Investment | The Investment Center at Community First Bank

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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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.

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.

Behavioral Finance

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

Getting a Head Start on College Savings

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

Investing with Your Heart

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

Alternative Investments - Going Mainstream

Alternative investments are going mainstream for accredited investors. It’s critical to sort through the complexity.

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

Learn the advantages of a Net Unrealized Appreciation strategy with this helpful article.

Buying a Home

A look at what you need to think about when buying a home.

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How Long Will Your Money Last?

See how long a lump sum of savings could last based on your withdrawal rate and return.

How Compound Interest Works

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

Comparing Investments

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

College Savings

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

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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.

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Bull and Bear Go To Market

Learn about the difference between bulls and bears—markets, that is!

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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