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.

Featured Video

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

• Articles

  Types of Stock Market Analysis

  Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

  How Stocks Work

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

  Rebalancing Your Portfolio

  Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

  What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

  What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

  Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

  Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

  View all articles

• Calculators

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  Wedding Budget Calculator

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

  Debt vs. Investment

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

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

  View all calculators

• Videos

  Where Is the Market Headed?

  We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”

  It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

  All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

  Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

  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.

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

  16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

  View all videos