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

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

• Articles

  The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

  In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

  The Utility of Sector Investing

  Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

  Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro

  Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.

  Separating the Signal From the Noise

  A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

  Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

  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.

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• Calculators

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  Monthly Budget

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

  How Compound Interest Works

  Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

  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.

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• Videos

  Should I Invest in Gold?

  Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

  Bursting the Bubble

  Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

  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.

  The Business Cycle

  How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

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