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!
Global and International Funds

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

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.

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

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.

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

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.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

View all articles

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

View all calculators

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

5 Smart Investing Principles

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

View all presentations

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

View all videos