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.
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Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
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The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.