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.

Featured Video

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

Separating the Signal From the Noise

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

• Articles

  Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

  This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

  Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

  Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

  The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

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

  The Sequence of Returns

  A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

  Estimating the Cost of College

  This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

  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.

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• Videos

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

  In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Bursting the Bubble

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

  The Cycle of Investing

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

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

  What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

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