Investment | Financial Planning Solutions, Inc.

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 You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Risk Perspective

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

How Stocks Work

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

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

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

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Over time, different investments' performances can shift a portfolio’s intent and risk profile. Rebalancing may be critical.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy

Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

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The Business Cycle

How will you weather the ups and downs of the business cycle?

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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Articles

Estimating the Cost of College

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

The Sequence of Returns

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

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

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

Investing with Your Heart

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

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

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.

The Cycle of Investing

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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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