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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
From Boats to Brokers

From Boats to Brokers

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

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings for All Seasons

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

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

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

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.

View all articles

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

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.

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

View all calculators

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

The Business Cycle

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

Behavioral Finance

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

View all videos