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.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
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The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of
You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
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.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.
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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.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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.
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The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.