Investing a Mutual fund

Let us supppose you are just getting started as an investor and have 5000$ to invest and you have three conditions to be satisfied.First,you don't want to loose your money in risky venture,so you want security,like that found in certificate of diposit or other fixed income investments.But you also want to make the most money you can,so you want the prospect for growth potential too.Finally,since you don't have time or knowledge to actively manage your money,you want professional money management,occasionally diversifing your investments into promising new opportunities.That sounds like a very good plan,but where can you invest your money and ave a chance to meet all thee criteria??

Certificates of deposit and other fixed income investments offer security but often with low rates of interest and fixed potential for growth.Individual stocks may carry greater potential for growth ,but 5000$ if you invest all in one stock,you risk every thing if it performs poorly.And brokers nad investment advisors can offer you advice and money management,but at a price ---you pay for their services,which will further reduce the amount you have.