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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
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16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
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.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
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.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
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How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
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.
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.
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The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.