Investment | Matt Roper

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.

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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Finding the Balance

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

Estimating the Cost of College

This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

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.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

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

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

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The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

Debt vs. Investment

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

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.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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