Investment | Brenan Volpe

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.

Global and International Funds

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

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Finding the Balance

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

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

Bursting the Bubble

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

The Sequence of Returns

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

Separating the Signal From the Noise

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

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College Savings

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

Comparing Investments

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

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

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?”

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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.

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.