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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
Inflation and Your Portfolio

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

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.

The Cycle of Investing

The Cycle of Investing

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

Estimating the Cost of College

This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

Investing with Your Heart

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

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 Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

View all articles

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

View all calculators

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

The Cycle of Investing

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

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?"

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

View all videos