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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The Rule of 72

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Where Is the Market Headed?

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?"

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

The Great Retirement Savings Debate: 401(k) vs. IRA

Viewing 401(k) plans and IRA plans in either/or terms might mean a missed opportunity. You can have both.

Risk Perspective

Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

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Monthly Budget

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

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.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

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The Cycle of Investing

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for 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.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

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