Investment | James Slater

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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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

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.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Investing with Your Heart

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

Make Your Mark Through Sustainable Investing

Have you considered the impact of your investments? Learn how to contribute to positive change through sustainable investing.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

Buying a Home

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

Estimating the Cost of College

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

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Debt vs. Investment

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

Comparing Investments

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

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Global and International Funds

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Bursting the Bubble

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