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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

The Rule of 72

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.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

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

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.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Investing with Your Heart

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

View all articles

How Compound Interest Works

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

View all calculators

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Global and International Funds

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

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.

View all videos