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.

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Global and International Funds

Global and International Funds

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

You Would Rather Be...

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.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

A Look at Diversification

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

A Primer on Dividends

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

Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?

International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

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

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What Is My Net Worth?

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

Monthly Budget

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

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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.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Behavioral Finance

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

Finding the Balance

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

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