Investment | Randall L. Franklin

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.

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Inflation & Your Money

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

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

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

Your Shifting Risk Tolerance

Time and market performance may subtly and slowly imbalance your portfolio.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Risk Perspective

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

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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.

Comparing Investments

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

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

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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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, uncovering the mystery of bond laddering.

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?