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

From Boats to Brokers

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Buying a Home

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

• Articles

  Estimating the Cost of College

  This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

  Asset Allocation

  Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

  Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

  Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

  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 Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

  Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

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• Calculators

  College Savings

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

  Debt vs. Investment

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

  Monthly Budget

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

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

  See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

  Comparing Investments

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

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• Videos

  Finding the Balance

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

  Global and International Funds

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

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

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