Investment | Amy R. Cook

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.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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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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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 Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

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

Investing with Your Heart

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

Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

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

Earnings for All Seasons

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

Estimating the Cost of College

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

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Saving for College

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

Contributing to an IRA?

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

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.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

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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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The Business Cycle

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are hundreds of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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?”