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 Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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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?”

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
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.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Diversification, Patience, and Consistency
Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
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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 the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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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
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The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.