Investing

How would you evaluate your knowledge about investing? Take a deeper dive into investing by reviewing our articles that discuss a variety of topics, including college savings, mutual funds, stocks, portfolio diversification, IRAs, estate planning and more.

A mature couple spends time outdoors and happily discusses how to invest during recession

How to Invest During a Recession

If you're curious about how to invest during a recession, it's wise to think about your investing goals first, then consider the economic conditions.

financial advisor explains the impact of inflation on savings and investments to a young couple

The Impact of Inflation on Your Savings & Investments

Understanding how market forces can influence your assets is the first step toward protecting yourself against potential adverse effects.

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What to Know About Opening an Investment Account

Setting up an investment account — including a retirement account, an educational account or a brokerage account — requires careful thought.

What Is a Target Date Fund?

Target date funds offer a mix of stocks and bonds that automatically shifts toward the latter as you approach retirement (or the start of college).

What Are Financial Assets?

As you look at your net worth, it's important to understand what assets are and the categories they fall into. Here's what to know.

A father plays with his son after learning 529 plan rules and establishing a savings plan

5 529 Plan Rules to Know

529 plans can help you save money for education expenses, but there are some rules to know.

What Is Asset Allocation?

Asset allocation is the foundation of investment portfolio construction. When choosing your investments, you'll choose an appropriate mix of assets.

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How to Start Investing in Your 20's

When it comes to investing in your 20s, using tax-efficient accounts and managing the trade-off between risk and reward can be key.

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What Are the Different Types of Mutual Funds?

Knowing the basic types of mutual funds and how they are categorized may help you decide the specific types to invest in.

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8 College Expenses to Consider

On top of tuition, there are several other common college expenses to consider when saving.

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How Does Compound Interest Work?

Compound interest can help grow your retirement savings. Here's some information on how it works.

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Long-Term Investments vs. Short-Term Investments: What's the Difference?

Not every investing strategy will suit every set of goals, and it may be helpful to know the difference between short- and long-term investments.

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What Is a Hybrid Mutual Fund?

A hybrid mutual fund can offer more diversification than some other investment types.

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What Is a Stock Split?

When one share becomes two shares or three shares, do you know what that means for your investment?

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Investing 101: How Does Investing Work?

This guide covers investing basics, including the most common types of investments, tax rules and potential risks.

Does a 529 Plan Affect Financial Aid?

Many students rely on financial aid to get through college, so you may want to know how a 529 plan can impact financial aid.

Two young men studying abroad fund their education with a 529 college savings plan

Using a 529 College Savings Plan to Study Abroad

You can pay for some costs of studying abroad with your 529 college savings plan.

Who Can Contribute to a 529 Plan?

529 college savings plans aren't just for parents. Almost anyone can contribute to one, but there are some rules.

Young Couple Consulting With Financial Representative

Investing Basics: 6 Questions You May Be Too Embarrassed to Ask

Here are some common questions about investing, and their answers, to help get you up to speed.

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Investment Education: 5 Common Investment Myths Debunked

Do you need to be a millionaire to invest? Is investing equivalent to pulling the lever on a slot machine? We're here to debunk these myths and more.

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9 Mutual Fund Terms Defined

If you're new to the world of mutual funds, you may want to understand these terms.

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Mutual Funds vs. Stocks: Which to Choose?

While stocks can make up a mutual fund, the two are not the same thing. So what's the difference between them, and why does it matter?

A couple sitting on the couch and researching how to pick a mutual fund

How to Pick a Mutual Fund: 5 Considerations for Your Next Investment

No mutual fund will be a good fit for everyone, but a few key factors may help you make the right decision.

Younger African American woman researching ways to invest with little money

4 Ways to Consider Investing With Little Money

Even if you don't have a lot of money, there are still a number of ways to start investing.

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401(k) Loan vs. Hardship Withdrawal: What Are the Financial Implications?

Some 401(k) plans allow you to withdraw money early under certain circumstances, but understanding the impact on your finances is important.

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How Do Bonds Work

Bonds can be a standard component of a diversified portfolio. Here are the basics of different kinds of bonds and how they work.

young couple meets with financial representative at home to learn how mutual funds work as investments

How Do Mutual Funds Work?

Mutual funds aren't complicated. Learn all about mutual funds here and explore how they could help supplement your retirement savings — and help with diversification.

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5 Ways to Help Grow Your Investment Skills

Does the idea of learning about investing feel overwhelming? Here are some ways to potentially help you build your investment skills.

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Investment Terms for Beginners: From Bonds to IRAs & 401(k)s

Investing for the first time? Consider getting familiar with these key terms.

Twentysomething man sitting with laptop in sunny coffee shop, thinking about investing after college

Investing After College: What Are Your Options?

What are your biggest financial to-dos after college? Paying off student loans? Saving money? Those are important, but what about investing?

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What Does It Mean to Buy Term & Invest the Difference?

There's life insurance, there's investing ... but what about when you buy term and invest the difference? Here's what it means.

middle-aged couple drinks coffee and reads newspaper as they discuss their portfolio diversification

What is a Diversified Portfolio?

As the saying goes, don't put all your eggs in one basket. But could this also be true for investing? Portfolio diversification could help you manage risk and reach your financial goals.