Investment | Joseph Ostrom

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.

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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Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

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.

The Cycle of Investing

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

Unpacking What It Means To Be a Fiduciary

The fiduciary standard offers protection for investors, but that’s not the whole story.

All That Matters: What Did We Learn?

What can April’s selloff (and Warren Buffet) teach us about long-term investing.

How to Deal With the Inevitable Volatility

Though they can be painful, market corrections are a natural and necessary part of long-term investing.

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.

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.

In the Markets Now: Selloff Summary for January 20, 2026

Equity markets fell on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions ramped up and global bond yields spiked.

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Monthly Budget

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

See how extra payments toward your student loans could shorten your payoff timeline.

College Savings

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

What Is My Net Worth?

Get a snapshot of your overall financial picture by calculating your total net worth.

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

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

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The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Global and International Funds

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

From Boats to Brokers

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