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.
Have A Question About This Topic?

Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Inflation and the Real Rate of Return
Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.
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.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
View all articles
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.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
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.
View all calculators
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
View all presentations
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.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.