Investment | Planning Concepts

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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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.

Value vs. Growth Investing

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

Finding the Balance

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

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

Separating the Signal From the Noise

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

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.

Impact Investing or Philanthropy

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

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How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Monthly Budget

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

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The Business Cycle

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Investments

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Global and International Funds

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.