Investment

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 Business Cycle

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

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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

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.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

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Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

What Is My Net Worth?

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

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

College Savings

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

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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.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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