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 Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro
Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
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.
View all articles 
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do
Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.
View all calculators
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
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.