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

5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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

Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

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 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.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
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.
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
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What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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.
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.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.