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?

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5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

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What Smart Investors Know

Smart investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

How Financial Advisors Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Global and International Funds

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

The Business Cycle

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Asset Allocation

Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

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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.

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.

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

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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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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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?”