Investment | Kevin Harper

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.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

The Threat of Identity Theft

An article informing readers about the threats of Identity Theft.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

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.

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

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What Is My Net Worth?

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

Debt vs. Investment

Weigh the potential outcomes of paying off debt versus directing those dollars elsewhere.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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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Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

The Fed and How It Got That Way

Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.

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.

Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?