The Journal
Blog
Market insights and trading education from the Alpha Sentinel team.
Paying Off a Mortgage or Investing the Difference: How to Frame the Choice
Paying down a mortgage offers a certain saving, while investing offers an uncertain return. Compare what each choice secures and gives up.
The Rule of 72: A Quick Way to Estimate Doubling Time
The Rule of 72 estimates doubling time by dividing 72 by the annual rate. See how it works, how accurate it is and where it falls short.
How Market Bubbles Form: Lessons From Past Manias
Market bubbles share recurring traits, from easy credit to late-arriving buyers. Seven patterns from past manias worth recognizing today.
Time in the Market Versus Timing the Market: What the Data Shows
What history says about staying invested versus market timing, why the best and worst days cluster, and how a written plan helps you hold steady.
Exercising Stock Options: Factors to Weigh Beyond the Share Price
Share price is only one input when exercising options. Weigh the cash, tax, expiration and concentration questions before the deadline arrives.
Stock Options Basics: Incentive Versus Nonqualified Options
ISOs and NSOs both let you buy shares at a set price but are taxed differently. Get plain answers on exercise, AMT and holding periods.
Investment Recordkeeping: What Documents to Keep and for How Long
Investment recordkeeping explained: which documents prove your cost basis, how long to keep them, and a simple yearly routine you can sustain.
How Often Should You Check Your Portfolio? What the Research Suggests
Checking more often tends to raise stress, not insight. Five points on picking a review rhythm that fits your horizon, your habits and your job.
Giving a Trusted Person Limited Access to Your Brokerage Accounts: Questions to Ask
Before you name a helper on your accounts, work through six questions on purpose, access levels, the right person, limits, security and reviews.
Managing an Inheritance: First Steps Before You Invest
An inheritance calls for patience, not speed. Learn the first steps: what you received, how the tax rules apply and how to build a plan first.
A Year-Round Investing Calendar: What to Review in Each Quarter
A quarterly investing calendar for busy professionals: what to review from January to December and which life events deserve a review off schedule.
Planning the Transition to Part-Time Work: Cash Flow and Portfolio Questions
Moving to part-time work changes what a portfolio has to do. Map spending, taxes and timing before the first reduced paycheck arrives.