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.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.
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What Smart Investors Know
Smart investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
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.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
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Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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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?
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.
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.