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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy
Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequence to their future financial security.
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.
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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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
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.
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.
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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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.