Investment | Provident 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.

The Business Cycle

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

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When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

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

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.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

Mutual Funds vs. ETFs

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

Investing with Your Heart

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

Buying a Home

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

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.

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Wedding Budget Calculator

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

What Is the Dividend Yield?

Calculate the dividend yield of a holding and see what that means for income over time.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

College Savings

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

Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payments

See how switching to bi-weekly mortgage payments could reduce interest and shorten your loan.

Monthly Budget

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

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16 Wall Street Cliches in 60 Seconds

Pundits say a lot of things about the markets. Let's see if you can keep up.

Bull and Bear Go To Market

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