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.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
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Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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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.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
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The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?