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.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
Why Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense
Without your knowing, your investment portfolio could be off-kilter.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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.
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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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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!