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.

Featured Video

The Cycle of Investing

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

• Articles

  A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

  Best-Performing Asset Classes

  Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

  Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

  Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

  Value vs. Growth Investing

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

  Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

  Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

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• Calculators

  College Savings

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

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  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.

  What Is My Net Worth?

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

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• Videos

  Finding the Balance

  The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

  Bursting the Bubble

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

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

  Behavioral Finance

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

  The Cycle of Investing

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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