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Investing is easier than you think

Just getting started with investing? You’re in the right place. Tendrill helps you understand what’s happening with your money in plain, jargon-free language. Think of it as having a patient friend who also happens to understand finance.
No question is too basic. Seriously. Ask “what is a stock?” and Tendrill will explain without judgment. That’s what we’re here for.

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How Tendrill helps novice investors

Plain English explanations

Every concept explained simply, without confusing jargon

Learning in context

Understand financial concepts as they relate to YOUR portfolio

Confidence building

Start to recognize patterns and feel comfortable with your investments

Judgment-free zone

Ask anything, anytime - we’re here to help, not to lecture

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Getting started as a new investor

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Step 1: Connect your accounts

Even if you only have one account with a few holdings, connect it! Tendrill works with any portfolio size.

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Step 2: Ask Tendrill to explain your portfolio

You: Can you explain what I actually own?

Tendrill: Of course! Let me break down your portfolio:

You own 4 investments worth $8,500 total:

1. VOO ($3,000) - Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
   This is like owning tiny pieces of 500 large US companies
   (Apple, Microsoft, etc.) all in one purchase. Great for
   beginners - instant diversification!

2. AAPL ($2,500) - Apple Inc.
   You own shares of Apple, the iPhone/Mac company. When
   Apple does well, your shares go up in value.

3. MSFT ($2,000) - Microsoft Corporation
   Shares of Microsoft. They make Windows, Office, Xbox,
   and cloud computing services.

4. VTI ($1,000) - Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
   Like VOO but includes smaller companies too. Very
   diversified, very beginner-friendly.

Overall: You have a solid starter portfolio! VOO and VTI
give you broad market exposure, and AAPL + MSFT are two
of the most successful companies ever.

Want me to explain anything more?

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Step 3: Set up gentle updates

You: Can I get a weekly update but keep it simple?

Tendrill: ✅ Beginner-friendly weekly update set!

Every Sunday at 6pm, you'll get:
• Your portfolio value and weekly change
• Simple explanation of what happened
• Any news in plain English
• No confusing jargon, promise!

I'll also include a "learn something new" tip each week.

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Questions every new investor should ask

  • “What is a stock?”
  • “What’s the difference between a stock and an ETF?”
  • “Why do stock prices go up and down?”
  • “What are dividends?”
  • “What does ‘the market’ mean?”
  • “Explain my portfolio like I’m 12”
  • “Am I doing okay?”
  • “Is my portfolio too risky?”
  • “Should I be worried when my stocks go down?”
  • “What does it mean when the Fed raises rates?”
  • “Why does everyone talk about inflation?”
  • “What are earnings and why do they matter?”
  • “Why is [stock] up/down today?”

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Sample beginner conversation

You: Why did my Apple stock go down $200 today? Should I be worried?

Tendrill: Great question - let me help you understand!

First, the facts:
• Your AAPL dropped $200 (8% of your $2,500 position)
• The whole stock market went down today, not just Apple
• Nothing is "wrong" with Apple specifically

Why this happens:
Markets go up AND down. It's completely normal. Today,
investors were worried about inflation news, so many people
sold stocks - including Apple.

Should you worry? 🤔
Probably not! Here's why:
• Short-term drops are normal (happens many times per year)
• Apple is still the same company it was yesterday
• Over time, markets have historically recovered
• You haven't actually "lost" money until you sell

What most experts suggest:
If you don't need this money soon, don't panic. Companies
like Apple have survived many market dips and gone on to
new highs.

💡 Learning tip: This is called "volatility" - short-term
price swings that are a normal part of investing.

Feel better? Want me to explain anything else?

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Common terms explained

TermSimple Explanation
StockA tiny ownership piece of a company
ETFA basket of many stocks you can buy all at once
DividendCash payments some companies send to shareholders
PortfolioAll your investments combined
Bull marketWhen stock prices are generally going up
Bear marketWhen stock prices are generally going down
VolatilityHow much prices bounce around day to day
P/E ratioPrice divided by earnings (higher = more expensive)

Full glossary

See our complete glossary of investment terms

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The new investor’s mindset

Time is your superpower

The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. Even small amounts matter.

Consistency beats timing

Regular investing (like monthly) often beats trying to pick the “perfect” time.

Diversification protects

Owning many different investments means one bad one won’t hurt too much.

Ignore the noise

Daily market news is often just noise. Focus on the long term.

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Sample weekly update for beginners

Tendrill - Sun 6:00 PM Your Friendly Weekly Update! Your portfolio: 8,500Thisweek:+8,500 This week: +150 (+1.8%) In plain English: Good week! The stock market went up, and your investments went up with it. Your portfolio grew by $150 - that’s like finding money in your couch, but better! What happened:
  • Apple went up because iPhone sales are strong
  • Microsoft went up on good cloud news
  • Your ETFs (VOO, VTI) followed the market
Learn something new: “Compounding” is when your gains start making their own gains. Your $150 gain will now grow too - it’s like a snowball rolling downhill! Keep it up! Time in the market is your biggest advantage.

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Common new investor worries

Not unless you sell! If you own Apple at 180anditdropsto180 and it drops to 170, you still own the same shares. The price on screen is only what you’d get IF you sold today. If Apple goes back up (and it often does), your “loss” disappears.
Historically, time IN the market beats timING the market. Waiting for the “perfect moment” often means missing out. Many experts suggest consistent investing over time rather than trying to predict ups and downs.
Absolutely! Small amounts invested early can grow significantly over time thanks to compounding. Starting with 100/monthatage25cangrowmorethan100/month at age 25 can grow more than 500/month starting at 45.
Just ask! Say “what does that mean?” or “explain that simpler please.” Tendrill will break it down further. There’s no shame in asking - that’s how everyone learns.

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Building your investment knowledge

Tendrill helps you learn over time:
  1. Start simple - Understand what you own
  2. Ask when confused - Every question builds knowledge
  3. Notice patterns - Over time, market moves will make more sense
  4. Stay curious - Ask “why?” whenever something happens
You: I want to learn more about investing. Where do I start?

Tendrill: Love the enthusiasm! Here's a learning path:

Week 1-2: The Basics
• Ask me: "What is a stock?" and "What is an ETF?"
• Ask me: "Explain my portfolio simply"
• Goal: Understand what you own and why

Week 3-4: How Markets Work
• Ask me: "Why do stock prices change?"
• Ask me: "What makes a stock go up?"
• Goal: Understand basic market mechanics

Week 5-6: Key Metrics
• Ask me: "What is P/E ratio?"
• Ask me: "What are earnings?"
• Goal: Start reading basic stock data

Ongoing:
• Ask me about news: "Why is [stock] moving?"
• I'll explain in context as things happen

Want me to start with any of these topics now?

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Next steps

Explore the glossary

Learn key investment terms at your own pace

See example conversations

Get ideas for what to ask Tendrill