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.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

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 Business Cycle

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

• Articles

  It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

  Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

  When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

  How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy

  Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

  Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

  Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

  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.

  Buying a Home

  A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

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• Calculators

  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.

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

  Monthly Budget

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

  Comparing Investments

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

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  Debt vs. Investment

  Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

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• Videos

  Behavioral Finance

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

  The Business Cycle

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

  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.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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