Investment | Merrill Financial Associates

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 Cycle of Investing

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

Earnings for All Seasons

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

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.

The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive

In investments, one great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which Is Better?”

How Financial Professionals Are Compensated

Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.

Investing with Your Heart

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

Separating the Signal From the Noise

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Inflation & Your Money

It's important to understand how inflation is reported and how it can affect investments.

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Finding the Balance

The sandwich generation faces unique challenges. For many, meeting needs is a matter of finding a balance.

Global and International Funds

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

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.

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Articles

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

This article allows those who support LGBTQ+ interests to explore the possibilities of Socially Responsible Investing.

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.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

Diversification, Patience, and Consistency

Three important factors when it comes to your financial life.

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.

All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal

Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.

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Videos

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Investments

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

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