Investment | SMM 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.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

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5 Smart Investing Principles

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

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The Cycle of Investing

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

Value vs. Growth Investing

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

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Estimating the Cost of College

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

The Business Cycle

Understanding the economy's cycles can help put current business conditions in better perspective.

Investing with Your Heart

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

A Look at Diversification

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

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.

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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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.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

Contributing to an IRA?

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

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

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

Saving for College

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

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5 Smart Investing Principles

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

5 Smart Investing Strategies

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

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Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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?”

Behavioral Finance

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

Global and International Funds

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