Investment | Bin Zhai

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.

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

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The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

Separating the Signal From the Noise

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

Investing for Impact

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

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Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

Comparing Investments

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

How Compound Interest Works

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

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What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

The Business Cycle

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

Global and International Funds

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