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.

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Anatomy of an Index

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.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

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.

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

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.

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Wedding Budget Calculator

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

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Behavioral Finance

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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.

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