto owners say they wish they would’ve started investing in the currency sooner.
Despite this, nearly 4 in 5 (81%) of current crypto owners say they wish they would’ve started investing in the currency sooner.“We’ve all read stories about people who bought into projects early and are now millionaires, but these successes are just one part of the story,” Rosen says. “With any investment — crypto or otherwise — it’s wise to think long-term. If you believed in the potential of crypto before, ask yourself whether this market turbulence has really changed your opinion of its ultimate value.”
“We’ve all read stories about people who bought into projects early and are now millionaires, but these successes are just one part of the story,” Rosen says. “With any investment — crypto or otherwise — it’s wise to think long-term. If you believed in the potential of crypto before, ask yourself whether this market turbulence has really changed your opinion of its ultimate value.”Crypto confusion abounds
Crypto confusion aboundsUnderstanding crypto is not an easy task, and 37% of current crypto investors say they don’t fully understand the concept of crypto and how it works. Even some of those who do understand the ins-and-outs admit they’re hard concepts to grasp — 64% of current investors say the concepts around cryptocurrency are needlessly complex.
Understanding crypto is not an easy task, and 37% of current crypto investors say they don’t fully understand the concept of crypto and how it works. Even some of those who do understand the ins-and-outs admit they’re hard concepts to grasp — 64% of current investors say the concepts around cryptocurrency are needlessly complex.Here’s where some of their knowledge is lacking:
Here’s where some of their knowledge is lacking: Tools for crypto ownership and transactingAbout half (49%) of all current crypto owners think holding crypto on an exchange means the same thing as having it in their crypto wallet. It doesn’t. You can store your cryptocurrency on an exchange, where the platform offers convenience and some assurances of security. But a crypto wallet is your personal storage, one that uses a private key to ensure you’re the only one spending or trading your digital currency.
About half (49%) of all current crypto owners think holding crypto on an exchange means the same thing as having it in their crypto wallet . It doesn’t. You can store your cryptocurrency on an exchange, where the platform offers convenience and some assurances of security. But a crypto wallet is your personal storage, one that uses a private key to ensure you’re the only one spending or trading your digital currency.Roughly 1 in 5 (21%) crypto owners are unsure whether a private key can be used to prove ownership of crypto assets, and 8% believe it can’t. It can. A private key is a random series of letters and numbers used to keep your crypto secure in your crypto wallet. It’s similar to a password in that only the owner has access.
Roughly 1 in 5 (21%) crypto owners are unsure whether a private key can be used to prove ownership of crypto assets, and 8% believe it can’t. It can. A private key is a random series of letters and numbers used to keep your crypto secure in your crypto wallet. It’s similar to a password in that only the owner has access. Taxes and cryptoAbout 2 in 5 (39%) of current crypto owners say they don’t fully understand the tax implications of transacting with (e.g., mining, buying, selling) crypto. And there are tax implications. Namely, there are two primary actions that create a tax requirement with crypto: acquiring crypto through mining, and selling crypto or using it for a purchase.
About 2 in 5 (39%) of current crypto owners say they don’t fully understand the tax implications of transacting with (e.g., mining, buying, selling) crypto. And there are tax implications. Namely, there are two primary actions that create a tax requirement with crypto: acquiring crypto through mining, and selling crypto or using it for a purchase.» Learn more: 2022 Crypto Tax Rules
» Learn more: » Learn more: 2022 Crypto Tax RulesMore than half (55%) of current crypto owners don’t think capital gains and losses on crypto are taxed in the same way as other investments. But they are. If you sell or use crypto for a purchase, and the value is higher or lower than the value when you first acquired it, you must account for this. Higher and you’ll need to pay capital gains; lower and you may be entitled to deduct a capital loss.
More than half (55%) of current crypto owners don’t think capital gains and losses on crypto are taxed in the same way as other investments. But they are. If you sell or use crypto for a purchase, and the value is higher or lower than the value when you first acquired it, you must account for this. Higher and you’ll need to pay capital gains; lower and you may be entitled to deduct a capital loss. Mining and crypto generationCreating crypto is arguably one of the most complex crypto concepts. According to the survey, 28% of crypto owners obtained the currency through mining, and 27% through staking or rewards programs. Both mining and staking are methods of crypto generation.
Creating crypto is arguably one of the most complex crypto concepts. According to the survey, 28% of crypto owners obtained the currency through mining, and 27% through staking or rewards programs. Both mining and staking are methods of crypto generation.Nearly 3 in 5 (59%) crypto owners think all cryptocurrency can be created through both crypto staking and mining. In fact, many cryptocurrencies don’t support staking. Bitcoin, one of the most popular cryptos, is just one example.
Nearly 3 in 5 (59%) crypto owners think all cryptocurrency can be created through both crypto staking and mining. In fact, many cryptocurrencies don’t support staking. Bitcoin, one of the most popular cryptos, is just one example.Nearly half (48%) of current crypto investors don’t know that some cryptocurrencies use more electricity than some entire nations. Crypto mining consumes massive amounts of energy. For example, at the time of this report, Bitcoin uses more energy than the entire country of Finland.
Nearly half (48%) of current crypto investors don’t know that some cryptocurrencies use more electricity than some entire nations. Crypto mining consumes massive amounts of energy. For example, at the time of this report, Bitcoin uses more energy than the entire country of Finland.Tips for prospective crypto investors
Tips for prospective crypto investorsNearly 7 in 10 (68%) Americans have never owned crypto. This group marks a massive potential pool of first-time investors. The behaviors and misconceptions of current crypto owners can offer some tips for the curious:
Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) Americans have never owned crypto. This group marks a massive potential pool of first-time investors. The behaviors and misconceptions of current crypto owners can offer some tips for the curious:1. Get informed. Before you put your money in any investment, it’s worth taking time to learn the ins and outs. NerdWallet’s library of crypto content is a good place to start. In general, seek out information from reputable sources, whether you prefer to consume it on YouTube or from a financial advisor.
1. Get informed. 1. Get informed. Before you put your money in any investment, it’s worth taking time to learn the ins and outs. NerdWallet’s library of crypto content is a good place to start. In general, seek out information from reputable sources, whether you prefer to consume it on YouTube or from a financial advisor.If you’re learning from social media, friends and family, make sure to fact-check what you hear. Your loved ones may not intentionally lead you astray, but, as this survey shows, most people find the topic confusing and many crypto owners aren’t fully informed.
If you’re learning from social media, friends and family, make sure to fact-check what you hear. Your loved ones may not intentionally lead you astray, but, as this survey shows, most people find the topic confusing and many crypto owners aren’t fully informed.2. Take inventory of your long-term financial goals. Cryptocurrency is an investment, and a relatively risky one at that. You’re likely to see volatile movement — both up and down — in your crypto portfolio. Because it’s riskier than, say, index funds, one general rule of thumb is to keep it (and other risky investments) to no more than 5 to 10% of your portfolio.
2. Take inventory of your long-term financial goals. 2. Take inventory of your long-term financial goals. Cryptocurrency is an investment, and a relatively risky one at that. You’re likely to see volatile movement — both up and down — in your crypto portfolio. Because it’s riskier than, say, index funds, one general rule of thumb is to keep it (and other risky investments) to no more than 5 to 10% of your portfolio.Before you inject too much money into it, you may also want to consider whether you’re on track for retirement and other long-term financial goals. If not, crypto may not be the right thing to bank your home purchase or retirement on.
Before you inject too much money into it, you may also want to consider whether you’re on track for retirement and other long-term financial goals. If not, crypto may not be the right thing to bank your home purchase or retirement on.3. It’s OK to start small. Even professional crypto investors have struggled to account for the factors that are driving values in the crypto market. If you’re interested in learning about this new field, beginners have the ability to try things out when crypto prices fall, without putting large amounts of money on the line.
3. It’s OK to start small. 3. It’s OK to start small. Even professional crypto investors have struggled to account for the factors that are driving values in the crypto market. If you’re interested in learning about this new field, beginners have the ability to try things out when crypto prices fall, without putting large amounts of money on the line.“With an emerging investment class like crypto, a modest sum can go a long way,” Rosen says. “If it delivers the eye-popping returns your buddy told you about, great. But if you catch the market on a downward turn, you’ll be glad you didn’t risk your financial health.”
“With an emerging investment class like crypto, a modest sum can go a long way,” Rosen says. “If it delivers the eye-popping returns your buddy told you about, great. But if you catch the market on a downward turn, you’ll be glad you didn’t risk your financial health.”This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from May 25-27, 2022, among 2,062 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 618 have ever owned cryptocurrency and 467 currently own cryptocurrency. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Chloe Wallach at cwallach@nerdwallet.com.
This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of NerdWallet from May 25-27, 2022, among 2,062 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 618 have ever owned cryptocurrency and 467 currently own cryptocurrency. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Chloe Wallach at cwallach@nerdwallet.com.Estimate of current crypto investors based on 2021 population estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Estimate of current crypto investors based on 2021 population estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau.NerdWallet defines generations as follows: Generation Z, ages 18-25; millennials, ages 26-41; Generation X, ages 42-57; baby boomers, ages 58-76.
NerdWallet defines generations as follows: Generation Z, ages 18-25; millennials, ages 26-41; Generation X, ages 42-57; baby boomers, ages 58-76.Disclaimer: NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.
Disclaimer: NerdWallet disclaims, expressly and impliedly, all warranties of any kind, including those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or whether the article’s information is accurate, reliable or free of errors. Use or reliance on this information is at your own risk, and its completeness and accuracy are not guaranteed. The contents in this article should not be relied upon or associated with the future performance of NerdWallet or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as indicated by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “should” or “anticipates” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements may materially differ from NerdWallet’s presentation of information to analysts and its actual operational and financial results.
About the author Elizabeth Renter Elizabeth Renter Elizabeth Renter's work as NerdWallet’s Senior Economist has been cited by The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNBC and elsewhere. See full bio.
Helpful resources
Helpful resources How to Start Investing in Stocks Individual Retirement Account (IRA): What It Is & How It Works The Best Index Funds and How to Start Investing More like this Investment Basics Investing Cryptocurrency Best Robo-Advisors: Top Picks for 2026 We spent hours testing robo-advisors to find ones that charge low fees but still offer high-quality features, including automated portfolio rebalancing, exposure to a range of asset classes and financial planning tools. 2 By Alana Benson, Sabrina Parys Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for June 2026 Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. Here's what to look for when evaluating dividend stocks and how to invest in them. 2 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube Best Brokers for Beginner Investors: Top Picks for 2026 We spent hours analyzing the best brokers for beginners to find ones that offer low costs, helpful educational content and a broad investment selection. Our testers also looked for trading platforms that are easy to navigate. 2 By Alana Benson, Bella Avila Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 Wondering where to invest your money this year? High-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all considered among the best investments available. Learn more about the risks, potential returns and how to get started. 2 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana Best Brokerage Accounts for Online Investing and Stock Trading in 2026 Based on hours of analysis and hands-on testing, here are our picks for the best brokerage accounts based on their low fees, strong platforms, quality customer support and other factors. Chris Davis Best Robo-Advisors: Top Picks for 2026 We spent hours testing robo-advisors to find ones that charge low fees but still offer high-quality features, including automated portfolio rebalancing, exposure to a range of asset classes and financial planning tools. 2 By Alana Benson, Sabrina Parys Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for June 2026 Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. Here's what to look for when evaluating dividend stocks and how to invest in them. 2 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube Best Brokers for Beginner Investors: Top Picks for 2026 We spent hours analyzing the best brokers for beginners to find ones that offer low costs, helpful educational content and a broad investment selection. Our testers also looked for trading platforms that are easy to navigate. 2 By Alana Benson, Bella Avila Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 Wondering where to invest your money this year? High-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all considered among the best investments available. Learn more about the risks, potential returns and how to get started. 2 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana Best Brokerage Accounts for Online Investing and Stock Trading in 2026 Based on hours of analysis and hands-on testing, here are our picks for the best brokerage accounts based on their low fees, strong platforms, quality customer support and other factors. Chris Davis Best Robo-Advisors: Top Picks for 2026 We spent hours testing robo-advisors to find ones that charge low fees but still offer high-quality features, including automated portfolio rebalancing, exposure to a range of asset classes and financial planning tools. 2 By Alana Benson, Sabrina Parys Investing in Dividend Stocks: Guide, Calculator and Top 7 Yields for June 2026 Dividend stocks can be a great choice for investors looking for passive income and portfolio stability. Here's what to look for when evaluating dividend stocks and how to invest in them. 2 By Chris Davis, Sam Taube Best Brokers for Beginner Investors: Top Picks for 2026 We spent hours analyzing the best brokers for beginners to find ones that offer low costs, helpful educational content and a broad investment selection. Our testers also looked for trading platforms that are easy to navigate. 2 By Alana Benson, Bella Avila Best Investments: Where to Invest in 2026 Wondering where to invest your money this year? High-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all considered among the best investments available. Learn more about the risks, potential returns and how to get started. 2 By Chris Davis, Alieza Durana