Investment | Pathfinder 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.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

Learn about the rise of Impact Investing and how it may benefit you.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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.

The Sequence of Returns

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

Risk Perspective

Is it possible to avoid loss? Not entirely, but you can attempt to manage risk.

Estimating the Cost of College

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

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

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

Inflation and the Real Rate of Return

Learn about the role of inflation when considering your portfolio’s rate of return with this helpful article.

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How Can I Save a Million Dollars?

See what it takes in monthly contributions and time to reach a million-dollar savings goal.

Comparing Investments

Compare two different scenarios side by side to see how they stack up over time.

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

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.

How Compound Interest Works

Explore how compound interest can grow your money over time with this interactive tool.

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Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

The Cycle of Investing

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