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.
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.
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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.
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.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
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.
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Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
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The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
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