Investment | Don Roork

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.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Have A Question About This Topic?

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Risk Perspective

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

Buying a Home

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

How Will the Economy React to AI?

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

Estimating the Cost of College

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

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 Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

View all articles

Monthly Budget

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

View all calculators

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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!

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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