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 You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.
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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
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.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
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Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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 My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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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The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.