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

Bursting the Bubble

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

Global and International Funds

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

• Articles

  The Year of Living Dangerously

  What did sitting at home and watching the stock market for 12 months teach young people about investing?

  Five for Friday - April 10, 2026

  Ross looks at how the market and economy have held up amid uncertainty, then gives Washington a hat tip for the Patent Act.

  Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

  This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

  Making the Most of Employee Stock Ownership

  Employee stock purchase plans are powerful investment vehicles. Learn their key benefits and how to take advantage of them.

  Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

  The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

  Debt Ceiling Deal Includes Two Years of Spending Caps

  Strategas breaks down what’s in the deal, its impact on economic growth over the coming years, and what to focus on next.

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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.

  Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

  Monthly Budget

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

  What Is My Net Worth?

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

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• Videos

  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.

  Investments

  You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  The Cycle of Investing

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

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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