Investment | Douglas Nelson, CFP®, Money Coach

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.

The Business Cycle

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

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Behavioral Finance

An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

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.

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

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

The Utility of Sector Investing

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

Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

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.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

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How Compound Interest Works

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

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.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

Monthly Budget

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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?”