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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Bridging the Confidence Gap

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

You Would Rather Be...

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.

When Markets React

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

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What Is My Net Worth?

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

The Cycle of Investing

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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