1. Over the long term, stocks have historically outperformed all other investments.

From 1926 to 2006, the S&P 500 returned an average annual 10.4 percent gain. The next best performing asset class is bonds. Long term U.S. Treasury notes returned, on average, 5.9 percent over the same period.

2. Over the short term, stocks can be hazardous to your financial health.

On Oct. 19, 1987, stocks experienced the worst one-day drop in stock market history - 22.6 percent. More recently, the shocks have been prolonged and painful: If you had invested in a Nasdaq index fund around the time of the market's peak in March 2000 you would have lost three-fourths of your money over the next three years.

3. Risky investments generally pay more than safe ones (except when they fail).

Investors demand a higher rate of return for taking greater risks. That's one reason that stocks, which are perceived as riskier than bonds, tend to return more. It also explains why long-term bonds pay more than short-term bonds.

1. Stocks aren't just pieces of paper.

When you buy a share of stock, you are taking a share of ownership in a company. Collectively, the company is owned by all the shareholders, and each share represents a claim on assets and earnings.

2. There are many different kinds of stocks.

The most common ways to divide the market are by company size (measured by market capitalization), sector, and types of growth patterns. Investors may talk about large-cap vs. small-cap stocks, energy vs. technology stocks, or growth vs. value stocks, for example.

1. Money in a bank account is safe.

A bank is one of the safest places to stash your cash since your account is insured against loss by the federal government for up to $100,000 per depositor.

2. You pay for the convenience of a bank account.

Banks pay lower rates on interest-bearing accounts than brokerages and mutual fund companies that offer check-writing privileges. What's more, bank fees can be high - account costs can easily add up to $200 a year or more unless you keep a minimum required balance on deposit.

Top things to know
CNN learns us about money! Let's start the party (to make money)

1. Budgets are a necessary evil.
They're the only practical way to get a grip on your spending -- and to make sure your money is being used the way you want it to be used.

2. Creating a budget generally requires three steps.- Identify how you're spending money now
- Evaluate your current spending and set goals that take into account your long-term financial objectives
- Track your spending to make sure it stays within those guidelines.

3. Use software to save grief.
If you use a personal-finance program such as Quicken or Microsoft Money, the built-in budget-making tools can create your budget for you.

10 Tips: Must-read money advice if you’re headed for the altar

1. Let the talking begin.
2. Time your discussions carefully.
3. Share both the good and the bad.
4. Figure out where your money is going.
5. Recognize key patterns.
6. Get used to tackling goals together.
7. Joint or separate accounts?
8. Reduce your liability.
9. Consider designating a money manager.
10. Keep your cool – and keep trying.

Are your finances looking a bit scary? Trick yourself into money success with these strategies -- and enjoy the sweet rewards.

Do you have trouble making ends meet? Keeping your spending under control? Finding money to save or invest? Often the path to financial success doesn't come from sheer discipline or money savvy but from tricking yourself into saving more and spending less.

You know, for example, you need to pay off your credit cards, but before you know it you've either racked up more debt or run out money that month before you could make an extra payment. You know you need to start saving for your future -- but you can barely make ends meet. Sound familiar? Have no fear. No matter how scary your finances, we've got ten tricks that'll bring you some pretty sweet treats.

Here are 6 cool financial math tricks and rules that I know about. These are pretty common, so you may know them already. Take a look. Do you know any of these?

1. Rule of 72 To Double Your Money
2. Rule of 115 To Triple Your Money
3. 120 Minus Age Rule Of Asset Allocation
4. Wealth Rule From The Millionaire Next Door
5. 10% Rule Of Saving For Retirement
6. Estimating Your Yearly Income Using Your Hourly Wage