Investing Strategies

Investing jitters? Curb them with government bonds

Posted October 26, 2008 by Bernz

History reveals that in the last 80 years, the U.S. has experienced 13 recessions. But each time America has recovered with economic expansions. In California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is using bonds to stimulate the economy. You could have the same affect in your own investment portfolio if your approach to investing includes low-risk government bonds.

fp921But first a review of bonds. Basically a bond is a loan that you give to a company or in this case, the government to fund an expansion project. When you purchase a bond, the money used to buy it is called the principal. The people who borrow the money agree to pay you interest on your principal. The borrower (aka the bond issuer) also agrees to pay you the principal and the interest on a certain date. That date is called the maturity date.

Government bonds, also called treasury bonds are considered low-risk because they’re issued by the government—city, state, and federal. Financial backing by the government pretty much guarantees that it will not likely default on its promises. Bottom line: The U.S. government has a long and successful track record for being a safe investment.

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Wacky Week on Stocks

Posted October 23, 2008 by Bernz

Before you buy T-Bills or stash cash under your bed, read this!

Copyright 2008, Amy Strycula

700, 800, 900, 400 the stock markets are going up and down like a crazy roller coaster the only problem is that this roller coaster has to do with your money. This past week we saw the stock market recover 400 points of its losses, oil dropped to $70 a barrel and there is a great deal of relief at the gas pump.

The Federal reserve, the government, and such have been busy trying to correct the economy but as credit lines are effectively frozen until the large banks regain capital and unload this sub-prime debt economic expansion is at a stand still unfortunately. Right now the best thing to do across the board is to sit on whatever investments that you have. Remember my number 1 tip, you haven’t lost money until you actually sell the investment for a lower price than you paid for it.

The 700 billion dollar bailout plan slightly pacified the market but really hasn’t had that much of an effect on the economy so far. Another bailout is in the works and a possible stimulus package from congress as well as they attempt to induce economic expansion and rescue the banks.

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Capitalizing on Emerging Markets

Posted October 16, 2008 by Bernz

What are emerging markets?

01_about2Emerging markets are those countries experiencing rapid economic, political, and social transformation prompted by social and financial policy reforms. Emerging markets are often transitioning from government-sponsored closed markets to open market economies in which companies are privately or publicly owned and traded on market exchanges.

Emerging markets are growing at a faster pace than developed markets. According to The World Bank, emerging countries will continue to grow much more rapidly than the developed world. As emerging markets strengthen, the availability of mutual funds and exchange traded funds that track these markets increases.

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Painless ways to cut expenses and save for retirement

Posted October 11, 2008 by Bernz

how-cutdownmoney-main_full1Building a steady saving and investment system is critical for retirement income planning. I won’t lie. It can be tough for late savers to get motivated. That’s why I thought I’d give you more tips so that you can see how painless cutting back can be. Choose any or all of the retirement fund boosters below you’ll be pleased with how simple it is to stretch your cash, cut expenses, and build your retirement savings.

Nip the cable. Netflix offers a great 4.99 deal for movies. But your public library has them for free. Another free alternative is to view movies and T.V. programs from liketelevision.com.

Read your news and entertainment online. Magazine and newspaper subscriptions, along with the cost of buying at the stand cost on average $24 dollars a month. Eliminate this expense without loosing value by reading your news and entertainment online. You’ll also avoid commercials which create more spending urges.

Rent out your garage. This is an income stream rather than a way to save money. What the heck. Take the funds and contribute them to your savings. Put a sign in your yard, post it in area grocers, dry cleaners, at community colleges. And of course Craigslist.

Rent out a room. Aside from your garage, that is. Got a spare bedroom (if your college kid comes home twice a year, you’ve got a spare room). What about a sewing room. Dining area with a door. Rent it and start earning and save big.

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