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.

Featured Video

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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

• Articles

  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.

  Personalize Your Wealth Strategy with Diverse Investments

  Wondering if there's one right way to invest? Learn why a personalized approach can help you pursue your financial goals.

  The Sequence of Returns

  A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

  The Anatomy of an Index

  The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

  Rollover Unused 529 Funds to a Roth IRA

  The SECURE Act 2.0 created a provision that allows unused funds from a 529 college savings account to rollover to a Roth IRA.

  Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

  When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

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• Calculators

  College Savings

  See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

  What Is My Net Worth?

  Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

  What Is the Dividend Yield?

  Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

  See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

  How Compound Interest Works

  Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

  Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

  See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

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• Videos

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

  With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

  The Cycle of Investing

  Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

  What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

  $1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

  16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

  Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

  Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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