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.

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Behavioral Finance

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

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.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

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How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

How Compound Interest Works

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

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

Finding the Balance

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

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