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.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
View all articles 
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do
Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
View all calculators
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.