Investment | Pete Novak, ChFC®

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.

Behavioral Finance

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

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The Business Cycle

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

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

The Sequence of Returns

A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.

TIPS for Inflation

If you are concerned about inflation and expect short-term interest rates may increase, TIPS could be worth considering.

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.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

Inflation & Your Money

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

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College Savings

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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?

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.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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