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 Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street
Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.

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.
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequence to their future financial security.
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.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
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Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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 Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
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.
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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?