Investment | Matthew Wagner

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.

From Boats to Brokers

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

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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Separating the Signal From the Noise

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

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

Do Our Biases Affect Our Financial Choices?

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

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

Inflation & Your Money

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

How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy

Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

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Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

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.

What Is My Net Worth?

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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!

Behavioral Finance

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.