Investment Planning Resources
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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
5 Smart Investing Strategies
Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.
Have A Question About This Topic?

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

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequence to their future financial security.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.
The Utility of Sector Investing
Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
What’s Your Investment IQ?
You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz
The Business Cycle
Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.
Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor
Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.
View all articles
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
View all calculators
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
View all presentations
From Boats to Brokers
From the Dutch East India Company to Wall Street, the stock market has a long and storied history.
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.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
When Markets React
When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.