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.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Have A Question About This Topic?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
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.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline
This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.
View all articles
Comparing Investments
Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
College Savings
See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.
What Is My Net Worth?
Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.
How Compound Interest Works
Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.
View all calculators
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
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.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Bull and Bear Go To Market
Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!