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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
What Smart Investors Know

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

How the Federal Reserve Works

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.

Behavioral Finance

Behavioral Finance

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

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.

Personalize Your Wealth Strategy with Diverse Investments

Wondering if there's one right way to invest? Learn why a personalized approach can help you pursue your financial goals.

How Will the Economy React to AI?

What do concerns or uncertainty about AI mean for your future and your financial strategy?

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

View all articles

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

How Compound Interest Works

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

View all calculators

The Business Cycle

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

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.

From Boats to Brokers

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

View all videos