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.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.
Have A Question About This Topic?

Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
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.
How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy
Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
Understanding Equity Compensation
Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.
View all articles
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
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.
View all calculators
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.
View all presentations
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
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.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.