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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

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.

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

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

Finding the Balance

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

• Articles

  Risk Perspective

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

  A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

  Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

  Getting a Head Start on College Savings

  A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

  Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

  Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

  The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

  Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

  The Threat of Identity Theft

  An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

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• Calculators

  Comparing Investments

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

  Monthly Budget

  Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

  The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

  Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

  Student Loan Refinance Calculator

  Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

  How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

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• Videos

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

  Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

  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 Fed and How It Got That Way

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

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

  Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

  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?"

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

  Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

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