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.
Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?
There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?
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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Inflation and Your Portfolio
Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.
Best-Performing Asset Classes
Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.
Impact Investing or Philanthropy
This fun piece can help your clients explore the benefits of impact investing versus founding a philanthropy.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President
The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.
You Would Rather Be...
Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.
Risk Perspective
Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.
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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.
Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments
See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.
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.
Student Loan Refinance Calculator
Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.
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Emerging Market Opportunities
What are your options for investing in emerging markets?
Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder
Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.
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 Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
The Cycle of Investing
Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.
The Business Cycle
How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?
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