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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Global and International Funds

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

• Articles

  How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy

  Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

  Investing with Your Heart

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

  Risk Perspective

  Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

  Investing for Impact

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

  Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

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• Calculators

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

  Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

  Debt vs. Investment

  Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

  Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

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• Videos

  Bursting the Bubble

  Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

  There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  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?"

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