Investment | Jim Sumpter, MT, CFP®

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.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

The Cycle of Investing

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

Investing with Your Heart

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Inflation & Your Money

It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

Best-Performing Asset Classes

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

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.

A Look at Diversification

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

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How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

The Power of Interest - How Long Will it take My Money to Do

Use the Rule of 72 to estimate how long it takes your money to double at a given rate.

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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?"

Behavioral Finance

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Finding the Balance

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.