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.

Global and International Funds

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

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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Earnings for All Seasons

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

The Business Cycle

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

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

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Monthly Budget

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

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.

Debt vs. Investment

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

College Savings

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

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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Global and International Funds

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

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

The Business Cycle

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

Bursting the Bubble

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