Investment | Baird's Madison West 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.

It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times

All about how missing the best market days (or the worst!) might affect your portfolio.

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Jane Bond: Scaling the Ladder

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

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.

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?"

Five for Friday – November 14, 2025

This week, Ross looks at the fundamentals beneath share prices and why the broad stock market doesn’t look expensive.

All That Matters: Hype and Hidden Risks

Mike and Ross look beyond hype to the real market risks facing investors

The Dangers of Portfolio Tinkering

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

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.

In the Markets Now: Investing at All-Time Highs

All-time highs can make investors nervous to dive in, but Ross looks to the data for a counter-argument.

In the Markets Now: Taking Action

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

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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.

Monthly Budget

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

College Savings

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

Student Loan Payoff Calculator: Extra Payments Can Save You

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

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Should I Invest in Gold?

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

Are Alternative Investments Right for You?

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

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.

Bursting the Bubble

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