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.
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 Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
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How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.