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.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
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 & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
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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Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
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.
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.
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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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
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?"
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.