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.

Bursting the Bubble

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

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5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

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 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.

The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street

Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.

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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

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5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

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Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

From Boats to Brokers

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

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.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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