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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Bursting the Bubble

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 Anatomy of an Index

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.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

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."

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

The Threat of Identity Theft

An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

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What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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