Investment | Ellenbecker Investment Group

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 Cycle of Investing

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

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The Business Cycle

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

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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 Business Cycle

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

Are You Ready for Your Portfolio to Make a Difference?

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

You Would Rather Be...

Are you a thrill seeker, or content to relax in the backyard? Use this flowchart to find out more about your risk tolerance.

Earnings for All Seasons

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

How Will the Economy React to AI?

What do concerns or uncertainty about AI mean for your future and your financial strategy?

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Monthly Budget

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

Estimate total wedding costs and see how different choices affect your overall budget.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Compare how the same contribution grows differently in taxable versus tax-deferred accounts.

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

Comparing Investments

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

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Behavioral Finance

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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?”