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.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
View all articles 
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
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.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
View all calculators
Where Is the Market Headed?
We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
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.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
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.