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.

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Global and International Funds

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

A Primer on Dividends

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

Emerging Market Opportunities

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

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Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

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.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

Comparing Investments

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

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