Investment Planning
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.
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.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.
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Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

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.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
Investing with Your Heart
For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.
Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
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Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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Should I Invest in Gold?
Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.
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.
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
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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