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.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
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.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
How Financial Advisors Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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What Smart Investors Know
Smart 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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.