Investment | James Cook

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.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

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

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

Investing for Impact

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

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.

Inflation & Your Money

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

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 Long Will Your Money Last?

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

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.

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

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.

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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 Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

From Boats to Brokers

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Behavioral Finance

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