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.

Featured Video

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.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

• Articles

  Buying a Home

  A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

  The Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  Risk Perspective

  Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

  The Sequence of Returns

  A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

  Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

  Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

  Estimating the Cost of College

  This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

  View all articles

• Calculators

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

  See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

  Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  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.

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  View all calculators

• Videos

  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?"

  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?

  Should I Invest in Gold?

  Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  Global and International Funds

  Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

  View all videos