Investment | LifeCircle

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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

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

Inflation & Your Money

It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

Value vs. Growth Investing

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

The Sequence of Returns

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

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Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

College Savings

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

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From Boats to Brokers

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Behavioral Finance

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