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.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
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Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
Your Shifting Risk Tolerance
Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.
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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Wedding Budget Calculator
Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You
See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.
How Long Will Your Money Last?
See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
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From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
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 Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.