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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

From Boats to Brokers

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

• Articles

  Risk Perspective

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

  A Primer on Dividends

  A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

  Inflation & Your Money

  It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

  Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

  Buying a Home

  A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

  A Look at Diversification

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

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• Calculators

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  Monthly Budget

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

  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.

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

  See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

  Debt vs. Investment

  Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

  Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

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• Videos

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

  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?"

  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?

  16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  View all videos