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?

The Anatomy of an Index

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Risk Perspective

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

Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

A Look at Diversification

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

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Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

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What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

From Boats to Brokers

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

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

All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

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