Investment | Strategic Financial Solutions

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.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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From Boats to Brokers

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

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

Inflation & Your Money

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

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.

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

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Investments

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Bursting the Bubble

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

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Articles

How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy

Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

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

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

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.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

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Videos

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

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.

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