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

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

• Articles

  Asset Allocation

  Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

  The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

  In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

  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 Threat of Identity Theft

  An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

  Earnings for All Seasons

  Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

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• Calculators

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

  This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

  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.

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

  Saving for College

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

  How Compound Interest Works

  Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

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• Videos

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

  Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

  What Smart Investors Know

  Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

  The Rule of 72

  Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

  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.

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