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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
The Rule of 72

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.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

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.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

A Look at Diversification

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

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

View all articles

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

View all calculators

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

The Cycle of Investing

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

View all videos