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.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
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 Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
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What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
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Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.