Investment | Thompson Financial Management

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.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

$1 million in a diversified portfolio could help finance part of your retirement.

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

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

Investing with Your Heart

For some, the social impact of investing is just as important as the return, perhaps more important.

Value vs. Growth Investing

Among stock-market investors there’s long been a debate between those who favor value and those who favor growth.

Asset Allocation

Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

Global vs. International: What’s The Difference?

International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

Investment Challenges of the Affluent Investor

Affluent investors face unique challenges when putting together an investment strategy. Make sure you keep these in mind.

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Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

Saving for College

This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

How Compound Interest Works

Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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.

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.

Global and International Funds

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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