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Investing 101

Investing is making your money work for you without taking any more risks than necessary for your comfort. Learn how it differs from saving and how you can decide if it's right for you.
What is Investing?
What is investing and how does it differ from saving? Investing is the proactive use of your money to make more money.
How to Calculate Risk Premium
Risk premium is what a stock should return over a "risk-free" investment. It is your reward for taking a risk with your money.
Recent Events Can Influence Bad Stock Decisions
Recent events often seem more important than past ones, however stock investors should avoid this trap.
Lesson for Stock Investors from Jay Leno
Much can happen over time and long-term investors should constantly re-evaluate their holdings.
Stockholders Get Hosed in Corporate Bankruptcies
Corporate bankruptcies are devastating to stockholders and bondholders may not do much better.
Keep a Tight Watch on Fees
Paying fees, in whatever form, make it difficult to find a profitable strategy. Question the fees you pay and determine if you are getting your money's worth.
Can Your 401(k) Be Resurrected?
Whether you will be able to renew your 401(k) account may depend more on your age than any other factor.
Stress Test for Stock Investors
Stock investors face many challenges in troubled economies, not the least of which is a financial disaster such as losing a job.
Five Reasons to Invest in Stocks
Despite the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, there are at least five good reasons to invest in stocks.
Stocks Poised for Growth - Part Two of Series
Stocks have historically rebounded following a bear market. The question is when.
New Regulations Will Level Playing Field for Stock Investors
Thanks to the financial meltdown of 2007-09, increased regulation of the financial services industry will benefit investors.
Stocks Offer Current Income and Long-Term Growth
Many stocks offer investors the opportunity to earn current income and profit from long-term growth.
You Can Trade or Buy and Hold Stocks - Part Five
Stocks allow your to pursue a short or long-term strategy or combine both to fit you needs.
Mea Culpa - Clearing Up Differences Between Saving and Investing
Investors may be confused about the difference between saving and investing.
Government Must Clean Up Financial Institutions
Nationalization is a scare tactic. Cleaning up failed financial institutions is not the same thing at all.
Talk to Children About Money, Stock Market Woes
Financial problems can put a strain on families and especially children.
Stock Market Often Leads Economy in Rebound
Stock market investors require a certain level of confidence in the economy to take the risks associated with investing. When that confidence returns, look for big market gains.
Stock Market Won't Recover Until Housing Crisis Resolved
If the government doesn't solve the housing problem, there is little chance the economy and stock market will bounce back.
Picking Stocks is like Buying a Car
Picking stocks for investment is a process that involves eliminates those that don't match your criteria. When it comes to deciding what to pay, there are several methods to determine the correct price. Intrinsic value is one of the most popular methods.
Stuck in Bad Investment Thanks to Stock Broker
When a stock broker puts you in a risky product against your wishes, you have recourse.
Finding Winning Stocks in Down Market
Even in the worst markets, you can find some winners - you just have to work a little harder to find them.
Weak Demand Important Factor in Stock Pricing
Despite high crude oil prices, it's weak demand for gasoline that holds back oil stock prices. Supply and demand is an important factor in determining price of stocks.
Corrections are Natural Part of Stock Market
Corrections are a natural part of the stock market cycle - don't fight them.
Don't be too Conservative with Stocks in Retirement
There is a danger you can be too conservative in your investment strategy as you approach retirement - don't back off stocks too soon.
Dow Record Means Little to Average Investor
While the record set by the Dow means little to the average investor, it may be an important confidence builder for some concerned about a softening economy.
Should You Own Individual Stocks?
Should you own individual stocks or mutual funds? Which investment is better for you? For many investors, the answer is both and this article gives some reasons why.
Use all Four Asset Classes to Build your Portfolio
There are four classes of assets you can use to build your portfolio - use them all for a sound foundation.
Don't Count on Stocks for Short-Term Goals
Stocks are not appropriate for the short term because they can be volatile.
Investing Goals - Setting Investing Goals is Important
It is important to set investing goals, especially if you have more than one major goal.
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