Investment Insights
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.
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
5 Smart Investing Principles
Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.
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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

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

The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
A Primer on Dividends
A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Global vs. International: What’s The Difference?
International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.
How Stocks Work
Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream
Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.
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Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
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.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
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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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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?
$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Events on Wall Street
Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals.
Global and International Funds
Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?