Spencer Financial Strategies

Investment

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.

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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

A Look at Diversification

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

Bursting the Bubble

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

Key Money Moments: 4 Times You Should Talk to a Pro

Life happens fast, and your finances can take a backseat if you’re not careful. Is it time to check in with a financial professional? This infographic will help you examine your own financial situation and decide if it’s time to step up your financial game.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

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.

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Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

Contributing to an IRA?

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

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

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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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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 Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

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.

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