The equity markets have plummeted since the beginning of 2008, and investors have flocked to fixed income options in droves. Bonds are not flawless, so buyers should beware of the associated risks.

There are a few situations where ETFS come in handy

Exchange-traded funds sprung onto the investment scene nearly 15 years ago, but they’ve been stealing the spotlight from their more mature mutual fund cousins in recent years.

Before a bond or any fixed income security is bought by investors, the companies and securities usually pass through the arms of a bond rating agency. These agencies are charged with determining the risk inherent in a certain bond or issuer.

Here are the questions you need to ask before you sign up with an investment broker.

A stock option gives you the right to buy or sell stock at a particular price on or before a certain expiration date. Here is a look at the different types of stock options.

Advice on how and where to buy stocks, and what to look for when doing so.

Just like any market or product, buying and selling bonds requires the understanding of key terms like coupon, yield to maturity, par and duration.

Before deciding on investing your money into mutual funds, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds or even stocks, it's a good idea to do your research.

Here are the questions you have to ask before investing in a mutual fund.