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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Separating the Signal From the Noise
A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
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.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
View all articles 
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
View all calculators
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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.
Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.