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.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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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.

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

A Primer on Dividends

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

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

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Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

How Compound Interest Works

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

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

Finding the Balance

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

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.