Investment | Charles Patrick O'Connor

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.

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

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The Cycle of Investing

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

Five for Friday – February 20, 2026

Are we in an AI bubble? Are we approaching a market top? Ross tackles both questions.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

Nvidia and Hindsight Bias

“In looking back, I knew it all along.”

Five for Friday – July 10, 2026

Ross looks at market momentum, crude oil movement, jobs, and how we spend our time.

Bull & Baird: When Uncertainty Reigns

What can a recent spring storm tell us about the market's current volatility?

Bull & Baird: When Dreamers Dare

What the Miracle on Ice reveals about the enduring power of American optimism.

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.

Bull & Baird: The Siren's Call

In investing, a sense of purpose can protect you from a siren song of unhelpful distractions.

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The Cycle of Investing

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

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.

Global and International Funds

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

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.

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Articles

Surprising Upsides in a Down Market

In a perfect world, the stock market would only go up. However, even down markets can benefit investors in unexpected ways.

2026 Market and Policy Outlook

See what’s ahead for markets and policy in 2026 – and how it could impact you.

All That Matters: What's New, What Isn't

How should investors interpret recent market volatility? And what’s different this time?

Wealth Management Mailbag: Summer 2022

In this issue of the Wealth Management Mailbag, Ross Mayfield and Laura Davis answer client questions about the bear market.

Types of Stock Market Analysis

Most stock market analysis falls into three broad groups: Fundamental, technical, and sentimental. Here’s a look at each.

Impact Investing or Philanthropy

This fun piece can help your clients explore the benefits of impact investing versus founding a philanthropy.

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Videos

Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

Even low inflation rates can pose a threat to investment returns.

From Boats to Brokers

From the Dutch East India Company to Wall St., the stock market has a long and storied history.

Investments

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

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