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.

Featured Video

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

• Articles

  Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

  Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  The Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  Estimating the Cost of College

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

  Investing with Your Heart

  For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

  The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

  In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

  A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

  Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

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• Calculators

  How Compound Interest Works

  Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

  Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

  What Is My Net Worth?

  Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

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• Videos

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  Finding the Balance

  The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

  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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

  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!

  View all videos