Investment Basics

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?

Featured Presentation

5 Smart Investing Strategies

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

• Articles

  How Stocks Work

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

  4 Reasons for the Return of Market Volatility

  Why have the markets been so volatile recently?

  TIPS for Inflation

  If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

  Clearing up confusion from the economic downturn following COVID-19 and how it might affect your financial strategy.

  A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

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

  How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

  This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.

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• Calculators

  What Is My Risk Tolerance?

  This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

  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.

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

  Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

  Contributing to an IRA?

  Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

  Saving for College

  This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

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• Presentations

  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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• Videos

  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 Cycle of Investing

  Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

  What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

  $1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

  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.

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

  Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

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