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.

Featured Video

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

• Articles

  Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

  Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

  The Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

  The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

  What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

  What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

  Risk Perspective

  Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

  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.

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• Calculators

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

  Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

  How Compound Interest Works

  Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

  Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

  Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

  Debt vs. Investment

  Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

  Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

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• Videos

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

  In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

  Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

  Behavioral Finance

  An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

  From Boats to Brokers

  From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

  Emerging Market Opportunities

  What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

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