Investing Education Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Directory Updates, Investing, Investing Education
How much investing knowledge is enough? For some, visiting a financial portal every year is too much, while for others, complete immersion in CNNMoney, The Wall Street Journal, and all forms of investing information is not enough. The obvious answer is that your level of investing knowledge depends on your personal situation and interests. With increasing market complexity and volatility, and so much of your net worth depending on smart investment decisions, it's difficult to argue against spending some of your free time learning more about investing. The Moneysmartz Investing Education guide offers a list of free and for-fee investing education resources covering the full-spectrum of investing education needs. To view listings from leading providers of investment education, visit the Moneysmartz Investment Education guide.
Day Trading Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Day Trading, Directory Updates, Investing
The recently updated Moneysmartz Day Trading page, designed to highlight the risk of day trading, includes two cautionary listings from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). According to the SEC, "Day trading is extremely risky and can result in substantial financial losses in a very short period of time." If you still have the stomach for day trading after visiting the SEC listings, then go to the Wikipedia and Investopedia listings to learn even more about day trading, including trading strategies for beginners.
Foreclosures Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Real Estate
Tags: Directory Updates, Foreclosures, Real Estate
The recently created Moneysmartz Foreclosures page offers tips, advice, and solutions to consumers facing the nightmare of foreclosure. For links to agencies and organizations offering consumer assistance, visit the Federal Reserve Education foreclosure page, a Moneysmartz Editor Best Bet. When using Google to find foreclosure information, beware of the numerous foreclosure listing sites targeting real estate investors, as many offer little useful information for consumers facing foreclosure. If you are a real estate investor looking for local foreclosures, then try RealtyTrac, the self-proclaimed "#1 source of foreclosure listings." For ways to avoid foreclosures, look to About Home Buying, with links to how foreclosures work and ways to stop foreclosures.
Warren Buffett
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Directory Updates, Investing, Warren Buffett
Staid, steady, and low-key, not the ingredients to attract over 30,000 admirers to Nebraska on a blustery May weekend. However, for many, Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting, and its star attraction, Warren Buffett, have enough sparks to sizzle an Omaha steak without a grill.The newly created Moneysmartz Warren Buffett category includes quotes, letters, and insight into the wit and undeniable wisdom of Warren Buffett.
For entertaining and useful investment insight, be sure to visit the link to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. shareholder letters. To learn about how the "Oracle of Omaha" does it, visit the Investopedia Editor Best Bet.
Even if you won't be making a pilgrimage to the "Woodstock of capitalism" this weekend, don't miss the chance to learn from the master by visiting a link or two at the Moneysmartz Warren Buffett page.
Major Company Information Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Directory Updates, Investing, Investing Research
Information is power, but too much information can be overwhelming. The secret to do-it-yourself company investment research is to find the most reliable and relevant sources of free information.The recently updated Moneysmartz Major Company Information category provides links to market research leaders offering both free and for-fee resources to help you get under the hood of potential equity investments.
A great place to start and meet most of your research needs is Yahoo! Finance. Once on the site, enter the ticker symbol of your target company or do a search to find their ticker symbol, and click "get quotes." For example, here's what you will find after entering GE. The Yahoo! Finance GE page includes charts, quotes, news and information, company information, analyst coverage, ownership, and financial information.
Visit the Securities Exchange Commission Edgar database for free access to financial and related filings by public companies. Stock pickers can roll up their sleeves and dig into the SEC information.
Finally, if you prefer a short and sweet synopsis of your favorite company, then visit the Portfolio.com link.
Once you browse through the Moneysmartz Major Company Information category, you will be prepared to turn your information into power and better investment returns.
Commodities and Futures Investing Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Commodities and Futures Investing, Directory Updates, Investing
Commodity volatility is on the rise. Visit your local gas station or try buying rice in bulk and you will see evidence of soaring commodity prices. Should you add commodity futures trading to your investment arsenal?The answer for most investors is a strong and simple no, but for a select few, those with the means, perspective, and training, trading commodity futures is a risky, but viable, investment alternative.
The updated Moneysmartz Commodities and Futures Investing category offers an introduction to commodity futures, including general information, news and market information, and places to start trading.
The Moneysmartz Editor recommends visiting Lind Waldock, an online trading brokerage with everything you need to learn, practice trading risk-free, and trade with your own money. If you are looking for more information, then visit the CNNMoney commodity markets page and Reality Based Trading for a commodity futures primer.
Since the rising and falling cost of commodities should continue to dominate the news, it is a great time to at least learn more about commodity futures and the potential of futures trading in your investment strategy.
Brokerages Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Brokerages, Directory Updates, Investing
Brokerages, and the brokers who work for them, bring buyers and sellers of securities together, and receive a commission for facilitating the sale. Unlike the old days, a trade, or sale, does not require person-to-person interaction. So, not surprisingly, technology is becoming increasingly important, and the distinctions between brokerage firms are blurring.The updated Moneysmartz Brokerages category includes the major classes of brokerage firms, including "Premium," "Full-Service," and "Discount Brokers." To help differentiate between brokerage firms, visit the SmartMoney Editor Best Best for brokerage rankings. If you need more information about your personal broker, visit FINRA's BrokerCheck to learn more about the background of your investment professional.
If you are averse to technology, or just feel more comfortable working with an individual instead of a computer, most brokerages offer hands-on trading assistance, both on the phone or in person with a local investment professional.
One final note, to get the best per trade rates, embrace technology and learn how to make your trades online, without human assistance.
Bonds Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Planning , Investing
Tags: Bonds, Directory Updates, Financial Planning, Investing
Boring, vanilla, and without sex appeal, bonds are an important weapon in your personal investment arsenal. Bonds come in many forms with the most basic representing a loan from the investor to an issuer in exchange for a stream of payments and repayment of the loan. Bonds offer inflation protection and help diversity a portfolio, particularly if you are seeking income over a fixed period. As experienced bond investors know, the variety of bonds, including issuers and denominations, is vast.The updated Moneysmartz Bonds category offers primers, market news, rates, and insight to help you understand bonds and incorporate them into your personal investment strategy. For a thorough introduction to bonds, visit the Investopedia Bond Basics Editor Best Bet. The SmartMoney and Motley Fool Editor Best Bets link to bond investing tools and strategies. Finally, TreasuryDirect, another Editor Best Bet, offers information and a way to buy bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury
While not flashy, bonds can play a substantial role in your investment portfolio.
Asset Allocation Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Planning , Investing
Tags: Asset Allocation, Directory Updates, Financial Planning, Investing
The experts say that asset allocation, defined as how you distribute your investments among asset classes like stocks and bonds, is the single most important factor in determining investing returns. According to Investopedia, the experts also say, "your selection of individual securities is secondary to the way you allocate your investment in stocks, bonds, and cash and equivalents, which will be the principal determinants of your investment results." Given this sage advice, asset allocation deserves at least a portion of your financial planning attention.The newly created Moneysmartz Asset Allocation category offers calculators, tools, and strategies to help you understand and exploit the power of asset allocation. For a brief and easy to understand introduction to asset allocation, visit the Securities and Exchange Commission beginners' guide to asset allocation Editor Best Bet. Use the Financial Planning Toolkit asset allocator Editor Best Bet to determine your personal asset allocation strategy. Before implementing this strategy, consider talking with a professional for additional guidance and perspective.
Understanding and implementing asset allocation won't guarantee stellar investment performance, but you will improve your odds for better returns from your investments.
Going Green Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Money Management
Tags: Directory Updates, Going Green, Money Management
If you think it's too much effort to fill your recycle container with paper, plastic, and cans, then stop reading. If you already recycle, even reluctantly, then keep reading. Going green requires some effort and a little pain, but the upside can be big, for both your financial situation and the environment. The newly created Moneysmartz Going Green category is all about helping your green transformation put real dollars in your pocket. The best place to start is your home, so be sure to visit Energy Star, an Editor Best Bet, and a place where you learn about how to save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Another Editor Best Bet, Frugalist, offers tips, tools, and tutorials to help you save a "boatload of money." The Moneysmartz Going Green category also includes information about socially responsible investments, tools to help you measure your ecological footprint, and a lot more help saving money. If you are still reading, then take the time to learn a little more and do even more good for yourself and the environment.
Assessing Your Financial Situation
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Planning , Investing
Tags: Directory Updates, Financial Planning, Financial Situation, Investing
You cannot determine where you will be tomorrow if you don't know where you are today. These are simple words, but powerful advice if you want to begin saving and preparing for your future. The newly created Moneysmartz Financial Situation category will help you determine where you are financially today. Assessing your financial situation comes in many colors and flavors, but essentially boils down to determining your cash flow, income coming in less expenses going out, and your net worth, your assets, including investments less you liabilities, like credit card bills. The great news is that the Web offers do-it-yourself calculators and tools to make your job a lot easier. Be sure to visit the category Best Bets, including Mint.com, to create a budget, and NetWorthIQ, to track your net worth. If you prefer pencil and paper, then visit the About.com Financial Planning picks for worksheets. Once you determine where you are today, it won't take long to start achieving your long-term goals.
Investment Objectives Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Directory Updates, Investing, Investment Objectives
Risk tolerance and investment objectives go hand-in-hand and determine where you invest your money. InvestorWords.com defines an investment objective as "the result desired by an investor or mutual fund, such as current income or capital appreciation." Wachovia identifies four broad investment objectives including income, growth and income, growth, and speculation. The recently created Moneysmartz Investment Objectives category elaborates on these concepts and provides guidance to help you determine your personal investment strategy. For an understanding of the link between investment objectives and risk tolerance, visit the Wachovia listing. The About.com Stocks listing explains how investment objectives define investment strategy. The category is short on listings, only four, but long on insight.
Stagflation Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Economics , Investing
Tags: Directory Updates, Economics, Investing, Stagflation
Investopedia defines Stagflation as "a condition of slow economic growth and relatively high unemployment - a time of stagnation - accompanied by a rise in prices, or inflation." Given the recent drumbeat of negative economic news, it is not a surprise that 'stagflation' has suddenly become a hot topic with depressing implications for your economic well-being.The newly created Moneysmartz Stagflation category will help you understand the meaning of stagflation and find new ways to manage your investments during turbulent economic times. Be sure to visit the National Public Radio listing with a link to a thirty-minute podcast on the meaning of 'stagflation' to you. The Morningstar and Seeking Alpha listings offer 'stagflation' investing tips.
A final word as you prepare for the worst. Media references to impending 'stagflation' have been frequent since 2003. So, as you evaluate your investment strategy through the prism of stagflation, seek professional advice and use caution.
Risk Tolerance Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Directory Updates, Investing, Risk Tolerance
The market is crashing. What will you do with your investments? Your risk tolerance, defined by Investopedia as "the degree of uncertainty that an investor can handle in regard to a negative change in the value of his or her portfolio," largely determines your reaction. Equally important, risk tolerance, in addition to your investment objectives and experience, time horizon, and financial situation, should play a critical role in how you allocate your investment assets. The newly created Moneysmartz Risk Tolerance category includes links to online tests to help you determine your risk tolerance and articles to help you understand how risk tolerance relates to asset allocation. Be sure to visit the Wikipedia Stock Market Crash listing to learn about situations that are sure to test even the most risk tolerant.
Financial Goal Setting Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Goal Setting , Financial Planning
Tags: Directory Updates, Financial Goal Setting, Financial Planning
The foundation of a successful financial plan is an understanding of where you want to be financially in both the short and long run. The Moneysmartz Financial Goal Setting category provides links to tools and worksheets to help you set financial goals. If you have at least one half hour, visit the About Frugal Living listing that provides systematic directions for determining financial goals. For a quick introduction to financial goal setting and helpful financial calculators, visit the Financial Goal Setting listing from CCH Finance. If you plan to manage your finances on your own or work with a financial professional, a review of financial goal setting basics will help lay the groundwork for financial success.
Retirement Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Life Events , Retirement Planning
Tags: Directory Updates, Life Events, Retirement Planning
Are you prepared for retirement? The experts say no. The best response is to begin taking action today, so you can enjoy retirement tomorrow. The recently updated Moneysmartz Retirement category includes simple tools, powerful resources, and the gentle nudge you need to move forward in your retirement planning. This category now includes navigation tips for getting the most out of retirement planning resources on the web, including links to easy to use retirement savings calculators, financial portals, and online encyclopedias. If you are short on time, visit the Editor's Best Bets at the top of the category listings. Designed to save you time and get you moving, the Moneysmartz retirement planning page will help you prove the experts wrong.
Insurance Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Insurance
Tags: Directory Updates, Insurance
Are you protected against unexpected risks? The Moneysmartz Insurance category will help you understand the forms of insurance that protect you from financial catastrophe. When navigating the Moneysmartz insurance page, visit the Yahoo! Finance and Fool.com listings for a wealth of articles, resources, and calculators. For a comprehensive introduction to insurance, visit the Insurance Information Institute listing. For quotes and comparisons, visit Insurance.com. The old adage an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure applies to insurance where a minimum investment of time yields maximum protection and peace of mind.
Philanthropy Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Philanthropy
Tags: Directory Updates, Philanthropy
According to the Giving USA Foundation, Americans contributed almost $300 billion to charity in 2006. If you are considering giving to charity, then the Moneysmartz Philanthropy category will help you find charitable organizations, understand the tax implications of charitable giving, learn more about philanthropic causes, and stay away from less than scrupulous charitable organizations. To find a charity in your area, visit the Justgive.org listing. To understand the tax consequences of your giving, go to the H&R Block listing. Finally, for some cautionary advice on charitable giving, visit the FTC listing.
Federal Reserve Bank Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Economics
Tags: Directory Updates, Economics, The Federal Reserve Bank
In trying economic times, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank (the "Fed") plays a key role in sustaining the economic health of the U.S. economy. The Moneysmartz U.S. Federal Reserve Bank category includes listings from the Fed and the network of Federal Reserve banks throughout the United States. The Wikipedia listings and the How Stuff Works listing provide an overview of the Fed and its meaning in your financial life. While most won't immediately feel the financial impact of Federal Reserve Bank actions, an understanding of the inner workings of the Fed can help determine the timing of important financial decisions. Since the Fed plays a very important role in the rate of interest we pay on loans, a close watch and understanding of the Fed can yield big returns when determining when a mortgage should be financed or refinanced or when a company should pursue a lower interest loan.
Financial Calculators Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Calculators
Tags: Directory Updates, Financial Calculators
Most financial portals and specialized finance websites offer financial calculators. These calculators are easy to use and best of all they are free. The Moneysmartz Financial Calculators category includes listings from many of the leading financial portals. A click from most of the Moneysmartz listings will bring you to a home calculator page with links to more specialized calculators organized by major category, including investing, mortgages, retirement planning, savings, and insurance. It is easy to get confused by the large number of websites offering financial calculators. The best advice is to stick with a site that you trust and find easy to use and then frequently visit that site as your calculator needs change. A good place to start is the Yahoo! Finance Calculator page with many specialized calculators, including banking and budgeting, career and work, college and education, family and home, insurance, loans, real estate, retirement, and taxes.
Tax Preparation Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Taxes
Tags: Directory Updates, Tax Preparation, Taxes
The face of tax preparation continues to change, with an increasing number of services offering easy to use tools for a nominal fee. However, buyer beware, as you still need to know what you're doing to truly take advantage of potential tax breaks and understand the intricacies of tax law. The Moneysmartz Tax Preparation category includes listings from tax preparation services like H&R Block, tax preparation software, including Turbo Tax, and a wealth of resources to help you more effectively and efficiently prepare your tax return. The Internal Revenue Service offers forms, information, plenty of instructions, and even a free income tax filing service for qualified seniors. For the lighter side of tax preparation, don't forget to visit H&R Block's Digits.
Mortgages Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Mortgages and Loans
Tags: Directory Updates, Mortgages
What a difference a year makes. The Moneysmartz Mortgages category has undergone a big change since last year. Most notably, several providers of mortgage loans are no longer listed as they are out of business. This category includes links to providers of mortgage loans, sites that compare mortgage loan rates, and informational resources like Wikipedia. If you are looking for a mortgage, then this is a great place to start to get the information you need to find or negotiate a great rate with the most reliable providers of mortgages. If you are not depressed enough by the news of the mortgage crisis, then click the Sub Prime Lending Crisis listing by Wikipedia.
Retirement Planning Update
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Archived Under: Baby Boomers , Directory Updates , Retirement Planning
Tags: Baby Boomers, Retirement Planning
Category: Retirement Planning
Recent Update: November 9, 2006.
Category Overview
Since retirement is looming for the first of almost 78 million baby boomers, boomer or not, we'll all experience the wave of retirement information, products, and services through commercials, articles, blog posts, and more.
Before you tune out and take cover from the tide of stories about 401k plans, IRAs, estate planning, annuities, pensions, social security and Medicare, anytime, especially now, is a great time to check and see if your nest egg is safe and growing and your financial house is in order.
If you are just getting started planning for your retirement, then going to Google and searching under retirement will return about 12 million results, a tidal wave of information by any standard.
The recently updated Moneysmartz Retirement category offers a place for you to gently place your toe in the water and find relevant sources of information and reliable providers of services.
While on the Retirement category page, you'll find sources of information, like portals, online encyclopedias, and government websites, under featured listings. Under listings, just below featured listings, you'll find providers of services, like retirement plan managers. Editor picks are included in our custom search engine, letting you search the best financial sites.
Tips for Getting Started
- Start with the big picture by visiting a financial portal or planning center like CNN Retirement, the Yahoo! Finance Retirement and Planning Center or Smart Money Retirement. Wikipedia introduces retirement .
- Learn retirement planning lingo. Best bets include Investopedia's retirement terminology and AICPA's retirement literacy resources.
- Determine how much you need to save for retirement and maintain your same lifestyle using the Choose to Save Ballpark Calculator in combination with FIRECalc.
- Learn about the most important elements of your retirement savings and investing plan including Social Security, pensions, 401ks, IRAs and retirement plan taxes.
- Don't forget resources offered to specific groups including the AARP for Seniors and the Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement.
- If you are truly lacking motivation, then ponder Five Questions for a Better Retirement.
Featured Custom Searches
Mortgages Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Mortgages and Loans
Tags: Mortgages
Category: Financial Services > Mortgages
Recent Update: November 3, 2006.
Category Overview
Homeownership is as American as apple pie, with about two-thirds of American households owning a home. As the baby boom generation ages, more Americans will be buying second homes and considering products like reverse mortgages.
So, for most of us, understanding mortgage terminology, finding the right mortgage lender, and making sense of our financing options is fundamental to our financial well-being.
Unfortunately, using the Internet to research your mortgage options can be overwhelming with a seemingly endless supply of information and offers.
The recently updated Moneysmartz Mortgage category offers a place for you to avoid the tangle of offers and find relevant sources of information and reliable providers of services.
Tips for Getting Started
- Get the big picture. Start with Wikipedia’s mortgage page or the Yahoo! Finance Mortgage Center.
- Learn more about the terminology before talking with lenders. Important terms include jumbo mortgages, balloon payments, interest only loans, ARMs, reverse mortgages, and equity loans.
- Don’t forget special programs from the FHA for first-time home buyers, fixer-uppers, and reverse mortgages for seniors.
- Comparison shop for rates before getting serious. HSH Associates publishes mortgage rates and consumer loan information. MortgageLoan.com, Interest.com, Lending Tree, Bankrate, and LoanWeb offer more comparison services and interest rates on a state-by-state basis.
- If you run into a problem, brush up on legal terms at the Legal Information Institute.
- When you are ready to find a lender, consider providers with a lot of experience and a national reputation like E-Loan or Quicken Loans. Don’t overlook local providers who may be able to provide face-to-face assistance when you need it the most.
- If you want to lower your long-term costs, consider bi-weekly payments.
- Beware of fraud, particularly when considering a reverse mortgage.
Featured Custom Searches
These steps may seem daunting, but with a few thoughtful clicks, you’ll begin meeting your mortgage needs and continue pursuing the American dream.
Macroeconomics Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Economics
Tags: Economics, Macroeconomics
Category: Economics > Macroeconomics
Recent Update: October 27, 2006.
Category Overview: Today the Commerce Department reported that economic growth as measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined to its lowest level in three years. What does this decline in GDP mean to you? More importantly, how can you monitor the economic situation to make better decisions about your personal finances? The recently updated Moneysmartz Macroeconomic category provides an overview of macroeconomic basics, including GDP, inflation, recession and a link to current economic statistics. It's dry stuff, but should clarify the meaning of important economic terminology and help you gain a better understanding of where the economy is heading.
Featured Site: An introduction to macroeconomics from Wikipedia.
Investing Games Update
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Investing, Investing Games
Category: Investing > Games
Recent Update: October 23, 2006.
Category Overview: If you are looking for some fun while improving your investment skills, then investing games sites may be your answer, with features like a fantasy sports pool. For free and sometimes a fee, investing game sites simulate the experience of investing in the real stock market. For neophyte investors or those looking to test their mettle against others, investing game sites provide the adrenaline rush of a fantasy sports site with the added benefit of investing knowledge and experience to improve the bottom line.
Featured Site: An introduction to prediction markets from Wikipedia.
Editor Picks: Investopedia's Stock Simulator, Marketwatch's Virtual Stock Exchange, and PredictWallStreet, where you can predict a stock or index and see what others think.
Debt and Bankruptcy Moneynavigator
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Archived Under: Debt and Bankruptcy , Directory Updates , Money Management
Tags: Banking and Credit, Debt and Bankruptcy, Money Management, Moneynavigators
Are you trying to cope with unexpected financial setbacks and possibly considering filing for bankruptcy or consolidating your debt? Use the Debt and Bankruptcy Moneynavigator to learn bankruptcy and debt management basics, find bankruptcy lawyers and credit counselors, consolidate your debt, get a free credit report, or join a debt and bankruptcy support group. The Debt and Bankruptcy Moneynavigator highlights best of category sources of debt and bankruptcy services and information.
Banking Services Moneynavigator
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Archived Under: Banking Services , Directory Updates
Tags: Banking Services, Banking Services Moneynavigator, Moneynavigators
Moneysmartz helps connect individuals with relevant and reliable sources of financial products, services, and information. We are creating a safe place for finding information and services to help you make better financial decisions. We want you to confidently manage your personal finances and ultimately reach your financial summit.
With these goals in mind, the Moneysmartz Directory recently launched Moneynavigators, your guide to best of category products, services, and information. Each Moneynavigator provides a safe haven to help you quickly and reliably find the information and services you need, including a category introduction, links to best of category sites, recent blog posts, and related categories in the Moneysmartz directory.
Our first Moneynavigator, Banking Services, will help you find a reliable bank, choose the best credit card for your unique financial situation, start banking online, pay your bills through the Internet, and even order checks.
Real Estate Bubble Blogs Revisited
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Blogs , Real Estate
Tags: Financial Blogs, Real Estate, Real Estate Bubble Blogs
Today, Bloomberg.com reported that weakness in the housing market may result in the first median price home price decline since the Great Depression. Scary stuff. However, for many real estate bubble bloggers, the Bloomberg report is old news. If you are worried about the housing market, particularly in your neighborhood, then the recently updated Moneysmartz Housing Bubble Blog category may provide the information you need. The category contains regional blogs, including Pigginton's Econo-Almanac, focusing on the Southern California real estate market and Seattle Bubble, chronicling where else, the Seattle market. Patrick.net, a Moneysmartz Pick, offers both national and regional coverage.
Debt and Bankruptcy
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Archived Under: Debt and Bankruptcy , Directory Updates , Financial Planning
Tags: Debt and Bankruptcy, Financial Planning
With $100 barrel oil possibly on the horizon, concerns about debt and bankruptcy will inevitably increase. If you need assistance reducing debt or managing bankruptcy, then the recently updated Moneysmartz Debt and Bankruptcy category provides links to sources of bankruptcy information including Nolo.com, credit and debt management services such as Money Management International, and other tools and advice for managing credit and debt like About Credit.
Banking Services
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Archived Under: Banking Services , Directory Updates
Tags: Banking and Credit, Banking Services
With technology and security improvements, online banking is now a snap and safe (as long as you don't get hooked by phishing scams). The recently updated Moneysmartz Banking Services category includes online banks such as NetBank, national banks, and portals, including Yahoo! Banking, providing articles, information, and tools.
Money Saving Coupons and Forums
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Planning
Tags: Financial Planning, Money Saving Coupons and Forums
With an estimated $280 billion in available coupon savings every year, it's always a good time to sharpen your scissors and begin clipping. If you are looking for coupons, then the recently updated Moneysmartz coupon category offers plenty of savings opportunities, including local coupons from Valpak.com and online forums like the Coupon Forum.
Investing Websites
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Investing
Tags: Investing
A good tonic for potentially detrimental market exuberance can sometimes be a nip of knowledge. The recently updated Moneysmartz Investing category includes a wealth of knowledge to keep you steady at all times. The investing category includes sites for newcomers, including About Investing for Beginners; all-purpose sites like Yahoo! Finance; global sites such as FT.com; and many more sites to satiate your need for knowledge. You'll find this category most helpful if you are looking for general investing and market information. If you are looking for more specific information, then visit directory categories such as Mutual Funds, Savings Bonds, and many more investing categories in the Moneysmartz Directory.
Real Estate Blogs
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Blogs , Real Estate
Tags: Financial Blogs, Real Estate
The Moneysmartz real estate blog category includes blogs about real estate trends, economics, news, opinion, and urban living. This category is also a catchall for blogs not fitting into categories such as real estate investing, real estate bubble, and regional real estate. The Moneysmartz real estate blog category is most helpful if you are looking for real estate news and trends or a diverse perspective on the real estate industry. Because blogs in this category are generally more eclectic, be prepared to dig deeper to find posts of relevance to your concerns.
- Calculated Risk - By a senior executive, retired from a public company, with a background in investing, finance and economics.
- grow-a-brain - The original real estate blog.
- Hot Property - The real story on real estate from Business Week Online.
- Housing.com - Housing news, analysis, and opinion.
- housingfinance - Deals, subsidies, gossip, taxes, and sneaky fine print in the world of rental real estate, from the editors and writers of Apartment Finance Today and Affordable Housing Finance magazines.
- Inman News - Real estate news and advice for buyers, sellers and investors.
- Matrix - Items of interest or relevance in the real estate economy.
- Counter Intelligence: The Real Estate Cafe Weblog - The Real Estate Cafe weblog is a consumer advocate's guide to saving money and recreating the residential estate industry online.
- Real Estate Directory - Real Estate Directory of Realtor websites and blogs.
- The Foreclosure Report - Real Estate foreclosure news and information.
- The Real Estate Blog - Real estate happenings, prices, trends, and notes of interest.
- The Real Estate Bloggers - Real estate news and information.
- The Walk-Through - New York Times Real Estate Blog - New York Times real estate blog.
- Triple Mint - Online review dedicated to new urban residential development, design, and living.
- Urban Trekker Blog - Tracking urban living and real estate trends in the nation and Washington, DC.
- Vacation Home Insider - Savvy news about second homes, vacation homes, fractionals and resorts from a professional reporter.
- Zillow Blog - Blog of online real estate service Zillow.com.
Regional Real Estate Blogs
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Blogs , Real Estate
Tags: Financial Blogs, Moneysmartz Updates, Real Estate, Regional Real Estate Blogs
Blogging is an easy way for real estate agents, mortgage bankers, and other real estate professionals to promote their services. Regional real estate blogs offer property listings, mortgage information, economic data, news, and even local activities and events. Regional real estate blogs are most helpful if you are relocating, looking for a new home, or want to take the pulse of your region. Here's the current Moneysmartz list of regional real estate blogs:
- Behind The Mortgage - Twin cities real estate.
- Brownstoner - An unhealthy obsession with historic Brooklyn brownstones and the neighborhoods and lifestyles they define.
- Curbed - In New York City, it comes back to real estate, rent and the neighborhoods we inhabit.
- Curbed LA - LA real estate news and information.
- Curbed SF - LA real estate news and information.
- Northern Virginia Real Estate Guide - A real estate blog providing information about the DC Metro, Northern Virginia (NOVA) real estate scene.
- SocketSite - A San Francisco real estate blog covering trends, insight, and breaking news.
- The New York Observer Real Estate - Real estate news, information, and commentary.
- The Real Deal - New York real estate news.
- 360Digest - Seattle real estate, popular culture, news and opinion.
- Atlanta Intown Lofts - Atlanta In town loft and condo buyers guide.
- Austin Real Estate News - Covers market conditions, statistics and developments in and around the Austin, Texas area including Austin, Lakeway, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs, Cedar Park and Round Rock.
- Bruce at The Buschs - New Jersey real estate blog.
- Buy a Home in Ohio - Educational tool for home-buyers in Ohio, covering all aspects of home-buying and home financing.
- Central Florida Real Estate - Central Florida real estate information.
- Central Virginia Real Estate News - Tracking the Charlottesville and Central Virginia real estate market and more.
- Luxury Sarasota Living - In Sarasota, it all comes back to real estate, high-rise condos, waterfront living and the luxury Florida lifestyle.
- LA real estate - A Los Angeles real estate weblog. Prices, trends, musings and market commentary.
- Move UP to Naperville - Information, comments, thoughts, opinions, discussion and questions mostly about real estate in and around the Naperville, Illinois area.
- Northern Michigan Real Estate Blog - Northern Michigan Real Estate news, commentary and market information.
- Property Grunt - a blog by a soldier in the trenches of the Manhattan real estate war presenting information and commentary on the market.
- Real Estate in Las Vegas - Real Estate in Las Vegas
- Sacramento Land(ing) - Is the Sacramento housing market headed for a soft or hard landing?
- Seattle’s Rain City Real Estate Guide - Seattle real estate guide.
- Sonoma Housing Bubble - Real estate bubble discussion of the unreality of Sonoma Valley real estate.
- The life and times of an Arizona Real Estate Investor - Documenting the failures and successes of an Arizona real estate investor.
- The Massachusetts Housing Market - One citizen's perspective on housing in the Bay State.
- Wilmington NC Real Estate - Blogging the latest on the Wilmington North Carolina real estate market and happenings around town.
Real Estate Investing Blogs
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Archived Under: Directory Updates , Financial Blogs , Investing , Real Estate
Tags: Financial Blogs, Investing, Real Estate, Real Estate Investing, Real Estate Investing Blogs
"Well, real estate is always good, as far as I'm concerned." Donald Trump
Woven into the American dream is the idea, opportunity, and reality of making money through real estate. Most recently, real estate investing has been a boon for many.
With gurus like Guy Kiyosaki espousing the virtues of real estate investing, low interest rates, and a stable economy, real estate investing appears to be at near-term apex (see Real Estate Bubble Blogs to see what the future may hold for real estate).
Moneysmartz identified a small but growing cohort of real estate bloggers, bravely chronicling the risks and opportunities of real estate investing. Given the inherently local nature of real estate, most real estate investment blogs focus on narrow, regional slices of the real estate market.
If you are a real estate investor or interested in getting started investing, then the list should provide ideas, encouragement, and helpful insights.
With storm clouds brewing, we'll be watching to see if this