Investment | American Financial Management

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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

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Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

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.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Value vs. Growth Investing

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

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How Compound Interest Works

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

Debt vs. Investment

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

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

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Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

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 Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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