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.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.