Asset Allocation - The
way you divide your investments into stocks, bonds and cash investments can
have effects on the risks and potential returns on your portfolio. Learn how
your time horizons and your risk tolerance should be considered in
determining the asset allocation that is right for you.
Financial Market
Indicators - What to Watch For - Every investment, and every
individual's portfolio is different. But, knowing which market indicators to
watch can help you better understand how your investments are doing in
relation to the overall market.
The Dow Jones Industrial
Average - This popular measure of stock market activity has been
around for over 100 years. A little history about this average and you will
better appreciate how you should view daily changes.
Investment
Portfolio Diversification or "Don't put all your eggs in
one basket" This old adage applies in the investment world too. Learn
what spreading the risk can do for you and how to apply this concept to your
investments.
Building a Stock
Portfolio - Whether you are just starting to invest or already
have a portfolio, reviewing some tried and true portfolio building strategies
may be helpful.
Investing in Mutual
Funds - Mutual funds have become the investment vehicle of
choice for millions of Americans. This article explains some of the reasons
for the popularity and provides some tips on what to look for when making a
mutual fund choice.
Dollar Cost
Averaging - Dollar cost averaging is one way to address the
"when to buy" decision. An example shows how this common technique
will eliminate the risk of buying at "the top of the market."
Mutual Funds and
Income Taxes - While mutual funds offer many conveniences,
dealing with the income tax consequences of owning mutual funds is seldom
simple. This article will help you understand some of these issues.
Investing in
Bonds - Bonds can have a place in many investors' portfolios.
There are many issues to consider when evaluating a bond investment strategy.
Learn how maturities, ratings and types of bonds can influence your
strategy.
Interest Rate
Risk - With interest rates at the current low levels, there are
benefits of locking in lower rates on your borrowing. However, locking in low
rates on your savings may present problems if interest rates rise.
Comparing Taxable and Tax-
free Bond Yields - Interest on most municipal bonds is exempt
from federal income tax. To determine whether these tax-free bonds are right
for you, you must compare the after-tax returns of similar taxable bonds. A
simple chart can help.
Investing in Municipal
Bonds - The interest from most bonds issued by states, cities and
other municipal organizations is exempt from federal income tax. Learn
whether municipal bonds are right for you.
Investing in US
Treasuries - Many individuals buy U. S. Treasury obligations as
part of their investment strategy for one reason - safety. However, there is
more to Treasuries than just safety.
Make Sure Your US Savings
Bonds Are Still Paying Interest - Many older US Savings Bonds
have stopped paying and earning interest. Learn which ones have stopped and
what to do if yours are included among them.
