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.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

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Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

From Boats to Brokers

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

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

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.

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.

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

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College Savings

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

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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 I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.