Investment | Secure Planning Strategies

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.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Impact Investing or Philanthropy

This fun piece can help your clients explore the benefits of impact investing versus founding a philanthropy.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

A Look at Diversification

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

The Sequence of Returns

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

Asset Allocation

Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

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Monthly Budget

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

What Is My Net Worth?

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

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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?

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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