Investment | Clayton Ortloff

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.

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.

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Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

The Business Cycle

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

How Stocks Work

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

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

How the Federal Reserve Works

Each day, the Fed is behind the scenes supporting the economy and providing services to the U.S. financial system.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

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

Estimating the Cost of College

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

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College Savings

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

Comparing Investments

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

How Long Will Your Money Last?

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

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Global and International Funds

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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