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.

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

5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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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 the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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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.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
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.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?