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!
What Smart Investors Know

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Sequence of Returns

The Sequence of Returns

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

Inflation & Your Money

It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

View all articles

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Debt vs. Investment

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

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.

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

View all calculators

The Business Cycle

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

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.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

View all videos