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.

Featured Video

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

The Sequence of Returns

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

• Articles

  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.

  Risk Perspective

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

  Investing with Your Heart

  For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

  The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

  You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

  Earnings for All Seasons

  Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

  View all articles

• Calculators

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

  Comparing Investments

  Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

  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.

  How Compound Interest Works

  Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

  View all calculators

• Videos

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

  The Business Cycle

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

  Behavioral Finance

  An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

  With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  View all videos