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

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.

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.

The Rule of 72

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.

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

How Stocks Work

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

The Business Cycle

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

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.

View all articles

Monthly Budget

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

Comparing Investments

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

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

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.

View all calculators

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

View all videos