asset allocation

Determining your risk tolerance before you invest is a lot like choosing a delivery plan for the birth of your child. When the contractions start, even the best-laid plans can go right out the window, because it's impossible to predict how you'll feel watching a chunk of your savings evaporate until it happens.

When it comes to investing your hard-earned cash, today's marketplace offers more options than ever for small investors. But the key to success lies in sticking to a few basic principles -- and avoiding the irrational behaviors that plague our financial lives.

There's a frenzy of stock buying going on now, because no one wants to be left out of the stock market recovery. But all those who are betting on short-term gains are engaged in what I call "wrong ball investing." Here's how to keep your eye on the right ball.

The securities industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars a year in advertising, but that doesn't mean you're getting the straight scoop. The financial media doesn't always help, either. So, as you contemplate investing for 2011, here are 10 facts you should know.

May 6 reminded investors of the need for diversification to reduce risk to their portfolios. So, how much risk is right for you, what emerging markets are good investments and is gold really a safe haven?

Americans are far from feeling confident about paying for retirement, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute's latest annual survey. Yet one group that is feeling a little more self-assured, is men. That may seem like a good thing, but being too confident or cautious about your investments can backfire.

A new study finds that too many financial planners tell their clients what the clients want to hear, rather than providing objective advice. Here's how to make sure you don't wind up with a "yes man" as an adviser.

Notoriously conservative investors, insurance companies cut their hedge fund allocations in 2009. But as the sting of the financial crisis eases, they'll come back looking for stronger returns.

Retirement mistake #2 is using a "market beating" broker or adviser. Achieving paltry returns is not easy. After all, historically, the market rises over time. What accounts for dismal investor performance? Trusted "financial experts" who tell you they can pick stocks or mutual funds that will beat...

My comment on CNBC that it should give investors more "in Bogle we trust" and less "in Cramer we trust" precipitated a Cramer tirade. It made great TV, but prevented a rational discussion of important issues. Here are some questions and answers intended to reduce the heat and shed some light on...