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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

Global and International Funds

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

• Articles

  Types of Stock Market Analysis

  Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

  Earnings for All Seasons

  Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

  Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

  Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

  The Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  Investing with Your Heart

  For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

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• Calculators

  Monthly Budget

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

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

  See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  How Compound Interest Works

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

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• Videos

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Behavioral Finance

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

  The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

  The Rule of 72

  Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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