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.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.
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.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
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.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
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Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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.
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.
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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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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.