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.
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?"
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
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.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Understanding Equity Compensation
Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
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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.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
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.
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Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?