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.

Featured Video

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

• Articles

  Separating the Signal From the Noise

  A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

  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 Sequence of Returns

  A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

  How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

  Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

  Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

  Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.

  You Would Rather Be...

  Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

  View all articles

• Calculators

  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.

  Debt vs. Investment

  Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

  Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

  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.

  View all calculators

• Videos

  Behavioral Finance

  An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

  Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

  The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

  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.

  Finding the Balance

  The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

  Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

  View all videos