Investment | Louis R. Civitarese

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.

Bursting the Bubble

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

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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

Behavioral Finance

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

Best-Performing Asset Classes

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

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

Risk Perspective

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

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How Compound Interest Works

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

Comparing Investments

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

The Business Cycle

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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