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.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

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The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

From Boats to Brokers

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

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

Risk Perspective

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

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

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Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

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.

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.