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.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Global vs. International: What’s The Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Events on Wall Street
Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.