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.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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?”

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequence to their future financial security.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
View all articles
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
View all calculators
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.