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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Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
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.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Separating the Signal From the Noise
A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
What’s Your Investment IQ?
You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
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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.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
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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.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?