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!
From Boats to Brokers

From Boats to Brokers

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

Estimating the Cost of College

Estimating the Cost of College

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

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

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.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

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.

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

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.

Comparing Investments

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

View all calculators

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

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.

The Cycle of Investing

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

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Global and International Funds

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

View all videos