Friday, December 18, 2009

Best Investment Strategy For 2010 & Beyond

Best Investment Strategy For 2010 & Beyond
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Leitz]James Leitz

The best investment strategy for 2010 and beyond is not likely to be the normal investment strategy recommended year after year by many investment firms. Things ARE different this time. Here's your basic investment guide of things to consider going forward.

Year after year the basic investment strategy or asset allocation recommended for most people: 60% stocks and 40% bonds. Stocks or stock funds are the growth element and bonds or bond funds are the safer investment that provides higher income in this asset allocation. In theory, losses in one should be offset by gains in the other. It's time to review your present asset allocation. You might be taking more risk than you think you are.

Sometimes the best investment strategy is aggressive in nature; other times a bit of defense is called for. Rarely does chasing a hot asset class pay off for long. With the stock market up 60% in less than a year and high bond prices (super-low interest rates), that's exactly what many investors are doing. At the same time some are chasing gold at historically high prices, and emerging stock markets that have been on fire (like China).

Your asset allocation has probably changed since you last looked due to fast changing markets. Take a good look, and then decide if your investment strategy is on track at an acceptable level of risk. If you are heavy into either stocks or bonds (or both) you might want to lighten up and diversify more. In 2010 and beyond the investment landscape could change considerably.

What if the financial crisis is not really over, or the U.S. dollar continues to be unstable? What if economic growth fails to materialize or interest rates soar? The USA has not been faced with more economic uncertainty in my time, and I've followed the economy and the markets since 1972. Here's a basic investment guide to avoiding heavy losses should the going get tough again.

If you hold bonds or bond funds consider shortening your maturities and cutting your exposure. For example, if you hold long-term bond funds consider moving to intermediate-term and short-term bond funds. Rising interest rates will send bond prices (values) down, and long-term bonds will get hit the hardest. You will sacrifice higher interest income, but will increase safety with this investment strategy.

Stocks and stock funds may have moved up too far too fast in 2009. Don't chase the stock market unless you want to speculate. Consider lightening up your asset allocation to stocks that closely follow the market in general. It's quite likely that much of this move upward was "window dressing" by large portfolio managers who want to look good at year end. Some of it was no doubt caused by individual investors looking for higher returns in a low-interest-rate environment. Any bad news in 2010 could prompt these same investors to sell and send stock prices down.

Now that you've cut your asset allocation to bond and stock investments in general, where do you put this money? When in doubt CASH is king. Cash refers to safe, liquid investments like savings accounts, short-term CDs, and money market securities. Money market mutual funds are the easiest way for the average investor to put money into money market securities. With short-term interest rates at historical lows many investors have taken money out of these safe investments. If you want to play defense, increase your asset allocation to cash.

For offense consider moving money periodically into a variety of areas often overlooked by average investors... to broaden your diversification. For example, consider stocks in the following specialty sectors: basic materials, natural resources, real estate, foreign securities, and precious metals if you don't already have money there. Mutual funds are available in all the above specialty sectors as well. Invest in increments to smooth out the risk of bad timing.

In times of high uncertainty don't follow the crowd. Your best investment strategy is to survive financially with your investment assets intact. When the dust settles get more aggressive with your asset allocation. Meanwhile, cash is king; and diversify, diversify, diversify.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Best-Investment-Strategy-For-2010-and-Beyond&id=3430135] Best Investment Strategy For 2010 & Beyond

4 Super Investment Opportunities to Maximize Your Cash

4 Super Investment Opportunities to Maximize Your Cash
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Terry_Gorry]Terry Gorry

Investing is a great way to earn money while it is not being directly used by you. There are many types of investments with varied lengths of time that can prove useful for you.

1. Certificate of Deposit

While you do earn some interest leaving your money in a regular savings account, you do not make nearly as much as if you invest it. One great way to invest is with a T-Bill or a Certificate of Deposit. These are great because they are guaranteed by the government. Also, you can get these for anywhere from three months to a full year. So, if you want to leave your money in one and use it later, you do not have to worry about the maturity date not having been met. However, the longer your investment is for, the greater your interest rate is.

2. Bonds

A bond is a type of investment in which you lend your money to a struggling company or to the government. The interest rate with this depends on the length of the investment term, and level of risk. Investment in a relatively stable company or government is low-risk, so the interest rate will be low as well. However, if you take the higher risk of investing in a less stable company or government, your interest rate can be higher. This all depends on how comfortable you are taking risks. Either way, bonds are a great opportunity to help a struggling country or the government while making a profit.

3. Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are great if you want to invest in more than one thing with little risk. With mutual funds, you invest your money with other investors in many stocks and bonds. Collectively, the investors have one professional manager who makes sure that you are getting your profits. This is a great way to invest because it minimizes loss, should the stocks or bonds take a hit. One drawback is that your investments are in the hands of someone else.

4. Stocks and Shares

When you purchase stocks, you are becoming part owner of a business. The company's profits are often directly reflected in your earnings, and you are allowed to vote in shareholders' meetings. Aside from the company giving dividends, you make money when the value of the stocks rises. This type of investment is great because the potential for gain is tremendous. If you pick out a good up and coming business and purchase stocks while their values are still low, you will be able to sit back and watch the value rise.

There are many ways aside from these to invest, but these are a few great options. Consider investing your money in many different types of investments. Diversification is good for minimizing loss and trying out different types of investments. Investing is a good way to earn extra money and possibly help other businesses and the economy.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?4-Super-Investment-Opportunities-to-Maximize-Your-Cash&id=3431187] 4 Super Investment Opportunities to Maximize Your Cash

Top 7 Ways to Invest Your Money During Christmas Season

Top 7 Ways to Invest Your Money During Christmas Season
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Glaser]Alexander Glaser

A very short introduction: When you make an investment you need have your money back -a return of your money or ROI- in a given frame of time and Christmas can give you the opportunity for accomplish this interesting adventure. Relax and read carefully these advices about how to invest during Christmas.

Go ahead: When it comes to invest your money, always you can find several smart ways to get the most out of your personal finances in order you can live better during the forthcoming months or even years. Christmas season as well as Saint Giving is an excellent time to make business and make some profitable investments. In this article I am not only want to talk about how to save money -which is something most people explain- but how you can increase your earnings through gaining some interests of your own funds. We should consider we are slowly returning from times of recession and it is very important now that financial situation has some relief -general economy system more dynamic in relation with last year 2008- you can invest your money during Christmas season. The following are some important ways you can invest your money at some point in this holidays.

1. Buying homes or in real estate market: Everybody knows that in most places of the world -mainly in those where financial crisis affected severely- real estate business is a wonderful opportunity to make a good money. Homes and all kind of properties are gaining more value -they are really recovering its value- and that's why you can buy a home or an apartment and in just 6 months you could obtain up to 20% of its value. This is a great time for that and I personally think you could get the most out from it.

2. Why don't try with CD -Certificate of Deposits? Certificate of deposits is a real good way to invest your money during this season. You could agree an amount and a period of time to get back your money and monthly you will get revenue from your own money.

3. Saving accounts with high interest rates: Saving accounts is a very secure and good way to invest your money during Christmas. Evidently, you should decide if CD or saving accounts is best for you. I recommend certificate of deposits because you could have a larger benefit but this is also a good way to invest your money.

4. Learn everything you can about FOREX: This is a buzzword today and there are several online opportunities to invest your money starting with US$50 or even less. If you practice you could receive several benefits from it.

5. Companies needing an initial investment: Companies from different places around the globe could need people that a make some association. If you consider you can invest, it could be a good way to get back your money and its profitability very soon.

6. Buy and sell Christmas gifts through the Web: This is a good business that you should consider because everybody purchases several things during Christmas.

7. Start a temporary business selling Christmas related items: A temporary business is a good way to invest your money and administrate it by yourself and then, get a good benefit from it.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-7-Ways-to-Invest-Your-Money-During-Christmas-Season&id=3431743] Top 7 Ways to Invest Your Money During Christmas Season

How to Invest Informed

How to Invest Informed
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=James_Leitz]James Leitz

To learn to invest informed and learn how to invest with confidence most people should break the subject down into two parts: investment basics and investing. By tackling topics or articles in the following order you can learn how to invest money as an informed investor without wasting too much time and effort.

First get a handle on basic financial concepts, terms and investment basics. Every investment in the world can be evaluated based on just a few simple characteristics. Don't invest money in anything until you know if it fits YOUR needs for such things as safety, liquidity, growth, and income. Only if you invest informed can you avoid the costly mistakes that are caused by picking an investment that's not right for you.

Then, as a basic investment guide, focus on stocks and bonds because this is where you are most likely to invest money in the future. Once you have a handle on these securities, its time to get familiar with investment markets and how to invest in them. If you don't understand the stock market, for example, your knowledge of stocks (equities) is of little value in the real world of investing.

Learning all about mutual funds should be your next step and shouldn't be difficult now that you know stocks and bonds. After all, these securities are where most mutual funds invest money for their investors. And mutual funds are where most investors invest money in stocks and bonds in 401k plans, IRAs and other accounts. There are thousands of funds to choose from but 99% of them fall into 1 of 4 general categories.

You should also get familiar with other investments like money market securities and annuities before you move from the INVESTMENT GUIDE phase of your education to the INVESTING GUIDE segment. In other words, before you can learn to invest informed you'll need a clear understanding of all of your major investment options and how they compare in terms of their basic investment characteristics. This is not as difficult as it sounds since the universe of investments can be condensed into only 4 different categories or asset classes: cash equivalents (safe, liquid investments), bonds, stocks, and alternative investments.

Investing is the art of putting an investment strategy together and managing your money at a level of risk that's within your comfort level. Once you understand the investment end of things you need a game plan in the form of a complete investment strategy. Asset allocation is the single most important part of any strategy; and your portfolio asset allocation over time will be the main thing that determines your success or failure as an investor. Concentrate on learning asset allocation: how to invest money (in what proportion) across the 4 asset classes mentioned above.

Now you'll also want to learn to apply various investing strategies or tools to help offset risk while earning higher than average investment returns. The two important things to understand when you get started in the learning process are the following. Learning how to invest is easier than you think if you take the subject one step at a time in a logical sequence. Second, learning to invest informed is actually a two step process: learn investment basics, and then learn investing.

Don't get discouraged if you don't understand something in an investing article you are reading. Back up and search for another article that covers the topic or area that confused you. For example, if you are confused by an article on bond funds it's probably because you don't understand bonds in general. Most people don't. Most people don't get much out of an adventure novel, either, if they start reading on page 47.

Take fear and anxiety out of investing. Learn to invest informed.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Invest-Informed&id=3436454] How to Invest Informed

The 7 Secrets to Making 1 Million Dollars in the Next 12 Months

The 7 Secrets to Making 1 Million Dollars in the Next 12 Months
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gary_John_McGeown]Gary John McGeown

It is a dream for most people to become millionaires in their lives and lead a life of luxury. With the Internet you can make 1 million dollars in the next 12 months. Making 1 million dollars is easy provided that you know the secrets behind it.
Here are the 7 secret ways of making money online:
1. Google AdSense:
Google AdSense is the best way to make 1 million dollars in the next 12 months. But for this you need to have your own web site. With your web site you can participate in the Google AdSense program. You simply have to permit Google to place ads on your web site. Every time a visitor on your web site clicks on the ad, you would get paid.
2. Affiliate Program:
The affiliate program is a simple yet effective way of making 1 million dollars a year. All you need is to promote other products or services and get paid for it. For every sale of the product you promote, you receive commission for it.
3. Domain Names:
Trading domain names is another way that can help you make 1 million dollars. This method is very easy. All you have to do is to buy and trade, that is, buy and sell domain names on the Internet. Your earnings depend on the amount of hard work you put in.
4. Freelance Writing:
Freelance writing requires you to have good writing skills. If you have these skills, freelance writing is a very effective way to earn 1 million dollars. Over the Internet you can find many companies looking for writers to develop content for their web site. The writers are always in demand; thus, you are in a good position to earn money.
5. Blogs:
This technique again requires you to have good writing skills. You can create your own blog, write some content on it, and post it online. You can sell your blog space to advertisers and charge them for it. If your blog is a hit, advertisers will bid to place ads with you. Thus, you have a great chance of making good money.
6. Online Trading:
If you have good trading skills then online trading is the best way by which you can earn 1 million dollars in the next 12 months.
7. Selling Stock Photography:
Selling stock photography on the Internet is another great way to earn 1 million in the next 12 months. Over the Internet there is great demand for good photographs of varying subjects. If you have photographic skills, you have a great chance to earn good money.
Increasing number of Irish individuals have started seeking professional help to obtain secret tips which can help them earn one million dollar in 12 months in Ireland.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-7-Secrets-to-Making-1-Million-Dollars-in-the-Next-12-Months&id=3384916] The 7 Secrets to Making 1 Million Dollars in the Next 12 Months

One Million Dollars in 24 Hours - Can This Really Happen With Internet Marketing Online?

One Million Dollars in 24 Hours - Can This Really Happen With Internet Marketing Online?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tyler_A_Pratt]Tyler A Pratt

Do you want to know how the top internet marketers can make 1 million dollars in 24hrs? I know, its one of those get rich quick deals huh? That's the first thing that goes through my mind when I read the question above. Its impossible as most of my friends would say.

Internet marketers that make 1 million in 24hrs have a huge subscriber opt-in email list. When a new product is created, like a video course, a marketing course the marketer sends out an email, and with in 24hrs a million dollars in sales happen. Well this only has happened to 1 Marketer that I know of.

Now lets come back to earth, you and I may never even come close to achieving that much success, but we can sure have fun trying. It all starts with an opt-in list. What is an opt-in list? A list of names and emails that have been collected over the period of a couple years. It takes time to build a big list, but when its built you can see great success.

Why would we want to even use an opt-in list? An opt-in list is a targeted list of emails that are people who are hungry to buy any new products that you create. This list is mostly people with similar interests. And that makes it very productive when you send out an email.

The best way to use your list is with a third party software company. You can set up a squeeze page, and on that page will be information about your product. If you want to collect an email then you should give something away for free. A free ebook, manual, or 7 day course will be great to give away free, in return for that email.

Most people ask me "Tyler why use a 3rd party email system?" and I tell them that it's the most important part of a successful email campaign. Example of a third party system is aweber.com. This company will handle all the collection of your emails and sending out your autoreponders. Now the most important part is aweber always gets past the junk folders and into the inbox. This is big because every other system to send out autoresponders will end up collecting in the junk folder and never get opened by the user. So if want to be a big success online then the opt-in list is the most important part. But now you should get the tools to make big money from your new opt-in list.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?One-Million-Dollars-in-24-Hours---Can-This-Really-Happen-With-Internet-Marketing-Online?&id=3437624] One Million Dollars in 24 Hours - Can This Really Happen With Internet Marketing Online?

Find Unclaimed Money, and Make Thousands Per Month With This Insider Loophole

Find Unclaimed Money, and Make Thousands Per Month With This Insider Loophole
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maggie_Dawson]Maggie Dawson

If you've always lusted after the huge paydays that come from real estate investments, but hate the thought of owning property, you're in luck - and it's all thanks to the crappy economy we're enjoying right now. As more and more real estate is being foreclosed on, your opportunity to find unclaimed money and cash in on huge finder's fees is skyrocketing.

If you've been exposed to the concept of "money finding" in the past, it probably hasn't enthralled you much. That is because when most people find unclaimed money, it's on the state's "treasure hunt" website and for only 75 bucks, from an old utility deposit or something. These are not the funds that are going to make you huge fees, for obvious reasons - they're usually not for much money, anyone can find them by searching state websites, and on top of that, most states limit the fees you can charge people to find unclaimed money at only around 10% or so.

A loophole to these laws exists, and it's a big one. Funds held outside these state agencies are generally not subject to those finder's fee caps - and guess what? Real estate overages are created outside the state level. Getting excited? You should be. We're talking tax sale and mortgage foreclosure overages, and those run into the tens of thousands of dollars daily.

If you find unclaimed money like overbids and surpluses created by the sale of real estate, you stand to make an easy five figure per month income legally charging 30-50% per transaction. All you've got to do is find the funds, find the owners, and get them under contract to allow you to assist in recovering the funds, and you'll have a lucrative home-based business where you can sleep until noon if you like.

Best of all? You help people get a windfall of money they likely would have eventually lost to the government otherwise.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Find-Unclaimed-Money,-and-Make-Thousands-Per-Month-With-This-Insider-Loophole&id=3447356] Find Unclaimed Money, and Make Thousands Per Month With This Insider Loophole