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.

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

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

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

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Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

Debt vs. Investment

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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