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.

Featured Video

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

• Articles

  The Threat of Identity Theft

  An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

  Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

  Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

  A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

  Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

  Impact Investing or Philanthropy

  This fun piece can help your clients explore the benefits of impact investing versus founding a philanthropy.

  Value vs. Growth Investing

  Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

  The Sequence of Returns

  A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

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• Calculators

  Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

  Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  Debt vs. Investment

  Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

  Monthly Budget

  Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

  Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

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• Videos

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

  Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

  Finding the Balance

  The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

  The Fed and How It Got That Way

  Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

  With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

  Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

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