Investment | Baird's Columbia Office

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 Can a Million Dollars Buy You?

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

Have A Question About This Topic?

What Smart Investors Know

Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.

All That Matters: Weathering a Storm

Mike and Ross discuss how to navigate market storms while keeping your long-term financial goals in focus.

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

How Stocks Work

Understanding how a stock works is key to understanding your investments.

In the Markets Now: Bubbles

Amid FOMO, the attention economy, and talk of bubbles, every investor must run their own race.

Five for Friday – July 17, 2026

Ross looks at the relationship between expectations and outcomes, especially when a rally begins to make people nervous.

In the Markets Now: Spots of Weakness

As policy uncertainty and lackluster economic data shake the market, Ross looks at spots of weakness and strength.

Required Reading: The Economic Report of the President

The Economic Report of the President can help identify the forces driving — or dragging — the economy.

In the Markets Now: Soft Landings and Bull Markets

The current bull market is set to enter its third year. What are the real risks facing investors?

View all articles

The Fed and How It Got That Way

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

Global and International Funds

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

The Business Cycle

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

The Cycle of Investing

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

Bursting the Bubble

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

The Real Cost of a Vacation Home

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

View all videos

Articles

The Road to November: Election Insights from Strategas

Head of Policy Research Dan Clifton breaks down how to analyze the upcoming presidential election, and what it means for you.

Separating the Signal From the Noise

A good professional provides important guidance and insight through the years.

A Primer on Dividends

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

Does Diversification Still Work?

Hindsight may be 20/20, but investing is about looking forward.

What It Takes to Become an Accredited Investor

What does it take to be an accredited investor? Explore the details, & the types of investments offered to those who qualify.

All That Matters: All-Time Highs, All-Time Worries

In August’s episode, Mike and Ross tackle all-time highs and the timeless worries that come with them.

View all articles
Videos

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.

Inflation and Your Portfolio

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

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 You Invest in Exchange Traded Funds?

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

Investments

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

View all videos