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.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
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From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
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.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
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.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.
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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
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 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.