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.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
What’s Your Investment IQ?
You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
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.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
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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.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.