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.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
Four Really Good Reasons to Invest
There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?
A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequence to their future financial security.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
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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.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
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.
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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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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?