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.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
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.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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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.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.