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

Investments

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

The Business Cycle

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

• Articles

  Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

  The Business Cycle

  Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

  It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

  Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

  All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

  Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

  TIPS for Inflation

  If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

  Risk Perspective

  Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

  View all articles

• Calculators

  Monthly Budget

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

  Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

  Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

  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.

  Comparing Investments

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

  Wedding Budget Calculator

  Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

  View all calculators

• Videos

  Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

  When Markets React

  When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

  Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

  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.

  View all videos