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 Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro
Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
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Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
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.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
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Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
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?"
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?