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.

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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

The Cycle of Investing

The Cycle of Investing

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

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

The Business Cycle

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

TIPS for Inflation

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

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.

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Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

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.

Saving for College

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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.

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

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