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.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
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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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Investing for Impact
Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
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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Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
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