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: Scaling the Ladder

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

• Articles

  A Primer on Dividends

  A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

  The Sequence of Returns

  A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

  How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

  This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.

  A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

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

  Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

  Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

  Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

  The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

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• Calculators

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

  Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

  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.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  Monthly Budget

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

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• Videos

  Emerging Market Opportunities

  What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

  Should I Invest in Gold?

  Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

  Bursting the Bubble

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

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

  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 Business Cycle

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

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