Investment | John Bickel

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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What Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

In the Markets Now: Taking Action

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

Bridging the Confidence Gap

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

In the Markets Now: War in Iran

As the conflict in the Middle East has escalated, so have concerns on the effect it will have on the economy and markets.

A Look at Diversification

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

In the Markets Now: Quick Crash, Quick Bounce

A look at the 24 other times since 2010 that the market sold off 6% in three days (and what it looked like one year later).

Five for Friday – July 10, 2026

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

Diversification: The "Free Lunch" of Portfolio Building

While diversification doesn’t guarantee against loss, it is often a successful long-term strategy.

The ABCs of Zero Coupon Bonds

Understanding some basic concepts may help you assess whether zero-coupon bonds have a place in your portfolio.

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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.

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.

College Savings

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

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Finding the Balance

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

Investments

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

Jane Bond: Infiltrating the Market

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

Should You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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