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.

Featured Video

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

• Articles

  Asset Allocation

  Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

  Estimating the Cost of College

  This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

  Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

  Impact Investing or Philanthropy

  This fun piece can help your clients explore the benefits of impact investing versus founding a philanthropy.

  Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

  The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

  You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

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• Calculators

  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.

  How Compound Interest Works

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

  How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

  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.

  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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• Videos

  From Boats to Brokers

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

  What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

  Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

  Bursting the Bubble

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

  Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

  The Business Cycle

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

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