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.

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The Cycle of Investing

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

You Would Rather Be...

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.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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 Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

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.

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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

The Business Cycle

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

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