Investment | Kevin J McDermott

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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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5 Smart Investing Principles

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

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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy

Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

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What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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.

Contributing to an IRA?

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

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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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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

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?”