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 Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
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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Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?