Investment | Mike Westerman

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.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Risk Perspective

Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

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.

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

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.

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

Investments

You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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Articles

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.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

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

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

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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Videos

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

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