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.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro
Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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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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Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.