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.
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.
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Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
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 Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?
Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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Debt vs. Investment
Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.
How Can I Save a Million Dollars?
See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.
Monthly Budget
Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.
Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
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Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?