Investment | Smart Cents

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.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Why Regular Rebalancing Makes Sense

Without your knowing, your investment portfolio could be off-kilter.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

Pullbacks, corrections, and bear markets are all a part of the investing cycle. When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

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.

The Sequence of Returns

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

The Business Cycle

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

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

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Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

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.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

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

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

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The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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