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.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing
Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
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.
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.