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.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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Inflation and the Real Rate of Return
Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.