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

Behavioral Finance

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

• Articles

  Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

  A Primer on Dividends

  A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

  Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

  Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

  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.

  View all articles

• Calculators

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

  See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

  Monthly Budget

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

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

  View all calculators

• Videos

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  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 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.

  Global and International Funds

  Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

  View all videos