Introduction
American Century Investments is a renowned asset management firm dedicated to helping investors meet long-term financial goals through active management, personalized strategies, and a wide array of mutual funds, ETFs, and retirement solutions.
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the firm manages over $200 billion in assets (as of 2024) and serves individuals, institutions, and advisors alike. Known for its unique ownership model that supports medical research, American Century Investments stands out for both its values and performance.
If you’re exploring investment avenues or planning your retirement, understanding how American Century Investments works can guide you toward informed financial decisions.
Benefits of American Century Investments
How It Helps in Wealth Growth and Retirement Planning
American Century Investments provides diversified investment options across equity, fixed income, multi-asset strategies, and alternative investments. These services help:
- Build long-term wealth
- Generate passive income through dividends
- Create tailored retirement plans
- Minimize risk through diversified portfolios
Their expert-managed funds are designed to match your risk appetite—whether you’re a conservative investor or a growth-seeker.
Key Advantages for New and Seasoned Investors
- Personalized Portfolios: Options available for all risk types
- Award-Winning Fund Managers: Proven track record of outperformance
- Low Fees: Competitive fee structure compared to industry peers
- Digital Access: Intuitive app and platform for monitoring investments
- Social Responsibility: A majority of company dividends fund medical research
These reasons make American Century Investments a go-to choice for investors at any stage of their journey.
How to Use/Apply American Century Investments
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Navigate to www.americancentury.com to explore fund options and open an account.
Step 2: Choose an Investment Goal
Select whether you’re investing for retirement, college, a home, or general wealth-building.
Step 3: Select Fund Type
Pick from mutual funds, ETFs, and advisory services.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile
You’ll provide information on income, risk tolerance, time horizon, and preferences.
Step 5: Start Investing
Use online transfers, automatic contributions, or rollovers to fund your investments.
Step 6: Track and Adjust
Utilize their mobile app or website dashboard to track performance and reallocate when needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Fund Prospectus: Always read to understand fund objectives and risks
- Not Rebalancing Portfolios: Regular review ensures your risk tolerance stays aligned
- Investing Without a Goal: Without clarity, your strategy could lack direction
- Timing the Market: Long-term investing beats short-term speculation
- Skipping Tax Planning: Consider tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s
Avoiding these common errors can improve your outcomes with American Century Investments.
Best Practices for American Century Investments
Tips & Tricks for Better Results
- Automate Contributions: Make investing a habit, not an event
- Use Target-Date Funds: Simplify retirement planning
- Diversify Investments: Spread risk across sectors and asset classes
- Leverage Educational Resources: Use their blogs, webinars, and newsletters
- Monitor Fund Ratings: Check third-party sites like Morningstar for fund performance insights
Using these practices can maximize the potential of your investments with American Century Investments.
Expert Recommendations
Experts frequently suggest:
- Starting early to benefit from compounding
- Choosing actively managed funds for sectors like tech and healthcare
- Rebalancing portfolios annually
- Taking advantage of tax-loss harvesting
- Keeping investment costs under 1% whenever possible
Experts also emphasize reviewing your portfolio quarterly, which aligns with the tools offered by American Century Investments.
FAQs About American Century Investments
Is American Century Investments a safe option?
Yes. The firm is registered with the SEC, manages over $200B in assets, and has decades of successful history.
Can beginners invest with American Century?
Absolutely. They offer beginner-friendly tools and funds with low minimum investment amounts.
How does it compare to Vanguard or Fidelity?
While Vanguard offers passive investing and Fidelity focuses on no-fee funds, American Century Investments is known for its strong active management and social responsibility model.
Are there mobile apps available?
Yes, you can manage your entire portfolio using their mobile app, available on both iOS and Android.
What fees should I expect?
Fees vary by fund but are competitive, typically ranging from 0.25% to 0.85%. Always review the prospectus for full details.
Conclusion
American Century Investments offers a compelling mix of performance, accessibility, and purpose-driven investing. Whether you’re planning for retirement, growing long-term wealth, or just starting your journey, their tools and services provide flexible and robust solutions.
With its deep experience and commitment to social impact, it’s easy to see why more investors are choosing American Century Investments as a partner in their financial journey.
Ready to invest with purpose? Explore the available funds and open your account today at American Century Investments.
