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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
Inflation and Your Portfolio

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

From Boats to Brokers

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

Estimating the Cost of College

This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

Risk Perspective

Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

View all articles

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.

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

Monthly Budget

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

View all calculators

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

View all videos