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.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing
Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Separating the Signal From the Noise
A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
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What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
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.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.