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!
What Smart Investors Know

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Make Your Mark Through Sustainable Investing

Have you considered the impact of your investments? Learn how to contribute to positive change through sustainable investing.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

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 the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

View all articles

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

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.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

View all calculators

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

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.

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

View all videos