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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

How to Deal With the Inevitable Volatility

Though they can be painful, market corrections are a natural and necessary part of long-term investing.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

• Articles

  In the Markets Now: What the Rate Cuts Mean

  After much anticipation, the Fed has finally begun to lower interest rates. Here's what that means.

  In the Markets Now: Spots of Weakness

  As policy uncertainty and lackluster economic data shake the market, Ross looks at spots of weakness and strength.

  Separating the Signal From the Noise

  A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

  Best-Performing Asset Classes

  Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

  In the Markets Now: Faulty Signals

  Investors often fall back on key indicators such as the yield curve recession signal, but can we rely on them?

  Bull & Baird: The Wisdom of Golf

  Market Strategist Michael Antonelli shares tips that could improve your golf and investment experiences.

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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.

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  What Is My Net Worth?

  Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

  Monthly Budget

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

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

  See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

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• Videos

  Finding the Balance

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

  From Boats to Brokers

  From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

  In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

  The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

  The Cycle of Investing

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

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