Investment | Elise Kensinger

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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?

International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

Separating the Signal From the Noise

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

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.

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

Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro

Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

View all articles

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

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.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

View all calculators

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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?

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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