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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Investing for Impact

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

• Articles

  Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

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

  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.

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

  When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

  All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

  A Primer on Dividends

  A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

  Investing with Your Heart

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

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• Calculators

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

  Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

  Monthly Budget

  Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

  Impact of Taxes and Inflation

  Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

  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.

  How Compound Interest Works

  Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

  Contributing to an IRA?

  Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

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• Videos

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

  With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  The Cycle of Investing

  Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

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