Investment | Justin Strunk*, RICP® QPFC

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?

Have A Question About This Topic?

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

The Business Cycle

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Investing for Impact

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

Earnings for All Seasons

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

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

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.

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

View all articles

From Boats to Brokers

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

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

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?"

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 Fed and How It Got That Way

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

View all videos

Articles

Investing with Your Heart

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

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Inflation & Your Money

It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

A Primer on Dividends

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

View all articles
Videos

Finding the Balance

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

Global and International Funds

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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.

View all videos