Moneysmartz Personal Finance Guide and Blog

The Big Picture

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:15:00 -0600

If you are looking for a rudder during these turbulent economic times, then The Big Picture, an economic and investing blog, offers straight talk and insight to help steady your ship. The Big Picture, authored by CNBC contributor and author Barry Ritholtz, does not sugar coat market turmoil, but instead offers insight that you can use to make smarter decisions. For example, when commenting on the definition of a bear market in a recent post, The Big Picture offers the following advice: "Rather than focus on terminology, investors should be considering their risk management strategies, what they are doing to preserve capital, and how they are psychologically prepared to deal with what could be an extended downturn." To learn more or post your review and comments, visit the The Big Picture Moneysmartz Profile.

Economist.com

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:36:39 -0600

As global markets become increasingly linked and experts tout risk reduction through global diversification, it pays to know what's happening outside the United States. Economist.com offers insight and opinion on international news, world politics, business, finance, science and technology, as well as overviews of cultural trends and regular industry, business and country special reports. To learn more or post your review and comments, visit the Economist.com Moneysmartz Profile.

Stagflation Update

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:56:41 -0600

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.

Federal Reserve Bank Update

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:02:48 -0600

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.

Macroeconomics Update

Fri, 27 Oct 2006 15:06:21 -0600

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.

The Curious Capitalist

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 10:23:40 -0600

Site Name: The Curious Capitalist
Blog Description: A new blog from Fortune.com with economic reflections, stock market insights, and a new view of the unusual workings of the corporate world from Fortune editor at large Justin Fox.
Personal Finance Category: Economic Blogs
Born on Date: September 20, 2006
Blog Author Profile: Fortune Editor-at-large Justin Fox covers economic, international business, and finance topics, including leading the magazine's economic coverage. Prior to his current position, Justin was Fortune's European editor and worked in the trenches as a staff writer for the American Banker and the Birmingham News.
Bottom Line: The Curious Capitalist offers the big picture on the economy and a unique take on corporate trends helping stock pickers and market observers get an edge.

Federal Reserve Bank Publications

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 15:27:40 -0600

In honor of the beginning of the Ben Bernanke era at the Federal Reserve today (the Central bank boosted rates a quarter-point to 4.75%); we thought it might be helpful to brush up on what's happening throughout the Federal Reserve System. In case you were wondering, the Federal Reserve System includes twelve district banks and a board of governors. District banks publish economic reports and commentary on the latest trends. The Moneysmartz Directory includes a complete list of District Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Reserve Board of Governors Publications.