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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Bridging the Confidence Gap

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

You Would Rather Be...

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.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Four Really Good Reasons to Invest

There are four very good reasons to start investing. Do you know what they are?

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

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

The Sequence of Returns

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

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

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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.

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

How Compound Interest Works

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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 Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

5 Smart Investing Principles

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

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Bursting the Bubble

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

Behavioral Finance

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Global and International Funds

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

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