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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The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

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

A Look at Diversification

A Look at Diversification

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

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.

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 Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

Risk Perspective

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

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How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

College Savings

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

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From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Behavioral Finance

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

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