Investment | Bryan Vaughn, CFP®, CPA

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.

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

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Investments

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

The Anatomy of an Index

The S&P 500 represents a large portion of the value of the U.S. equity market, it may be worth understanding.

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

In the Markets Now: When To Diversify

Ross explains the wisdom of a diversified portfolio.

Five for Friday – January 16, 2026

Ross pushes backs on alarmism about the U.S. dollar, looks at bull market staying power, and checks on the labor market.

How to Conquer the World - 5 Financial Strategies for Savvy

Learn more about women taking control of their finances with this infographic.

A Primer on Dividends

A company's profits can be reinvested or paid out to the company’s shareholders as “dividends."

A Look at Diversification

Diversification is an investment principle designed to manage risk, but it can't prevent against a loss.

How Should I Save for My Child’s Education?

Five vehicles that can help you make the most of saving for college.

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Global and International Funds

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

The Cycle of Investing

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Finding the Balance

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

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

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Articles

In the Markets Now: What I'm Thankful For

There’s a lot to be thankful for in the markets.

A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses

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

In the Markets Now: Taking Action

Election Day is now in the rearview mirror; what can we learn about investor behavior during election cycles?

The Dangers of Portfolio Tinkering

“Your money is like a bar of soap – the more you handle it, the less you’ll have.”

Estimating the Cost of College

This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.

All That Matters: Can't Keep a Good Market Down

Mike and Ross break down what’s fueling the stock market and the economic blind spots that could catch investors off guard.

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Videos

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.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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 Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Should I Invest in Gold?

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

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