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 Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
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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.

Understanding Equity Compensation
Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
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.
Investing for Impact
Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.
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Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.