Investment Principles
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.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

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.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
The Anatomy of an Index
The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
Earnings for All Seasons
Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets
When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.
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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Finding the Balance
The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.
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.
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.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.