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.

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.

5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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.

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
The Pros and Cons of a NUA Strategy
Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
View all articles 
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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 My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
View all calculators 
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
View all presentations 
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.