Investment | Paul E. Christian, CFP®

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.

Have A Question About This Topic?

Where Is the Market Headed?

We all know the stock market can be unpredictable. We all want to know, "What's next for the financial markets?"

The Best Market Indicator Is...

One data point out of context doesn’t tell you the full story.

The Business Cycle

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

Five for Friday — January 30, 2026

Ross reflects on five of his favorite quotes from Warren Buffett.

Five for Friday – March 6, 2026

Ross looks at how war affects the market and gas prices – and then touches on recent signs that economic activity is up.

In the Markets Now: 2,026 Things for 2026

Ross has fun with numbers and dishes a wealth of good information for investors to know as we head into 2026.

Bull & Bear Markets: A Timeline

This helpful infographic will define bull and bear markets, as well as give a historical overview.

All That Matters: What Lies Ahead

For the first episode of 2025, Mike and Ross pull back and look at the year to come.

All That Matters: Is This the Top?

Is the bull market peaking? Not so fast. Mike & Ross discuss their continued optimism about the current market rally.

View all articles

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

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.

What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

View all videos

Articles

In the Markets Now: Averages and Roller Coasters

The S&P 500's average annual return has been 10% for a century...but that's almost never how it feels.

What You Can (And Can’t) Pay for With 529 Funds

529 plans are useful tools for funding an education – but knowing which expenses you can use the funds on is crucial.

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)

Wealth Management Mailbag: Fall 2022

Why is inflation so hard to tamp down, and how does raising rates help?

In the Markets Now: Inspecting IPOs

There’s been growing hype about IPOs, but is it warranted?

Five for Friday – March 13, 2026

Ross looks at rising oil prices, gives a sanity check on dedollarization, and shares new data on remote work.

View all articles
Videos

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

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.

Finding the Balance

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

Learning more about gold and its history may help you decide whether it has a place in your portfolio.

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.

View all videos