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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Bursting the Bubble

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

• Articles

  All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

  Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

  Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

  The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

  Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

  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.

  The Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  A Look at Diversification

  Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

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• Calculators

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  Monthly Budget

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

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

  Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

  Debt vs. Investment

  Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

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• Videos

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

  Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  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.

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

  In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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