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 Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
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Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Inflation & Your Money
It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.
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.
Value vs. Growth Investing
Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.
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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Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.