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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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.

From Boats to Brokers

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

• Articles

  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.

  The Anatomy of an Index

  The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

  Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

  This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

  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.

  A Primer on Dividends

  A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

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• Calculators

  What Is My Net Worth?

  Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

  Monthly Budget

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

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

  See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

  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

  The Business Cycle

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

  Behavioral Finance

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

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

  What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

  Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  View all videos