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.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
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When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Inflation & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
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Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
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.
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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.