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.

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Behavioral Finance

Behavioral Finance

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Bursting the Bubble

Bursting the Bubble

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

The Sequence of Returns

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

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

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

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

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Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

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.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

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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What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

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