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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

• Articles

  The Anatomy of an Index

  The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

  How the Federal Reserve Works

  Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

  The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

  Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

  The Business Cycle

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

  All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

  Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

  Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

  Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

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• Calculators

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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• Videos

  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.

  What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

  $1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

  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.

  Bursting the Bubble

  Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

  What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

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