Investment | Cynthia Branca, Certified Financial Planner ™

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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5 Smart Investing Strategies

Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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The Cycle of Investing

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

Four Really Good Reasons to Invest

There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Asset Allocation

Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

Risk Perspective

Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

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What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Investments

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