Step 1. Record the stocks and funds you own

Public Equities Holdings Worksheet. This Excel tool helps you analyze the stock funds you own. With it, you will be able to determine what stocks are in the funds, the fees you pay, and the returns you have been receiving. In Chapter 8, you will learn how to add a values-lens to these funds using the same worksheet. 

Step 2. Use online tools to learn more about the funds you own

Although many websites can help you research individual stocks and stock funds, Janine’s personal favorite is Morningstar. This easy-to-use site is full of valuable information. In order to take advantage of this site, however, you need to understand the terminology they use and how to navigate through the information they present. The short videos below will help you do this.

Public Equities Basics Demo – Part 1. In this first video, Janine shows you how to use Morningstar to find information about your stock funds. The first page of information that Morningstar provides gives a quick view of the fund’s holdings, its fees, and other critical information. Other pages provide additional information about your holdings.

Public Equities Basics Demo – Part 2. In this second video, Janine explains how to use Morningstar to find out more about a fund’s performance and determine your level of risk.

Public Equities Basics Demo – Part 3. In this third video, Janine helps you navigate the information provided by Morningstar’s Portfolio tab. This includes company size, type of stock (growth, value, or a blend), investment sectors, and the companies that receive the highest percentage of the funds assets. This tab can also tell you more about your fund’s sustainability.