Investment | Justin A. Makris

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 Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Ways to Turn Spending into Savings

Sometimes it can feel overwhelming. It seems like our financial needs outstrip our ability to meet them.

Behavioral Finance

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

4 Ways Thinking Long-Term Can Improve Your Everyday Life

Financial planning often doesn’t take place on a beach. But the next time you find yourself there, try this experiment, courtesy of management and motivational guru Stephen R. Covey: You’ll need a mason jar and an assortment of big rocks, smaller gravel, sand, and water.

Global vs. International: What’s The Difference?

International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

A Look at Diversification

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

How Stocks Work

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

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

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How Compound Interest Works

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

Saving for College

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

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Behavioral Finance

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

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?”