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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
Emerging Market Opportunities

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

TIPS for Inflation

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

Value vs. Growth Investing

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

View all articles

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

How Compound Interest Works

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

View all calculators

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

The Business Cycle

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

View all videos