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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
What Smart Investors Know

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance 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.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

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.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

View all articles

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

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.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

View all calculators

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

The Cycle of Investing

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

View all videos