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.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Buying a Home
A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
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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 Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
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.
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The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
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.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
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.