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.

 
 
Behavioral Finance

Behavioral Finance

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

Investing with Your Heart

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

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

 

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

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.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

Risk Perspective

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

Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

Inflation & Your Money

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

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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

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Bursting the Bubble

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

Global and International Funds

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

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.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

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