New Ratings
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Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews
Tags: Investing, Investing Research, Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews
Keeping your finger on the pulse of what investment banks and independent research firms think about your favorite or not so favorite stocks can pay big dividends. Newratings.com offers an online database of equity research reports and ratings issued by investment banks and independent research firms. Newratings.com is still in beta and requires registration to use more advanced features, including a stock tracking tool. To learn more or post your review and comments, visit the newratings.com Moneysmartz Profile.
Abnormal Returns
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Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Investing , Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews
Tags: Abnormal Returns, Financial Blogs, Investing, Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews
Are you looking for a fast and efficient way to scan the Web for investment information and insight? Rated as one of the top 50 business blogs by the Times Online, Abnormal Returns, an investing blog, offers linkfest, a daily post of recent investment and market related information. Linkfest summarizes recent posts and articles from leading investment blogs and financial portals. You don't have to be a speed-reader to quickly review linkfest and click on links of interest. To learn more or post your review and comments, visit the Abnormal Returns Moneysmartz Profile.
The Big Picture
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Archived Under: Economics , Financial Blogs , Investing , Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews
Tags: Economics, Financial Blogs, Investing, Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews, The Big Picture
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.
Yahoo! Finance
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Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews , Personal Finance
Tags: Investing, Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews, Personal Finance, Yahoo! Finance
As an essential tool to help you make smarter financial decisions, Yahoo! Finance offers personal finance insight, tools, news and more. If you are looking to save time and commit to one financial portal, Yahoo! Finance should be at or near the top of your list. To learn more or post your review and comments, visit the Yahoo! Finance Moneysmartz Profile.
Economist.com
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Archived Under: Economics , Investing , Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews
Tags: Economics, Economist, Investing, Moneysmartz Profiles and Reviews
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.
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.
Investment Professional Selection Tips
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Archived Under: Financial Planning , Investing , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: CFP, Financial Planning, FINRA, Investing, SEC, The Moneysherpa Pages
Do-it-yourself or get help? This question, a dilemma for many, will occur early and often during the course of your financial life. As your personal finances become more complex, you will inevitably need help from an investment professional. The following tips will help you make an informed selection:- Determine your personal finance objectives and think about the services that will meet these objectives. For example, are you saving for retirement, protecting against risk, preparing your estate, or putting money aside for the education of your children? These are just a few of the potential questions that will help determine the financial services you are seeking. Financial services fit into an array of disciplines, including financial planning, estate planning, retirement planning and preparation, tax planning, investment management, college financing and planning, and insurance. Investment professionals may specialize in one discipline or offer services in several areas. Don't worry if you can't think of a complete list of financial services to meet your needs, because, after all, this one important reason for getting help.
- Ask trusted sources like friends and relatives for the names of investment professionals. Keep in mind that everyone's financial situation is unique, so what is good for your neighbor, may not be good for you.
- Don't use titles or generic terms to make your selection. According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"), the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States, titles like Financial Adviser or Financial Planner can be used by investment professionals that may not "hold any specific designation."
- Understand professional designations. The list of designations continues to grow, with each one representing something different. FINRA lists almost 100 designations. There are requirements for each designation, so when an adviser lists a credential, ask questions about the meaning of the designation and where to go to verify the designation. For example, to verify the credentials of a purported Certified Financial Planner, visit the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standard's search page and enter the name of the professional. To understand the meaning of a designation, do a Google keyword web search using the designation title. For example, Google keyword search "CFA" links to the CFA Institute, the organization offering the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
- Conduct face-to-face interviews with prospective investment professionals. FINRA suggests the following questions: "areas of specialization, professional designations, registrations or licenses, education, work history, investment experience, products and services, and disciplinary history." Be sure to ask about compensation, which may be hourly, a flat annual fee, commission based, percentage of assets managed, or a combination of commissions and fees. Ask if the professional or their firm receives additional compensation for selling particular investment products. Finally, in the case of a professional offering investment products, ask if their firm is a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation ("SIPC"). According to FINRA, "the SIPC provides limited customer protection if a firm becomes insolvent."
- Verify state and federal regulatory registrations of the investment professional and their firm. Ask the prospective professional if they and their firm are registered at the state, federal, or at both the state and federal level and the actual name of these regulatory authorities. Once you have the name of the regulatory authorities, visit them online or call to verify registration. Many investment professionals and their firms are registered by FINRA, so a great place to start is FINRA's BrokerCheck, "a free online tool to help investors check the professional background of current and former FINRA-registered securities firms and brokers." In addition, FINRA provides links to state regulatory authorities.
- Ask for references. Going the extra mile and checking references is worth the effort when considering that you may be entering into a lifelong relationship with the selected investment professional.
- Make sure the services being offered fit your unique needs and situation. Every investment professional should tailor a solution unique to you and your situation. Beware of professionals offering "one-size-fits-all" services.
Suggested Sites: FINRA, Securities and Exchange Commission, CFP.net, Financial Planning Association
Guide Categories: Financial Planning, Insurance, Investing, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Tax Preparation and Planning, College Financing and Planning
FINVIZ
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Archived Under: Investing , New and Notable
Tags: Investing, Investing Research, New and Notable
What if you could assess the state of the financial markets in a blink of an eye? FINVIZ.com, a provider of financial research, analysis, and visualization services, helps investors visualize market opportunities in seconds, instead of minutes or more. FINVIZ.com Maps yield unique insights through a bird's eye view of the stock market, including the visualization of company capitalization, industry, and stock price movements. To learn how to use FINVIZ, click the guided tour link at the bottom of the home page for a brief video introduction. To screen stocks and find out what the analysts are saying about your favorite investment, visit the Screener page. For insight into insider trades, go to Insider. Visit Portfolio to create you own investment portfolio watchlist, tracking daily performance and linking to recent news. Registration is required to use the FINVIZ Portfolio section, but it is free and only takes a few seconds. To learn about new site features, visit the FINVIZ blog. Whether you are an avid stock picker or casual market observer, beware, FINVIZ may be addictive.
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.
Tips From The Woodstock of Capitalism 08
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Archived Under: Investing , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Investing, The Moneysherpa Pages, Warren Buffett
"The most important investment you can make is in yourself." Like much of the Q&A during yesterday's Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting of shareholders at Omaha's Qwest Center, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger offered plenty of common sense wisdom and investing advice, including tips on a variety of topics:
- Self-Improvement: Invest in your mind and body. Your best asset is yourself.
- Investing: For smaller portfolios, invest in a low cost index fund like Vanguard.
- Business Ownership: If you have a great business, then don't sell. Your business is worth more every year. If you are looking to monetize your investment, sell to someone who will be a good steward of what you have created.
- Reading Suggestions for Kids: Start with your local newspaper. The more you learn, the more you will want to learn.
- Recommended Book About Investing: The Intelligent Investor, by Benjamin Graham, especially chapters 8 and 20.
- Fish of the Day Investment Ideas: Avoid them, as most are a way to sell more. For example, the 130/30 Long-Short Equity Fund.
- Business School: Most important concepts that should be learned are "how to value a business" and "how to assess market fluctuations."
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.
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.
Wallstrip
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Archived Under: Financial Videos , Investing , New and Notable
Tags: Financial Videos, Investing, New and Notable, Wallstrip
"It's 'Squawk Box' meets 'Saturday Night Live'," says The New York Times. At the cutting edge of online financial video, Wallstrip, with the tagline, "where pop culture meets stock culture," features one high-flying stock every day.Launched in 2006 and later acquired by CBS, Wallstrip has an extensive archive of humorous, yet informative videos about your favorite stocks with related commentary from financial bloggers. Julie Alexandria, an actress who has paved the way for other online hosts, including Barely Political's Obama Girl, hosts this daily show.
For a fresh take on the daily stock pick, Wallstrip is an entertaining way to learn about hot stocks.
Zecco
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Archived Under: Investing , New and Notable
Tags: Investing, New and Notable, Online Brokers
Do zero dollar trade commissions catch your attention? Zecco.com, a new entrant into the crowded and competitive world of online brokers hopes you find real value in free trading.The free lunch ends after the first 10 trades each month, then you pay $4.50 per trade.
In addition to low cost trading, Zecco has created an online community with a social networking feel, including a blog section, forums, Activity Feed, where you get "an instant snapshot of your friends' and groups' latest activities and trades, right on your profile page," and Performance Scanner where you can find top performers in the Zecco community.
Zecco.com is not a securities broker/dealer. All securities and investments are offered through Zecco Trading, Inc., member FINRA / SIPC.
For a complete list of Zecco's competitors, visit the Moneysmartz Online Brokers page.
The Best Mutual Funds
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Archived Under: Investing , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Investing, Money Magazine, Mutual Funds, The Moneysherpa Pages
During market tumult, investors seek investments that help them look toward the future with confidence. The recent Money Magazine 70 recommends mutual funds that should be of comfort during good and bad times. The Money Magazine selection criteria includes mutual funds with "low expenses, a strong record for putting share-holder interests first, a consistent investment strategy and experienced managers." The result is above average performance, with over 70% of the selected mutual funds outperforming their category average. Leading fund families Vanguard, T. Rowe Price, and Fidelity are well represented with 23, 8, and 4 funds on the list respectively.
Best of Class Financial Services Customer Service
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Archived Under: Banking Services , Financial Services , Insurance , Investing , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Banking Services, BusinessWeek, Financial Services, Insurance, Investing, The Moneysherpa Pages
If you have ever been at the receiving end of a surly customer service agent, then you know the value of great customer service. The following insurance, banking, and brokerage firms are included in the top 50 of The BusinessWeek 2008 Customer Service Elite:
1. USAA (Insurance)
8. Edward Jones (Brokerage)
13. Amica (Insurance)
18. Wachovia (Banking)
19. Smith Barney (Brokerage)
28. Vanguard (Brokerage)
29. Erie Insurance (Insurance)
30. National City (Banking)
Saving Your Tax Rebate
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Archived Under: Investing , Net Worth , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Investing, Net Worth, Tax Rebate, The Moneysherpa Pages
A recent CNN/Opinion Research poll of American taxpayers found that 32% of respondents will save their tax rebate, 41% will use the windfall to pay bills, 3% will contribute the money to charity, and only 21% of those polled plan to spend the money.Checks should range from $300 to $1,200 and even more if you have kids under age 17. For the full details of the tax rebate, visit the Kiplinger Tax Rebate page.
Whether you plan to spend or save, consider the value of a $1,000 investment today, earning 8% annually over 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 years. Your $1,000 investment would be worth $2,200, $4,927, $10,936, $24,273, and $53,878 respectively.
Looking at how the numbers grow, it is easy to understand how saving early and often makes sense and is perhaps the only sure route to building a sufficient nest egg for your golden years.
John Mauldin's Investment Newsletters
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Archived Under: Investing , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Investing, John Maudlin, Newsletters, The Moneysherpa Pages
With an eye popping 1.5 million subscribers, John Mauldin provides investors an insightful view into the economy and Wall Street through his three newsletters:- Thoughts from the Frontline is a weekly economic and investment newsletter with over 1 million readers. Ahead of the pack in predicting the mortgage and credit crisis, this popular newsletter gave readers a unique glimpse into the future and an opportunity to take profits before the crisis became a bloodbath.
- Outside the Box, published weekly, highlights one essay from another analyst.
- The Accredited Investor, published quarterly, focuses on the world of hedge funds and private investors. This letter is for accredited investors who generally have a net worth of $1,000,000 or more, or made $200,000 or more per year in the immediate preceding two years.
Tech Ticker
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Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Investing , New and Notable
Tags: Investing, Investing Blogs, New and Notable, Tech Ticker
What's better than the smell of coffee in the morning? For technology and investing aficionados, the smell of profits is the only way to start the day.Yahoo's recently launched video-centric blog, Tech Ticker, with its tagline, "I Love the Smell of Profits in the Morning," aims to "bring stocks and and the stories to life - and to reveal the culture of an ecosystem often understood only by those who inhabit it."
That's a mouthful in the morning, but a visit to the site reveals investment insights like today's lead about Google's new mobile operating system, Android.
Contributors to the site include many well-known Wall Street and Silicon Valley journalists.
If you can't forsake your coffee, try caffeine with profits, a powerful combination any day.
All Eyes on the Federal Reserve Bank
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Archived Under: Government Resources , Investing , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Government Resources, Investing, The Federal Reserve Bank, The Moneysherpa Pages
Much maligned and frequently misunderstood, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank is in the spotlight, with all eyes on Ben Bernanke's every move. Since the Fed is playing an increasingly important role in our financial lives, particularly as it struggles to conduct monetary policy in a way that contributes to the health of the economy, it is probably in your best interest to learn a little more about the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank. We will spare you the nitty gritty details, but instead offer a convenient bookmark to the Moneysmartz U.S. Federal Reserve page, with links to the Fed, its member banks, and more information on the inner workings of the Fed. After visiting this page, you will be better prepared to translate your Fed watching into smarter financial decisions.
The Sound of the Other Shoe
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Archived Under: Investing , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Investing, Investor Psychology, The Moneysherpa Pages
In case you were not listening, there was a very loud boom from Wall Street today as Bear Stearns reached out for help from The Federal Reserve and JPMorgan. We won't bore you with the details, but we will pose the question, "what do you do when the other shoe drops and panic begins to take over?" Run. Stay put. Pray? The short answer is to try to keep your cool. However, since we are already jittery from a very rocky 2008, keeping cool is much easier said than done.As you attempt to stay calm, some insight into investor psychology may help soothe your nerves and clear your mind. A recent MSN article by Richard Conniff about how fear can make you lose millions, speaks to how a little fear is healthy, but too much fear can be disastrous in the end. Another similar article from Investopedia on fear and greed offers cautionary advice based on previous bubbles and crashes.
After gaining a little perspective your feelings of fear may subside and be replaced with thoughts of the future and what you can do to prepare yourself, and your portfolio, for the long haul. This is possibly the best advice in both up and down markets.
Gold Websites
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Archived Under: Best of the Personal Finance Web , Investing
Tags: Best of the Personal Finance Web, Gold, Investing
With gold near $1,000 an ounce it may be a great time to consider buying gold, or if history is a guide, an even better time to consider selling and moving on to the next bubble. For a quick introduction to gold and gold as an investment, visit Wikipedia's Gold and Gold as an investment. For a broad mix of information and links, visit the World Gold Council's website, which includes the science and technology of gold and investing information. For spot prices, visit Kitco's 24-hour gold spot chart. If you really have an itch to buy gold, then visit Bankrate.com for a primer on ways to invest in gold. Before rushing in, be sure to do some home work and remember that commodity prices can swing wildly.
Best Brokerages for Stock Advice
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Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Editor , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Investing, Moneysmartz Editor, The Moneysherpa Pages
Sometimes the best financial advice is to be still and listen to your own counsel. However, for even the most skilled and self-reliant stock-pickers, an occasional dose of outside perspective can be helpful.
If you are looking for a brokerage for advice, then StarMine's recent ranking of big brokerage performance is a good place to start.
Wachovia Securities is at the top of the list, in part because of a strong buy on Comcast, with a 46% gain over the rating period.
The remaining top ten includes Citigroup, Merrill Lynch, RBC Capital Markets, JPMorgan, Bear Stearns, Stifel Nicolaus, Deutsche Bank, UBS, and CIBC World Markets.
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.
The Curious Capitalist
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Archived Under: Economics , Financial Blogs , Investing , New and Notable
Tags: Financial Blogs, Investing Blogs, New and Notable
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.
Peer-to-Peer Stock Picking
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Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Editor , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Clearstation, Forbes, Investing, Marketocracy, Moneysmartz Editor, SocialPicks, Stock Picking Communities, The Moneysherpa Pages, Value Forum, Value Investors Club
The October 2, 2006 issue of Forbes offers a list of peer-to-peer stock picking websites. These sites provide tips, insights, and virtual portfolios. A site on the list, Marketocracy, even pays stellar performers asset management fees. Online investment communities offer a forum to exchange ideas, an additional venue to conduct research, and even a way to compare your stock picking ability with others.
- ClearStation - Free online investment community powered by Etrade.
- Marketocracy - Stock picking community, mutual fund, and research. Free basic membership and fee to access leading performer picks.
- SocialPicks - Called the MySpace for investors by Forbes. Community for stock market investors to share investment ideas, exchange market research, and track peers' investment performance.
- ValueForum.com - Investment discussion community for value investors focusing on more exotic investments including REITs and commodities. Membership fee required to access most services.
- Value Investors Club - An exclusive online investment club where top investors share their best ideas. Must complete an application to join.
Goog Swoon and Portfolio Rebalancing
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Archived Under: Investing , Moneysmartz Editor , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Investing, Moneysmartz Editor, Portfolio Rebalancing, The Moneysherpa Pages
This morning's sharp drop in shares of Google (GOOG) provides a reminder to pay attention to regular portfolio rebalancing. The experts say regular portfolio rebalancing aligns investment portfolio mix (stocks, bonds, and cash) with investment plans. When things get out of whack, like when an investment appreciates or declines rapidly, then the mix should be revisited. For a primer on portfolio rebalancing, visit About Stocks or Efficient Frontier.
Kiplinger's Must-Read Investing Bloggers
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Archived Under: Financial Blogs , Investing , Moneysmartz Editor , The Moneysherpa Pages
Tags: Financial Blogs, Investing, Investing Blogs, Kiplinger's, Kiplingers, Moneysmartz Editor, The Moneysherpa Pages
The October 2006 issue of Kiplinger's offers a list of must-read investing blogs, including nine blogs featured in Moneysmartz. Investing blogs appear to have some staying power as most of the blogs in previous Moneysmartz Directory updates, including Investing Blogs, Economics Blogs, Financial Podcasts, and Personal Finance Blogs are still actively posting. The Kiplinger list offers blogs for the hard-core number cruncher, including the 10Q Detective and one of our favorites, Footnoted.org, and a wide-range of blogs covering economics, personal finance, and mutual funds. Blogs continue to move toward the mainstream, as a blog in the Kiplinger list, Seeking Alpha, now provides content to Yahoo! Finance. From the perspective of financial decision-making, many investment blogs provide fresh insights directly from investment professionals. However, anyone can start a blog and begin offering advice, so as always, it's important to consider the source before devoting a lot of time to a blog.
- The Buffett Blog - Dedicated to studying the Oracle of Omaha while celebrating the Muse from Margaritaville. Maintained by the Buffett Group at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business.
- Consumerism Commentary - A blog about personal finance.
- Controlled Greed - Undervalued stock investing.
- Cramerwatch.org - Dedicated to holding Jim Cramer accountable.
- Dear Economist - Answers Financial Times reader problems with the tools of Adam Smith.
- Footnoted.org - Uncovering the story behind financial statements.
- Freeakonomics - A rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything.
- Fund Alarm - Helping investors decide when to sell mutual funds.
- The Kirk Report - Independent and award-winning stock picks and investment advice.
- Mad Money Machine - Podcast that reviews the Mad Money recommendations of Jim Cramer.
- PFBlogs.com - Aggregates feeds from many of the top personal financial webloggers.
- Random Roger's Big Picture - Stock market blog about portfolio management, navigating the current market environment, how to analyze and choose foreign stocks, exchange traded funds, and options.
- Seeking Alpha - Dashboard for network of stock market and personal finance blogs.
- Stockblogs.com - Stock market blog directory.
- 10Q Detective - Investors often overlook SEC filings, and it is the job of the 10Q Detective to dig through businesses 8-K and 10-Q SEC filings, looking for financial statement soft spots, such as depreciation policies, warranty reserves, and restructuring charges.
- Thoughts From The Frontline - Investment insight and commentary.
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