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.

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It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

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.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

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

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

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How Compound Interest Works

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

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.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

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