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.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

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

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

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.

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Monthly Budget

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

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.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

From Boats to Brokers

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