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

Global and International Funds

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

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.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

• Articles

  Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

  This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

  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.

  Asset Allocation

  Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

  How Stocks Work

  Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

  How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

  Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

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• Calculators

  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.

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  How Compound Interest Works

  Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

  What Is My Net Worth?

  Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

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• Videos

  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.

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  Finding the Balance

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

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

  There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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