Investment | Charles Fortenberry

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.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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Bursting the Bubble

Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?

In the Markets Now: Bitcoin Thoughts

Ross tackles the return of Bitcoin buzz with an explainer on how to think of crypto from an investment perspective.

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

In the Markets Now: Betting Boom

The line between investing and gambling has blurred. Ross adds some clarity.

Getting Ahead of the Curve

Learn how to use bond ladders to make the most of higher interest rates without locking yourself into a long-term investment.

Bull & Baird: What Moves the U.S. Stock Market?

Why did the market begin 2026 with new highs even after headlining-grabbing recent events in Venezuela?

In the Markets Now: Selloff Summary for April 3

The stock market had a fearful "sell everything" moment as it wrestled with how to process broad new tariffs.

Making the Most of Employee Stock Ownership

Employee stock purchase plans are powerful investment vehicles. Learn their key benefits and how to take advantage of them.

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

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Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

College Savings

See how much you may need to save now to cover future college costs for your child.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income ratio to understand how lenders may view your financial health.

Monthly Budget

Track your monthly income and expenses to get a clearer view of your cash flow.

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

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The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Investments

You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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