November Edition: Comfort Food & Sensible Investing

Herd mentality bias is the tendency to copy the behavior of others instead of making independent decisions. As social creatures, people are hard-wired to go along with the crowd. The assumption is that if a group is behaving a certain way, its members may know something that we don’t. In investing, herd mentality may lead people to invest in certain stocks or strategies simply because of their popularity, an approach that may also lead to panic selling when the markets decline. Perhaps the best recent example of this is the “meme stocks” like GameStop (GME) and Beyond Meat (BYD).¹

In the current market conditions, this behavior carries extra risk. A large share of the stock market’s performance is being driven by a handful of mega-cap companies, and overall equity valuations remain inflated compared to historical standards. When everyone piles into the same tickers or themes, it can make markets appear stronger than they really are. For example, although 500 companies make up the S&P 500 index, the ten largest companies represent about one-third of the index’s performance.²

The danger is that when sentiment shifts, trades can unwind fast. Investors who bought simply because everyone else was buying may find themselves experiencing sudden volatility in their portfolios and unexpected losses. That’s why it’s important to look beyond what’s trending and focus instead on balance sheets, earnings quality, diversification, and long-term fit within your personal plan. Following fundamentals may not always feel as exciting as chasing the next hot idea, but it’s the surest way to stay steady and grow your wealth.

BrewLights – Cut loose without kids or daytime crowds and enjoy 50 of the Northwest’s best breweries and cideries, plus live music, food carts and more while enjoying the Christmas lights at the Oregon Zoo. Tickets include a souvenir cup and 10 three-ounce pours. Nondrinking tickets are available for those preferring to enjoy BrewLights alcohol-free. (11/18 -19)

Pittock Mansion Home For the Holidays – With this year’s theme being “Holiday Classics”, the grandeur of the mansion is beautifully blended with the warmth of the holiday decorations Different rooms provide glimpses into a variety of holiday celebrations such as A Christmas Tea Party, A White Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, A Hawaiian Christmas, Classic French Christmas Eve and more. Don’t forget to check the event website to see if Santa will make an appearance during your visit! (11/18 - 1/9)

Portland European Bazaar – This indoor-outdoor market is a special holiday-edition experience inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. You’ll find over 50 makers, designers and local artisans showcasing one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade goods and festive treats. This year’s event coincides with Small Business Saturday, making it a great way to kick off your holiday shopping and support the local creative community.(11/28 - 29)

Mt. Hood Railway Polar Express – All aboard for holiday magic! The scenic round-trip aboard the train features a festive pre-boarding show, hot cocoa and cookies served during the ride, and a special visit from Santa and his elves. The combination of holiday storytelling, interactive cast, seasonal treats, and the magic of meeting Santa makes it a beloved tradition for many Oregonians. (11/21 - 1/3)

CHECK OUT MORE EVENTS IN PORTLAND →

This is where I’ll answer your unfiltered, anonymous money questions. No judgement, no jargon, just clear answers to the things you’ve always wondered but maybe never asked.

November marks the start of open enrollment season, when employers roll out benefit updates and give you the chance to review your health coverage for the year ahead. It’s easy to focus on premiums and copays, but one of the most valuable and often underutilized tools available during this time is the Health Savings Account (HSA).

If you’re enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you can open and fund an HSA. Think of it as a triple-tax-advantaged account:

1.      Contributions are tax-deductible, lowering your taxable income.

2.      Growth is tax-free while the funds stay invested.

3.      Withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses.

Here’s the two things most people miss: HSAs can double as a stealth retirement savings tool. Your HSA balance rolls over each year and can be invested for long-term growth. Many people use current cash flow to pay out-of-pocket medical costs, letting the HSA stay invested and building a tax-free fund for future healthcare needs in retirement. The second hidden perk is that the IRS definition of a “qualified medical expense” is broader than you’d probably expect. It covers a wide range of wellness and preventative costs such as acupuncture, fertility treatments, contacts, and long-term care premiums.³

With open enrollment running through mid-December for most employers, now’s the perfect time to review your options:

If you’re craving a little Southern comfort in Portland, Screen Door is a can’t-miss. Known for its chicken and waffles, this brunch spot delivers big flavors and even bigger portions. The chicken was crispy and well-seasoned with a warm, subtle spice that carried a nice kick and stayed impressively crunchy through the meal, even under syrup. The sweet potato waffle had a perfect balance: crisp on the outside, fluffy and slightly chewy inside, and seasoned with cozy spices that make it a standout.

I also tried the biscuit with jam and country-fried steak, both of which were well-executed classics. The steak was tender, coated in the same crust as the chicken, and paired with rich sausage gravy. The potatoes alongside were fluffy on the inside, with a crisp exterior and the same spice blend found in the batter, tying the plate together. While everything was well executed, many of the components shared a similar flavor profile, which left me wishing for a little more variety. A bright element, something herbaceous or acidic, would have helped cut through the richness and round out the meal.

I visited their Pearl District location, which has a Southern shabby-chic vibe, plenty of seating, and a lively brunch crowd. By 9 AM, it was packed, so snag a reservation or be ready to wait. Their original spot is on the east side, and there’s even a location in Concourse B of the Portland Airport (PDX) if you’re flying through.

Thanks for reading and supporting this new adventure—I’m so glad you’re here.

Until next time,

Cheers to making money less stressful and life more fun.

Investment advisory services offered through Concurrent Investment Advisors, LLC (SEC Registered Investment Advisor). Securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments (PKS), Member FINRA/SIPC. PKS and Concurrent/Columbia Associates are not affiliated. This material is for informational purposes only and is intended for the recipient(s). It is not investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. For full disclosures, please visit www.columbiaassociates.com