Investment | Jeffrey S. West

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.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

The Business Cycle

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

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

A Look at Diversification

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

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

Understanding Equity Compensation

Net Unrealized Appreciation and how it affects tax responsibilities.

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

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

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Monthly Budget

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

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.

From Boats to Brokers

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