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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
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Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
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.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
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.
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
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Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
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.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
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When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
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.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?