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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
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.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
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How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Where Is the Market Headed?
We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.