Investment | Justin Cook

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.

Behavioral Finance

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

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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

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.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

The Business Cycle

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

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

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Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

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.

How Compound Interest Works

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

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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.

From Boats to Brokers

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