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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
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.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
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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What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
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.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
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The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?