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 You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Inflation and the Real Rate of Return
Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
What’s Your Investment IQ?
You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz
View all articles 
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.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
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.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
View all calculators 
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
View all presentations 
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.