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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Estimating the Cost of College

This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

Investing for Impact

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

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 Stocks Work

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

How Will the Economy React to AI?

What do concerns or uncertainty about AI mean for your future and your financial strategy?

View all articles

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

What Is My Net Worth?

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

College Savings

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

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

View all calculators

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

Global and International Funds

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

View all videos