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 Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.
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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

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.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?
The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds
Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.
The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street
Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.
Types of Stock Market Analysis
Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.
Inflation and the Real Rate of Return
Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.
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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.
What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Contributing to an IRA?
Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.
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.
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5 Smart Investing Strategies
There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives
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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
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.
Investments
You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.
Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds
Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?