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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

• Articles

  Risk Perspective

  Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

  Best-Performing Asset Classes

  Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

  It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

  Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

  The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

  Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

  Investing with Your Heart

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

  Earnings for All Seasons

  Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

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• Calculators

  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.

  Wedding Budget Calculator

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

  What Is My Net Worth?

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

  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.

  Monthly Budget

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

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• Videos

  The Business Cycle

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

  The Cycle of Investing

  Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

  There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

  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.

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

  Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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