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

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.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

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.

Behavioral Finance

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

• Articles

  Rebalancing Your Portfolio

  Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

  The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

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

  A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

  Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

  Inflation & Your Money

  It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

  Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

  Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

  Investing with Your Heart

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

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• Calculators

  Debt vs. Investment

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

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

  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.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

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• Videos

  The Business Cycle

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

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  Emerging Market Opportunities

  What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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