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

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?"

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

The Business Cycle

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

• Articles

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

  The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

  You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

  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.

  Investing with Your Heart

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

  A Primer on Dividends

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

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

  View all articles

• Calculators

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  College Savings

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

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  View all calculators

• Videos

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

  The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

  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?"

  16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

  Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

  View all videos