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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.
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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
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.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
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What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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.
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.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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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.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
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