Investment | Jim Martin

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 Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

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The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Five for Friday — February 6, 2026

Ross looks at corporate profits, the swoon in Bitcoin, and Gold’s movements—and reminds us to run our own race.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Five for Friday – May 8, 2026

Corporate profits and the job market are doing better than gloomy headlines suggest (but long-term bond yields may be a risk)

What the 1970s Can Teach Us About Inflation

Lessons from an age when inflation was anything but groovy.

Understanding The Fed’s Highwire Act

How do you choose between low unemployment and low inflation?

All That Matters: Summer's Over. What Matters Now?

In this episode, Mike and Ross cover what investors should be paying attention to as we ramp up into year end.

All That Matters: All-Time Highs, All-Time Worries

In August’s episode, Mike and Ross tackle all-time highs and the timeless worries that come with them.

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.

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The Cycle of Investing

Understanding the cycle of investing may help you avoid easy pitfalls.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Investments

You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

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.

Finding the Balance

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

Global and International Funds

Investors seeking world investments can choose between global and international funds. What's the difference?

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Articles

How to Invest in LGBTQ+ Friendly Companies

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

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

Emotional vs. Strategic Decisions

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

Best-Performing Asset Classes

Bonds may outperform stocks one year only to have stocks rebound the next.

Making the Most of Employee Stock Ownership

Employee stock purchase plans are powerful investment vehicles. Learn their key benefits and how to take advantage of them.

Asset Allocation

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

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Videos

Investments

You’ve made investments your whole life. Work with us to help make the most of them.

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

Agent Jane Bond is on the case, cracking the code on bonds.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

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.

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