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.
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.
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When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy
Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
What’s Your Investment IQ?
You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
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Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
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The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.