Investment | John Loeffler

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.

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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5 Smart Investing Principles

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

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16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

Four Really Good Reasons to Invest

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

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.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street

Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

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What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Saving for College

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

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

Contributing to an IRA?

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

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5 Smart Investing Principles

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

5 Smart Investing Strategies

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

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The Cycle of Investing

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Global and International Funds

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

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

From Boats to Brokers

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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