Investment Risk Tolerance Quiz1
Do you want to improve your personal finances? Start by taking this quiz to get an idea of your
investment risk tolerance – one of the fundamental issues to consider when planning your investment
strategy, either alone or in consultation with a financial services professional.
Choose the response that best describes you – there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. Just have fun!
When you're done, check the scoring grid to interpret your quiz score.
Note: By taking this quiz you will be contributing to a study on measuring financial risk tolerance.
Your results will be recorded anonymously. We are not collecting any identifying information.
1. In general, how would your best friend describe you as a risk taker?
a. A real gambler
b. Willing to take risks after completing adequate research
c. Cautious
d. A real risk avoider
2. You are on a TV game show and can choose one of the following. Which would you take?
a. $1,000 in cash
b. A 50% chance at winning $5,000
c. A 25% chance at winning $10,000
d. A 5% chance at winning $100,000
3. You have just finished saving for a “once-in-a-lifetime” vacation. Three weeks before you plan to
leave, you lose your job. You would:
a. Cancel the vacation
b. Take a much more modest vacation
c. Go as scheduled, reasoning that you need the time to prepare for a job search
d. Extend your vacation, because this might be your last chance to go first-class
4. If you unexpectedly received $20,000 to invest, what would you do?
a. Deposit it in a bank account, money market account, or an insured CD
b. Invest it in safe high quality bonds or bond mutual funds
c. Invest it in stocks or stock mutual funds
5. In terms of experience, how comfortable are you investing in stocks or stock mutual funds?
a. Not at all comfortable
b. Somewhat comfortable
c. Very comfortable
6. When you think of the word “risk” which of the following words comes to mind first?
a. Loss
b. Uncertainty
c. Opportunity
d. Thrill
