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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Buying a Home

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

• Articles

  You Would Rather Be...

  Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

  The Sequence of Returns

  A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

  Inflation & Your Money

  It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

  The Threat of Identity Theft

  An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

  All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

  Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

  Value vs. Growth Investing

  Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

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• Calculators

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

  See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

  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.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  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.

  Monthly Budget

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

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• Videos

  The Cycle of Investing

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

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

  With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

  Global and International Funds

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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