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.

From Boats to Brokers

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

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

• Articles

  Estimating the Cost of College

  This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

  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

  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.

  Rebalancing Your Portfolio

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

  Buying a Home

  A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

  Types of Stock Market Analysis

  Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

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• Calculators

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  What Is My Net Worth?

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

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

  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.

  Monthly Budget

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

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• Videos

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

  Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

  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 thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  Should I Invest in Gold?

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

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