Synopsis Investment is the surrender of certain present value for some uncertain future reward. Investment decision is a trade-off between risk and return. Investment analysis describes techniques, vehicles and strategies for planning, implementing and overseeing the optimal allocation of the fund of the investor. Despite increasing investments in different financial markets due to rapid progress in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and media, common people suffer from a misconception that investment is a scary activity. They are puzzled by the profusion and proliferation of investment alternatives, rattled by the fluctuation of financial asset prices, overwhelmed by the presence of mighty institutional investors, confounded by exotic instruments and complicated investment strategies, confused by the intricacies of tax system and frustrated by financial scams that periodically rock the market. Fresh Investors are not confident due to their lack of awareness and inadequacy of subject knowledge. There are different forms of investment such as fixed deposits, shares, derivatives, money market instruments, mutual funds, real estate, insurance, gold and bullion etc. This book analyzes in a nutshell, the different investment opportunities available to a retail investor; a layman household investor will get an in-depth knowledge regarding the investment criteria after going through this book. The readers will come to know how they can diversify their portfolio to hedge their risk and how return can be maximized, subject to a certain risk. In a nutshell, an investment strategy must be stress-free and enjoyable. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a popular meditation teacher once said, "Do less and accomplish more". Being aware of how, where, why and how much to invest, a conscious investor will have the time to enjoy his/her success.