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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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

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

From Boats to Brokers

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

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

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

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Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

How Compound Interest Works

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

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.

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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Behavioral Finance

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

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?”

The Cycle of Investing

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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