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.

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

5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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

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
Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.
Global vs. International: What’s The Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
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.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
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Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?