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

From Boats to Brokers

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

• Articles

  A Look at Diversification

  Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

  A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

  Best-Performing Asset Classes

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

  TIPS for Inflation

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

  Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

  Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

  Estimating the Cost of College

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

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• Calculators

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  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.

  College Savings

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

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• Videos

  Global and International Funds

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

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

  There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

  Bursting the Bubble

  Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

  The Cycle of Investing

  Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  Where Is the Market Headed?

  We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

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