Investment | Successful Planning Services

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 Business Cycle

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

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Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

There are thousands of ETFs available. Should you invest in them?

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.

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

A Primer on Dividends

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

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

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

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

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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.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Contributing to an IRA?

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

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

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.

Finding the Balance

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