Investment | Darlene Frederick

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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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

The Business Cycle

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

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

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

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

Even the most seasoned investors have biases affecting their financial choices.

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

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Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

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.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

The Business Cycle

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

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.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!