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?
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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
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.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
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Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
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.
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.
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When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.