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.

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The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

How Stocks Work

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

Finding the Balance

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

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.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

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

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

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College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

How Compound Interest Works

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

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

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