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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
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Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Asset Allocation
Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy
Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.
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How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
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.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
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The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
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.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
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.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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