Investment | Chantal Balcom

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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5 Smart Investing Strategies

Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

The Utility of Sector Investing

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

Investments

You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

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.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

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

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

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.

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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.

Saving for College

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

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

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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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Finding the Balance

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Behavioral Finance

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