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.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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

From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
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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.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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.
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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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When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
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?”
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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?