Investment | Financial Design Group

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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The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

A Look at Diversification

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Separating the Signal From the Noise

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

TIPS for Inflation

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

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

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.

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Comparing Investments

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

College Savings

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

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.

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Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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