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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

A Look at Diversification

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

Value vs. Growth Investing

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

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

The Sequence of Returns

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

The Great Retirement Savings Debate: 401(k) vs. IRA

Viewing 401(k) plans and IRA plans in either/or terms might mean a missed opportunity. You can have both.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

View all articles

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

View all calculators

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Global and International Funds

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

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?"

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

View all videos