Understanding Bear Markets
A bear market is when the stock market falls for a porlonged period of time, usually by twenty percent or more. A bear market is th eopposite of a bull market and is usually due to a decrease in corporate profits, or a correction of overvaluation. Pay Off Your Debt or Invest?
To decide whether to pay off your debt or invest, you must consider the amount of return you expect on your investments, and the type of debt you currently have. Understanding Margin
Margin is a term used to describe the practice of investing on borrowed money. Investing on margin can be extremely risky because it is possible to lose more than the amount of your investment. Bonds 101
A bond is simply an IOU in which an investor agrees to loan money to a company or government in exchange for a predetermined interest rate. There are many different types of bonds. 4 Things to Look for in an Investment
New investors are often interested in purchasing a company's stock but don't know what to look for. Here are the four most important things you should require of each of your investments. Buying Stock without a Broker
This article discusses the advantages of buying stock without a broker the three primary ways you can begin. The Bottom Line
Profits... they're what this whole game is all about. Although the term "fundamental" has become a popular financial buzzword, few investors understand what it means. Here we spotlight one of the most important fundamentals of all - earnings. Pay Yourself First
One of the best personal finance strategies is to pay yourself first. By consistently setting aside a portion of your income for savings, retirement, or your investment account before you pay your bills, you will develop a financial cushion. Socially Responsible Investing
Socially responsible investing is the practice of investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and partnerships that adhere to a predetermined ethical philosophy. Socially responsible investing causes include environmental friendliness, morality, and animal rights. The Benefits of Stock Buy Back Programs
Companies declare stock buy back programs to reduce the number of shares outstanding, effectively increasing the earnings per share. Investors should look for companies that have announced share buy back programs. In this Corner... Money Market vs Certificate of Deposit
Money markets and certificates of deposit are two popular investments for idle cash. This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you determine what you should do with your cash reserves. Junk Bonds - The Sexiest Investment
A quick and simple lesson in the allure and dangers of junk bonds. Pay for Retirement with a Cup of Coffee and an Egg McMuffin
Saving three dollars each day can add up to a serious nest egg by the time you reach retirement.
Worldcom's Magic Trick
Worldcom's CFO Scott Sullivan hid almost $4 billion in operating expenses by treating them as capital expenditures, setting off a scandal that rocked the financial markets. Valuing Cyclical Stocks
Assigning intrinsic value to businesses with unsteady earnings can be difficult. Cyclical stocks should be valued based on the average earnings for the past ten years. Preferred Stock and Individual Investors
Preferred stock is a mix between regular common stock and a bond that usually pays a high dividend. Preferred stock may or may not make sense for your fixed income portfolio. The Truth about Insider Trading
The Martha Stewart ImClone scandal has sparked a discussion about insider trading. Discover what insider trading is and how it is punished. Profiting from Franchise Value
Franchise value refers to the popularity of a particular brand or product with consumers. Investors can have spectacular investment results by purchasing shares of business that have high franchise value. Buying Stock on Bad News
Even the best companies, industries, and sectors fall out of favor from time to time because of some bad news or unfortunate event. A fully informed investor can make money by buying stock in these underdogs at a fraction of their value. Dividend Tax - The Political Debate
The dividend tax has come under fire lately as Congress considers President Bush's proposal to phase it out. This article presents both sides of the dividend tax debate and discusses one of the proposed solutions. Determining Dividend Payout
In the days of falling stock prices, Board of Directors will often begin to pay dividends to help stabilize the company’s stock. This article discusses when a company should retain its earnings and when it should pay them out as dividends. The Basics of Shorting Stock
Shorting stock allows speculators to profit from falling stock prices. This article explains the basics of shorting stock, and considerations for those thinking about trying it out. 10 Financial Resolutions for the New Year
These ten financial resolutions will help you take control of your financial and investing life in the New Year. | 