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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

• Articles

  Value vs. Growth Investing

  Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

  A Look at Diversification

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

  Investing with Your Heart

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

  How the Federal Reserve Works

  Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

  Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

  Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

  Understanding Equity Compensation

  Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

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• Calculators

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

  Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

  See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

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• Videos

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

  Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

  Bursting the Bubble

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

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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