Investment | Madison Financial Planning

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 Fed and How It Got That Way

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

5 Smart Investing Strategies

Getting what you want out of your money may require the right game plan.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

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.

What Smart Investors Know

Smart investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Investing with Your Heart

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

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

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

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.

Asset Allocation

Consider how your assets are allocated and if that allocation is consistent with your time frame and risk tolerance.

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

Clearing up confusion from the economic downturn following COVID-19 and how it might affect your financial strategy.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

View all articles

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings

Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.

Impact of Taxes and Inflation

Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.

Saving for College

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

How Compound Interest Works

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

Contributing to an IRA?

Determine if you are eligible to contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA.

View all calculators

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

View all presentations

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Can Election Results Predict the Market?

How do the markets usually react to elections? Was the 2016 election any different?

Emerging Market Opportunities

What are your options for investing in emerging markets?

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Events on Wall Street

Can successful investors predict changes in the markets? Some can but others miss the market’s signals.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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