Investment | Shayne Lester, CFP®

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.

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

All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

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.

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 Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

Four Really Good Reasons to Invest

There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

4 Reasons for the Return of Market Volatility

Why have the markets been so volatile recently?

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

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.

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Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Saving for College

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

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5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

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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.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

The Business Cycle

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

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.

From Boats to Brokers

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