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.

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

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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.

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Impact Investing or Philanthropy

This fun piece can help your clients explore the benefits of impact investing versus founding a philanthropy.

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.

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.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

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Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

The Cycle of Investing

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

Global and International Funds

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

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