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.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
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.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.
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Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
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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What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Where Is the Market Headed?
We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"
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.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?