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

Global and International Funds

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

The Business Cycle

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

• Articles

  Types of Stock Market Analysis

  Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

  The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

  Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

  The Threat of Identity Theft

  An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

  How Stocks Work

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

  Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro

  Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.

  Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

  View all articles

• Calculators

  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.

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

  Monthly Budget

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

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

  View all calculators

• Videos

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  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.

  16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  View all videos