Investment | Smart Cents

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.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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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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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.

Four Really Good Reasons to Invest

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

Estimating the Cost of College

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

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

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Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

How Compound Interest Works

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

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.

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.

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

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

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

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Bursting the Bubble

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

The Cycle of Investing

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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