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

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

The Business Cycle

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

• Articles

  Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro

  Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.

  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 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.

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

  Understanding Equity Compensation

  Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

  The Great Retirement Savings Debate: 401(k) vs. IRA

  Viewing 401(k) plans and IRA plans in either/or terms might mean a missed opportunity. You can have both.

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• Calculators

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

  Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

  Monthly Budget

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

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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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.

  What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

  $1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

  Finding the Balance

  The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

  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.

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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