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.

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 Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
TIPS for Inflation
If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.
Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions
Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
A Look at Diversification
Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.
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Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
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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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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Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Where Is the Market Headed?
We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, “What’s next for the financial markets?”
Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.