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.
Related Content
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
What’s Your Investment IQ?
You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
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 Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
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.
The Anatomy of an Index
The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
View all articles 
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
View all calculators
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.