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.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
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.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
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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.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
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.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
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?
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.