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.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
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.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
The Anatomy of an Index
The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.
Inflation & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
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What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
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.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.