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 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.

Risk Perspective

Risk Perspective

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

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.

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Asset Allocation

Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

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Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

College Savings

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

From Boats to Brokers

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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