Investment | Pilot Financial

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.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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

Have A Question About This Topic?

Finding the Balance

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

Global vs. International: What’s the Difference?

International funds invest in non-U.S. markets, while global funds may invest in U.S. stocks alongside non-U.S. stocks.

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Pullbacks, Corrections, and Bear Markets

When the market experiences volatility, it may be a good time to review these common terms.

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.

Buying a Home

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

The Pros and Cons of an NUA Strategy

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

The Utility of Sector Investing

Successful sector investing is dependent upon an accurate analysis about when to rotate in and out.

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

Information vs. instinct. Are your choices based on evidence of emotion?

View all articles

How Compound Interest Works

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

What Is My Net Worth?

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

Wedding Budget Calculator

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

College Savings

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

Comparing Investments

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

Student Loan Refinance Calculator

Compare your current student loan terms to a potential refinance to see if it makes sense.

View all calculators

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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