Investment and Saving

Bonds are debt instruments issued by the U.S. government, state and local governments, corporations, and foreign entities. The issuer borrows money and promises to pay back the debt plus interest twice a year. If the issuer goes bankrupt, bond holders will be paid before stock holders. Here are some key elements of bonds: Principal or [...]

Dream or Nightmare? Money Can Be Both Tamara had dreamed that one day she’d have wealth. One day she did, but it came as a nightmare rather than a dream, when a fiery plane crash killed her husband and two of her four children. For five long years she battled the airline at fault for [...]

“The sky is falling, the sky is falling” cried Chicken Little.  Some investors may agree.  What should you do If you find the stock market plummeting. 1.  Don’t panic. Remember that panic is not an effective, long-term investment strategy. But when the Nasdaq plunges as much as 5% a day for several days running, it’s hard [...]

These are the times that test investor’s souls, or at least their tolerance for risk. If you invest in technology, biotech and other stocks that trade on NASDAQ, you’ve seen quite a bit of volatility this year. What does the future hold?More volatility, which means risk. In stock market terminology, risk is the chance that [...]

Would you like to earn 8% or more on your money, guaranteed and risk-free? Like to trim your future expenses so you can retire early? Want to save thousands of dollars in interest expense? One simple investment can do it all: prepay your mortgage. To trim five years off a 30 year, 8% mortgage of [...]

Your e-mails tell me time and again that one of the most daunting tasks you face is picking mutual funds and monitoring their progress. I’m so busy, you say – how can I make this task easier and less overwhelming? People often take a hodgepodge approach to their investments – even those who read the [...]

If you like roller coasters, you might be enjoying the ride on Wall Street these days, as the stock market spikes then tumbles, then hits bottom and careens up again. But for most of us, whose stomachs clench at such high jinks, these are unsettling times. But take heart – those reckless gyrations may actually [...]

Selecting stocks can be tough. But stock selection is much easier once you understand stock market and economic cycles. Diversification is key. To build a portfolio, you should own several different stocks in several of the eight market sectors: consumer cyclicals, technology, financial, energy, industrials, basic materials, consumer non-cyclicals and utilities. Decide which of the [...]

San Diego is growing. There are thousands more cars on the road every day – and they are all in my lane! I’m normally a cautious driver, but when the freeway lane I’m in slows to a crawl while those in adjacent lanes are flying by, I’m tempted to change lanes. But as soon as [...]

My cat Augie loves to lie in the sun all day. Who wouldn’t?  But even in sunny San Diego, it sometimes rains. Augie hates that, and he turns away from the open door in disgust. Then he goes to a different door to be let out. He’s looking for the door where it isn’t raining [...]

Uh oh, the stock market slid again. So what else is new? Even patient optimists have gotten fed up with the market, which is exactly why it’s going down.  As the last rat (excuse the expression) bails off the ship, there will be no more sellers left. With only buyers left at the party, the [...]

Making changes to your home can disrupt your life, and it can be harmful to your finances as well. Before you decide on your next home improvement project, check out how much it will improve your home’s value. According to figures from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, remodeling your kitchen or bathroom is [...]

Once you have a mortgage, you’re set, right? Not really—though your parents might have kept the same mortgage for 30 years, today’s fluctuating mortgage rates keep you on your toes. So when should you refinance? If you can get a no-cost loan at a rate that’s lower than you are presently paying, why not refinance? [...]

Is it time to go house hunting? If so, here are eight great tips to help you get the best deal: Start with the basics. Read the classifieds, visit open houses, and let brokers know what kind of housing you’re seeking. Apply to a lender for preapproval so you’ll know exactly how much home you can [...]

Wait! Before you reach into your pocket you might want to read this. Switch to a free ATM card. Automatic teller machines (ATM) are a great convenience, but if you’re being charged a fee to use them, the costs can add up. If your bank charges a fee find a different bank. ANNUAL SAVINGS: $30+ [...]

So you want to buy a car or a house? How about get a credit card or a mobile phone? You won’t get any of those things until they check your credit score. There are three main credit scoring agencies – Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. They each issue credit reports showing your creditors’ names, [...]

Just because your marriage went down the drain, doesn’t mean your money has to follow. The emotional burden of a divorce can be overwhelming. Now add to that the financial adjustments you have to go through and it becomes frightening. But don’t fret, there are certain steps you can take to get your “Divorce and [...]

Is the recent stock volatility in the market making your head spin? You’ve probably heard the comparison between the current stock market and a roller coaster ride. Both have a lot of sudden ups and downs that can make keeping your lunch down a chore. But ask yourself this question- when the roller coaster is [...]

Do your kids think you’re made of money? Does it seem like every time you turn around your forking out dough to your kids? Maybe, it’s time to start teaching them the meaning of that old expression, “Money doesn’t grow on trees” Here are some helpful ideas to make them start respecting the hard work [...]

5 Basic building blocks that will  start you on the road to financial freedom. When the great master told her pupil, “You must first learn to walk before you can run.” She could have very well been giving financial advice. Wealth building is a result of organization, planning, and motivation. Take these 5 tips to [...]

Love to browse on-line? Use the Web to locate valuable investment information. In today’s computer driven era, it seems there’s nothing you can’t find on the Internet. For all you investors out there, or even those of you thinking about investing, the Internet is a goldmine of free information. Whether it’s a company conference call, [...]

Thinking Social Security is a major source of retirement income? Think Again. If you’re counting on Social Security as a major part of your retirement income…watch out! The Social Security system is increasingly strained. With people living longer and better health care, more and more people are drawing benefits. To give you an idea:  In [...]

Before saying you have no money to save, check out the “Latte Factor.” This may be a savings strategy you’ve overlooked when looking for ways to save money. What is the “Latte Factor”?  Let’s make up an example. Tom is a 23 year old, working in an office somewhere, and not getting paid a whole [...]

What Steps Can You Take Now to  Protect the Security of Your Family? One of your first financial goals should be protecting your family’s security from a financial crisis.  To do this, you need to look at four things: First, it’s important to have enough insurance in all major areas. These major areas are life, [...]

Volatile Times in the Market Raise Lots of Questions. Wondering how to invest and what to invest in? Your first step should be to formulate an investment strategy. To do that, ask yourself these questions concerning your exceptions and preferences.  What period of time are you investing for?A short-term investor needs the money in one [...]

When I was first given the opportunity to write this column, some of my staff asked, “Why put a financial advice article in a magazine about home decorating?” They wondered whether my readers would have any interest in financial planning, and whether they would embrace the concepts I wanted to address. I understood however, that [...]

Volatility can make your stomach churn, and the volatility of this year’s unstable stock market has even the most savvy investors reaching for the Pepto-Bismol. So you may be surprised to hear stock market volatility may actually a good thing — at least for your retirement savings. Say you are investing $500 in a stock [...]

There are volumes written about how to become a successful investor, and the advice is often quite complex. Here are some common-sense tips that will improve your investment success, no matter what your level of financial sophistication. 1. Come early to the party, and stay late. Begin investing as soon as you can, be patient, [...]

Home ownership has many benefits, but figuring out financing can be tricky. Many people are turning to interest only loans, touted as a way to buy more house for less monthly outlay. Interest only loans come in many variations, but in general you pay a fixed rate of interest but no principal for the first [...]

From what we’ve seen over the past 20 years, women are more likely to be better investors than men. Here’s why: They tend to research their investments more thoroughly and invest to meet specific long-term goals. They are inclined to hold onto their investments longer than their male counterparts, and panic less easily, even when [...]

We have now reached a milestone – the Dow Jones Industrial Average has reached 13,000, and prosperity continues. But economic indicators are mixed, and eventually the economy will slide into recession. Here’s how future economic developments may affect you. Q: If we have a recession, does it mean the stock market boom is over for [...]

Perhaps it was Confucius who said, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Investing for the future is always a game of chance and risk-taking is part of the game plan.  The goal is to make your money grow—keeping ahead of inflation, using interest rates to your advantage in saving and borrowing, riding safely through the ups and [...]

Have you tried to get a mortgage loan lately? Recent rule changes established for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two very large government-sponsored enterprises, have tightened lending requirements. Here are some of the changes that may affect you, courtesy of Bills.com: Appraisals are costlier, and the results less favorable. Many would-be home buyers [...]

Benjamin Franklin, one of our founding fathers, was a very savvy guy.  He said that a penny saved is a penny earned, but he proved that it really can be worth millions. In his will Franklin left the cities of Boston and Philadelphia 1,000 pounds each (the equivalent of $4,444). He asked that the funds [...]

Today’s investments are steps toward tomorrow’s dreams. Whether it’s real estate, stocks, bonds, or another financial product, we buy in hopes that our investments will prosper and help us reach our financial goals. But all investments carry risk. It’s risk that provides the opportunity for money to grow. We as consumers have rights and responsibilities [...]

Bring on the picnics, parades, and fireworks—it’s time for our nation’s annual celebration of faith! July Fourth marks one of the world’s great acts of faith when a bold group of American patriots signed their names to the Declaration of Independence and risked everything for the dream of a free and just society. Of course, [...]

Are we heading into a Great Depression? Probably not. “While today’s situation does not necessarily imply another Great Depression, the economic downturn and those comparisons can encourage us to turn worry into a positive,” said Ethan Ewing of Bills.com. “Consider the lessons learned from the Great Depression and apply some of your grandparents’ financial knowledge [...]

Looking for perfect gift for your children or grandchildren? Instead of giving cash or the latest gadget, try giving a financial gift. These gifts will help your loved ones to develop valuable money skills that will last long after the holiday season. Mutual funds: Giving shares in a mutual fund can be an excellent way [...]

By Virginia Hodge “The Dow reaches new Highs!” blares the television. But what is the Dow? Way back in 1880 a newspaper reporter named Charles Dow began writing for the New York Mail and Express. Later he and Edward Jones formed the Dow Jones News Company, the predecessor to Wall Street Journal. Jones was the [...]

After she was widowed, Mary received a lump sum from her husband’s life insurance policy. Mary needed current income and also wanted to invest for her retirement. Her financial planner, Harriet, suggested mutual funds. Harriet explained that a mutual fund is a professionally managed pool of stocks and/or bonds that provide reduced portfolio risk through [...]

After Anna received half of a joint stock brokerage account in her divorce, she went to see Sam, a stockbroker recommended by a family friend. Sam quickly found that Anna’s knowledge of investments was slim, so he explained stocks to her. Stocks in a company represent a portion of ownership, called shares, that are bought [...]

What does financial freedom mean to you? For most people, it is living free from financial worry. We must invest today to build a secure tomorrow, but many people put off investing because they don’t know how to begin. But managing your investments does not have to be an onerous task, as you will find [...]

An excerpt from the seminar “Surviving the Stock Market” by Carol Kean, fee-only investment adviser. How are your investments affected by emotional vs. rational behavior? That is a real concern for many investors as they analyze the stock market. You must deal with your own emotions as a stock market investor, hanging on as the waves get choppy. But even [...]

Happy days are here again! The economy is flourishing, real estate is booming, and Internet stocks are going to the moon. We’re saving less, and no wonder. There’s no need to save, with all the wealth being created under our noses. But how much of the wealth is real, and how much is illusion? Here’s [...]

By Michelle Kennedy Hogan What is a hedge fund anyway? Recently, I read a report that stated hedge funds might actually be a better place to put your money than mutual funds. The report went on to say that, according to Van Hedge Fund Advisors International (they track hedge funds’ performance), that almost all of [...]