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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

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.

Behavioral Finance

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

• Articles

  Risk Perspective

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

  Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro

  Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.

  A Look at Diversification

  Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

  Types of Stock Market Analysis

  Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

  Value vs. Growth Investing

  Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

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• Calculators

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  Wedding Budget Calculator

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

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

  College Savings

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

  What Is My Net Worth?

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

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• Videos

  The Business Cycle

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

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

  Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  Finding the Balance

  The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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