Investment
Investing should be easy – just buy low and sell high – but most of us have trouble following that simple advice. There are principles and strategies that may enable you to put together an investment portfolio that reflects your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. Understanding these principles and strategies can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that snare some investors.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
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Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do
Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!