Investment | Craig Brooks, CFP®

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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Global and International Funds

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

Risk Perspective

Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Earnings for All Seasons

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

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

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

Investing with Your Heart

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

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 and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

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.

View all articles

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

What Is My Net Worth?

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

View all calculators

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.