Investment | Valley Oak

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.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

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5 Smart Investing Principles

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

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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

A Primer on Dividends

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

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?”

A Look at Diversification

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

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

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

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.

Earnings for All Seasons

Earnings season can move markets. What is it and why is it important?

The Sequence of Returns

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

The Ivory Tower Changes Wall Street

Thanks to the work of three economists, we have a better understanding of what determines an asset’s price.

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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.

How Compound Interest Works

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

Saving for College

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

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

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

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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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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

The Business Cycle

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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