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.

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

Earnings for All Seasons

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

View all articles

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

College Savings

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

Debt vs. Investment

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

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Monthly Budget

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

View all calculators

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Behavioral Finance

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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