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!
The Fed and How It Got That Way

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

Finding the Balance

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

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

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

How Stocks Work

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

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

View all articles

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

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.

Monthly Budget

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

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

View all calculators

From Boats to Brokers

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

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.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

Behavioral Finance

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

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

View all videos