Investment | Michael D. Johnson, 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.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

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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.

The Business Cycle

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

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

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.

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

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.

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.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

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How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

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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.

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.

Behavioral Finance

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