Investment | Family Defined Benefits

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.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

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The Business Cycle

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

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

The Investment Risk No One’s Ever Heard Of

You face a risk for which the market does not compensate you, that can not be easily reduced through diversification.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

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

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

Learn about key investment principles that will help you navigate the unpredictability of the financial markets.

A Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision

Investors who put off important investment decisions may face potential consequences to their future financial security.

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Monthly Budget

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

How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

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From Boats to Brokers

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

Global and International Funds

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

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.