Investment | Practical Retirement Planning

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.

Investments

You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

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Bursting the Bubble

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

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.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Inflation & Your Money

It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

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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.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

College Savings

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

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Investments

You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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