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

Behavioral Finance

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

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.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

• Articles

  Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

  Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

  All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

  The Threat of Identity Theft

  An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

  The Anatomy of an Index

  The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

  How Stocks Work

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

  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.

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• Calculators

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  What Is My Net Worth?

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

  College Savings

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

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

  Monthly Budget

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

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

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• Videos

  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.

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  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 Business Cycle

  How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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