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.
Have A Question About This Topic?
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
Understanding Equity Compensation
Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.
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.
View all articles
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
View all calculators
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
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 Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.