Investment | Ostapow Financial Services

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.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

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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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Behavioral Finance

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

Investing for Impact

Learn how to build a socially conscious investment portfolio and invest in your beliefs.

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

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

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

The Sequence of Returns

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

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What Is the Dividend Yield?

This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.

How Compound Interest Works

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

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

Contributing to an IRA?

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

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

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5 Smart Investing Strategies

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

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

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Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

The Rule of 72

Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.