An investor is someone who puts money into something with the hope that it will grow in value over time and eventually return more money than they started with. When you put birthday money in a savings account at the bank, you're acting as a small investor: the bank pays you interest, so your money grows. Real estate investors buy houses or apartments hoping their value will increase. Stock market investors buy small pieces of companies, betting those companies will become more valuable.

Investors take risks because there's no guarantee they'll make money. Someone who invests in a new restaurant might lose their money if it fails, or might double it if it becomes popular. That's why investors research carefully before committing their money.

Just as you might invest effort into a friendship or invest time in learning piano, a financial investor puts money into something, hoping it will grow. Investors think long-term: they're patient, willing to wait years for their investments to pay off. Your parents might be investors if they put money into retirement accounts or college savings plans for your future.