Investment | Life Investment Tools

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.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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 Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

How Will the Economy React to AI?

What do concerns or uncertainty about AI mean for your future and your financial strategy?

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

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How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

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.

How Compound Interest Works

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

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The Business Cycle

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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.