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

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.

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?"

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

• Articles

  How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

  Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

  Earnings for All Seasons

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

  The Business Cycle

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

  Risk Perspective

  Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

  Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

  The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

  A Look at Diversification

  Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

  View all articles

• Calculators

  Monthly Budget

  Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

  Debt vs. Investment

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

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  What Is My Net Worth?

  Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  View all calculators

• Videos

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

  The Rule of 72

  Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  Bursting the Bubble

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

  The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

  With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  View all videos