A Gain, simply put, is an increase in the value of an asset or property. This can be due to a variety of reasons - inflation, market fluctuations, etc. But whatever the cause may be, when you have a gain on your hands it means that you're making money!Now some people might say that gains are bad because they mean you're making more money than you should. And sure, if you're using your gains to buy things like yachts and mansions then I would definitely agree with them! But if instead you're reinvesting your gains back into the market or using them to pay down debt then they can actually be quite helpful.In any case, whether you view them as good or bad news, gains are definitely something that everyone should be aware of. So next time someone tells you about how their stocks went up or their house appreciated in value - don't just nod your head and move on; take the time to understand what they're talking about.