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.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
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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?"
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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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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.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
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.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?