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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

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.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

Behavioral Finance

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

• Articles

  The Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  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 Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

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

  Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

  Investing with Your Heart

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

  A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

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

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• Calculators

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  Monthly Budget

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

  What Is My Net Worth?

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

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

  See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

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• Videos

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

  Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

  What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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