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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

The Cycle of Investing

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

Global and International Funds

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

• Articles

  How Stocks Work

  Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

  A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

  Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

  Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

  Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

  In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

  Investing with Your Heart

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

  Separating the Signal From the Noise

  A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

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• Calculators

  The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

  Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

  College Savings

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

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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• Videos

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

  What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

  Global and International Funds

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

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  The Business Cycle

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

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