Investment | Brent Burgesser

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?

Have A Question About This Topic?

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.

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Understanding ETFs: Building Blocks of Modern Investing

Educational ETF infographic explaining benefits, types & mechanics. Features current statistics and citations.

Risk Perspective

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

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

View all articles

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.

What Is My Net Worth?

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

College Savings

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

Debt vs. Investment

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

View all calculators

The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

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

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

Global and International Funds

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