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.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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.

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

When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
How the Federal Reserve Works
Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
View all articles 
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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.
View all calculators 
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
View all presentations 
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
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?”
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.