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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
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Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor
What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
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.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
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.
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 St., the stock market has a long and storied history.