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.

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The Cycle of Investing

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

The Great Retirement Savings Debate: 401(k) vs. IRA

The Great Retirement Savings Debate: 401(k) vs. IRA

Viewing 401(k) plans and IRA plans in either/or terms might mean a missed opportunity. You can have both.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

A Quick Guide to Socially Responsible Investing

Want to contribute to a better world and grow your wealth? Learn how in this quick guide to socially responsible investing.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

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Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

Monthly Budget

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

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Behavioral Finance

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

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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

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