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.

Bursting the Bubble

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

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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 Business Cycle

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Investing with Your Heart

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

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

Earnings for All Seasons

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

Estimating the Cost of College

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

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

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Debt vs. Investment

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

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.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

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.

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

The Cycle of Investing

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