Investment | Marcus Rather

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.

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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

A Look at Diversification

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

How Will the Economy React to AI?

What do concerns or uncertainty about AI mean for your future and your financial strategy?

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

Rollover Unused 529 Funds to a Roth IRA

The SECURE Act 2.0 created a provision that allows unused funds from a 529 college savings account to rollover to a Roth IRA.

View all articles

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

Debt vs. Investment

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

View all calculators

Behavioral Finance

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

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 St., the stock market has a long and storied history.