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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Behavioral Finance

Behavioral Finance

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Risk Perspective

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

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.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

Value vs. Growth Investing

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

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How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

Comparing Investments

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

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