The Forecasters are changing their predictions every day. What winds are blowing through the economy, and what kind of investment strategies make sense?
Bonds 101
Many personal financial advisers recommend that their investors do their very best to maintain a diversified investment portfolio. Usually this kind of portfolio consists of bonds, stocks and cash in varying percentages. But, of course, proper investing depends upon individual circumstances and objectives.
Because bonds typically have a predictable payoff and repayment of investment, many people invest in them to preserve and increase their money, or to keep for themselves a place of reliable interest income. Whatever the purpose of buying bonds—saving for your children’s college education or a new home, increasing retirement income or any of a number of other financial goals—investing in them can help you achieve your objectives.
That’s especially true for retirement planning. During the past decade, the traditional fixed-benefit retirement plans have increasingly been replaced by defined contribution programs, such as 401(k) plans. Because these plans offer greater individual freedom in selecting from a range of investment options, investors must be increasingly self-reliant in securing their retirement lifestyles.
The diversity of fixed-income securities presents investors with a wide variety of choices to tailor investments to their individual financial objectives. Whatever your goals, your investment adviser can help explain the numerous investment options available to help you reach them, taking into account your income needs and tolerance for risk.
Read, read, read
Above is just a small smattering of ideas related to investing and finance. There exist a plethora of books that can describe the science of finance and investing in even greater detail. Suggestion? Read, read, read.
 | Suze Orman - For the Young, Fabulous & Broke (DVD) Bestselling author and personal finance expert Suze Orman returns to PBS with a new special, Suze Orman: For the Young, Fabulous & Broke. This program is aimed at young adults a...more Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $19.99 Lowest Used Price: $8.74 (as of 1/5/2009@1:47 PM) Lowest New Price: $11.22 (as of 1/5/2009@1:47 PM) |
 | Suze Orman - The Road to Wealth (Video) Suze Orman: The Road to Wealth features a dynamic Q&A session and discusses the critical financial issues facing people today along with evaluating the emotional aspects of money ...more Average Customer Rating: 3.0 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $14.98 Lowest Used Price: $0.01 (as of 1/5/2009@1:47 PM) Lowest New Price: $0.01 (as of 1/5/2009@1:47 PM) |
 | Options, Futures and Other Derivatives (6th Edition) (Book) Designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, this successful book is regarded as ''the bible'' in trading rooms throughout the world. The books covers both derivative...more Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (See the reviews) List Price: $200.00 Lowest Used Price: $23.75 (as of 1/5/2009@1:47 PM) Lowest New Price: $57.95 (as of 1/5/2009@1:47 PM) |
Find out more Here
There are all kinds of great resources out there for the personal investor, here are some sites that have many.
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 | The Literary Guild The Literary Guild features upcoming best sellers. As a member, you'll always save 50% off the publishers' edition prices and be part of a select group of readers who spark the buzz about new books. The Literary Guild offers a wide range of fiction and nonfiction titles including mysteries, thrillers, books on business, career, fitness, finance, gardening, cooking, home decorating, romance, self-help and more. Insightful book reviews to excerpts and quotes by to writers and critics. This is your... |
Help with Finances
There are some excellent resources on the web for help with personal investing -- so here is one!