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

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.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

A Primer on Dividends

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

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

• Articles

  Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

  Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  The Threat of Identity Theft

  An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

  Inflation & Your Money

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

  The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

  Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

  A Look at Diversification

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

  Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

  Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

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• Calculators

  College Savings

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

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  Comparing Investments

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

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

  Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

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• Videos

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

  There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  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.

  The Cycle of Investing

  Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

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