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.

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

5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy
Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
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.