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

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

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.

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

• Articles

  The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

  In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

  Buying a Home

  A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

  A Quick Guide to Socially Responsible Investing

  Want to contribute to a better world and grow your wealth? Learn how in this quick guide to socially responsible investing.

  Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

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

  Separating the Signal From the Noise

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

  The Business Cycle

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

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• Calculators

  How Compound Interest Works

  Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

  See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

  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-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

  Monthly Budget

  Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

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• Videos

  The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

  With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

  Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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