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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Behavioral Finance

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

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.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

• Articles

  All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

  Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

  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.

  Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

  Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

  Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?

  International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

  Asset Allocation

  Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

  Separating the Signal From the Noise

  A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

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• Calculators

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  Wedding Budget Calculator

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

  Monthly Budget

  Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

  Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

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• Videos

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  Finding the Balance

  The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

  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.

  Bursting the Bubble

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

  Emerging Market Opportunities

  What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

  The Business Cycle

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

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