Help Understanding VIX| Link Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates The stock market feels like a roller coaster lately, so it's not surprising that the term VIX is all the rage. According to Wikipedia, the VIX is "the ticker symbol for the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 index options." The VIX is also known as the fear index and gauges the market's expectation of volatility over the next 30 days. The recently created Moneysmartz VIX page links you to the resources you need to understand the VIX and how the VIX relates to your investment portfolio and investment decisions.
Small Business Guide Update| Link Archived Under: Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Small Business  Small business is the engine of the U.S. economy. Fueled by dreams of independence, prosperity, and success, entrepreneurs truly reflect the spirit of the United States. However, as experienced business owners will say, it takes a lot for a small business to succeed, including more than a little luck along the way. The Moneysmartz Small Business guide offers an overview of small business information and resources on the web including help getting started, staying in business, and eventually prospering.
Investing Education Update| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Moneysmartz Guide Updates , 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| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Financial Planning , Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Financial Planning , Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Money Management , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Financial Planning , Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Economics , Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
 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| Link
Archived Under: Financial Goal Setting , Financial Planning , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Retirement Update| Link
Archived Under: Life Events , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Retirement Planning
Insurance Update| Link
Archived Under: Insurance , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Philanthropy Update| Link
Archived Under: Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Philanthropy
Federal Reserve Bank Update| Link
Archived Under: Economics , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Financial Calculators Update| Link
Archived Under: Financial Calculators , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Tax Preparation Update| Link
Archived Under: Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Taxes
Mortgages Update| Link
Archived Under: Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Mortgages and Loans
Retirement Planning Update
Archived Under: Baby Boomers , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Retirement Planning
Tips for Getting Started
Featured Custom Searches
Mortgages Update
Archived Under: Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Mortgages and Loans
Tips for Getting Started
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
Archived Under: Economics , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Investing Games Update
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Debt and Bankruptcy Moneynavigator| Link
Archived Under: Debt and Bankruptcy , Money Management , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Banking Services Moneynavigator
Archived Under: Banking Services , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
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
Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Real Estate
Debt and Bankruptcy
Archived Under: Debt and Bankruptcy , Financial Planning , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Banking Services
Archived Under: Banking Services , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Money Saving Coupons and Forums
Archived Under: Financial Planning , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Investing Websites
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Real Estate Blogs
Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Real Estate
Regional Real Estate Blogs
Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Real Estate
Real Estate Investing Blogs
Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Real Estate
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 list grows.
Real Estate Bubble Blogs
Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Real Estate
In addition to global warming, the dollar, and Iraq, add the housing bubble to your list of worries. This is old news for many, but the chorus of concern seems to be reaching a climax. Get ready for another decline say a growing list of real estate bubble bloggers. In surveying real estate bubble bloggers, Moneysmartz found some very, very depressing news and more than a few blogs worth a moment of your time, particularly if you live in a bubble market.
Federal Reserve Bank Publications
Archived Under: Economics , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
Investing Blogs
Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
"Beware of the young doctor and the old barber." Benjamin Franklin The world of investment blogging is blossoming, with a lot of good advice, and even more bad advice, some of it coming from individuals who probably couldn't tell the difference between a 401k and mutual fund. With the always-present disclaimer of "buyer beware", we offer the recently updated Moneysmartz Investing Blog directory, full of advice and commentary. In compiling the new investing blog directory, we found several award-winning sites and a few notable newcomers.
Retirement Annuities
Archived Under: Financial Planning , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Retirement Planning
Market leaders include Fidelity and Vanguard. For a primer on annuities visit the CCH Financial Planning Toolkit or Fool.com's What's to like about Annuities. For a list of retirement annuity products, services, and information, visit the recently updated Moneysmartz retirement annuities directory.
Accounting
Archived Under: Accounting , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Taxes
Individual Tax Software
Archived Under: Financial Software , Moneysmartz Guide Updates , Taxes
In addition to industry leaders like Turbo Tax and Tax Cut from H&R Block, there are plenty of fee services like Tax Brain and free services like eSmart Tax. For a list of individual tax software products and services, visit the recently updated Moneysmartz individual tax software directory.
Investing Chats and Forums
Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Guide Updates
With these sage words in mind, Moneysmartz identified the most active general investment forums covering topics such as penny stocks, multi level marketing, trading, and business development companies. Investing Chats and Forums BDC Investor: Discussion community and investor resource, focusing on business development companies (BDCs). BestCalls.com: A free directory of investor conference calls and webcasts. CallTracker service provides advanced notice of conference calls by email. Club for Value Investing: An investment club for value investors to share their best stock ideas. Admission is free, but selective and limited to only 250 savvy investors. Daytraders.org: Professional live free chat room for day traders. Running since 1996. eInvesting.com: Investing forum and stock market game. Free Financial Advice Forum: Moderated personal finance forum specializing in financial help. Golden Talk: Mainly about High Yield Investment Programs, games and general investment issues. Investing Pub Money Forums: Investing money forums. Investors Hub: Large, dynamic community of investors sharing market insights. Millennium-traders.com: A subscription based chat room for daytraders. Penny Stock Plays: Discussion forums, market analysis, stock trading tips, penny stock plays, including market commentary and corporate interviews. PureChat: Discussion of investing and trading of all instruments. Raging Bull: Investment message boards. StockHideout.com: Stock forum and trading community. T2W Trading Community: Community website for active traders (short-term and daytraders) with live trading rooms, trading discussion boards, trading book store, infomation about trading/brokers/software/technial analysis. Tactical Trader: News, reviews and discussions from the world of financial trading. Talk Gold: Forum for discussion of high yield investment programs, foreign exchange, and general investing. The Critical Mass Discussion Forums: Discussion forums for aggressive investors. Web Life Forum: High yield investment program discussion.
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Moneysmartz Guide Updates
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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 
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 
According to the Giving USA Foundation, Americans contributed almost $300 billion to charity in 2006. If you are considering giving to charity, then the 
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 
Most financial portals and specialized finance websites offer financial calculators. These calculators are easy to use and best of all they are free. The 
Are you trying to cope with unexpected financial setbacks and possibly considering filing for bankruptcy or consolidating your debt? Use the |
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Copyright © 2012 Moneysmartz All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: Nothing contained in Moneysmartz is intended to be, nor shall it be construed as, investment or financial advice. |