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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From Boats to Brokers

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

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 Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

Inflation & Your Money

It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

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.

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

Risk Perspective

Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

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How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

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.

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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

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