Investing

The end of 2012 brought about a flurry of articles touting the gains achieved by the rich in having their money work for them. How did they do it? Where do you start? Investing in the stock market can be daunting to consider, but armed with the basics, anyone can try their luck at increasing their net worth in the stock market. When we talk about investing in the stock market, we are taking about investing in a strategy. This strategy can involve trading in a diverse group of issues including commodities, bonds, options, stocks, and mutual funds. Let’s take …

Stock Market Basics For New Investors Read More »

With the struggling economy, everyone is concerned about their investments as well as their immediate financial status. Knowing your way around the stock market index and what it is can help you track any investments you do have in various outlets like mutual funds and stocks, and also help you to decide where you would like to purchase investments. A stock market index is used to measure the performance of a specific section of the stock market. If stocks in a certain group change value, so does the index. The rise and fall is usually marked by points, but the …

Stock Market Index Read More »

Since the financial crisis of 2008, many have become afraid of the stock market. The volatility on the stock market, with three-digit gains one day and three-digit losses three days later, has created fear of investing in the market, especially for those with retirement accounts. However, it is important to remember that the stock market has always been volatile (although to varying degrees throughout the years). Without volatility the chance for profits would be much smaller. And, besides, even with the volatility in the stock market, over time the market comes out ahead — or at least it has historically. There …

What You need to Know about Stock Market Volatility Read More »

Dividends are an essential part of a Boomer’s income stream in retirement.  Unfortunately, many stocks that used to pay handsome dividends have either dropped significantly or have been eliminated all together.  One solution as an alternative is investing into preferred stocks.   What exactly are preferred stocks?  Preferred stock are typically considered to be “hybrid” investments.   No, we’re not talking about a more fuel efficient stock.  Hybrid in that they have characteristics of stocks and bonds.   Let’s look at what the pros and cons of preferred stock. Preferred Stocks and Dividends As the “preferred” adjective implies, these shares are a step …

Should You Invest Into Preferred Stocks? Read More »

Self directed investing can be risky but many traders find it to be very rewarding as well. The proliferation of the Internet and other forms of communications technology has made it easier than ever to engage in this practice. There are many ways to approach this increasingly popular form of trading, but curious investors should review the advantages and disadvantages of investing without the guidance of a broker. It is also necessary to have achieved a certain level of investment sophistication to make this a worthwhile endeavor. What Is Self Directed Investing About? The average, non-institutional investor makes his or …

The Ins And Outs Of Self Directed Investing Read More »

Self Directed IRAs allow the account owner to make all of their own investment decisions. Regulations for self directed IRA’s require that a custodian or qualified trustee holds the IRA assets, keep records pertaining to the IRA transactions, file IRS reports and send statements to the account owner.  With recent declines of the stock market, many investors are considering using self directed IRA’s to invest into alternative type investments.   But many are still confused on the rules and what you’re really allowed to invest into.   Here’s a closer look on the rules of investing into self directed IRA’s. What Can …

Rules of Investing Into Self Directed IRA’s Read More »

Gold certainly has a very powerful history and since its discovery the metal has been symbolized as a means of wealth and power. Throughout history nations have obsessed over gold, killed for it and held power because of it. The question that you often hear today is: Is gold a good purchasing investment or are the risks simply too high and not worth it? Here is a look at why people like to invest in gold along with what you need to consider and watch out for if you do decide to invest in it. Why People Buy Gold Many …

Risks In Buying Gold Read More »

Scottrade is one of the most solidified discount brokers in the industry. They offer competitive trading costs as well as great customer service. Scottrade has a standard fee for every transaction of $7 dollars. They also offer the ability to trade options for $7 per trade, plus $1.25 per contract. Opening an Online Account with Scottrade Scottrade offers several different platforms for their customers which offer a variety of options depending upon what you the investor feels comfortable with. They offer their Web Platform which gives you access to strictly their online site, you will not be required to download anything on …

Scottrade Review: Opening an Online Trading Account Read More »