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.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Have A Question About This Topic?
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
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.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
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.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Inflation & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
View all articles
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
View all calculators
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.