Financial Factoids: Investing Issues
Are Your US Savings Bonds Still Paying Interest? Many people have accumulated Savings Bonds or received them as gifts. As patriotic as it may be to own the bonds, some…
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Investing in Municipal Bonds
Investing in Municipal Bonds You may want to consider municipal bonds as part of the fixed income portion of your investment portfolio. States, cities, and other local authorities issue municipal…
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Podcast: Investing in U. S. Treasuries
https://financialfitnessassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/L7_InvestingInUSTreasuries.mp3 Welcome to the podcast series – Take Control of your Financial Future. In this session, we are going to discuss investing in United States Treasury obligations. Many individuals buy…
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Podcast: Investing in Mutual Funds
https://financialfitnessassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/L5_InvestingInMutualFunds.mp3 Welcome to the podcast series – Take Control of your Financial Future. In this session, we are going to discuss investing in mutual funds. Over the past couple of…
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Podcast: Investing in Bonds
https://financialfitnessassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/L6_InvestingInBonds.mp3 Welcome to the podcast series – Take Control of your Financial Future. In this session, we are going to discuss investing in bonds. Fixed income investments have a place…
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Podcast: Building a Stock Portfolio
https://financialfitnessassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/L4_BuildingAStockPortfolio.mp3 Welcome to the podcast series – Take Control of your Financial Future. In this session, we are going to discuss building a diversified portfolio of stock investments. Most…
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Podcast: Fundamentals of Investing
https://financialfitnessassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/F9_FundamentalsOfInvesting.mp3 Welcome to the podcast series – Take Control of your Financial Future. In this session, we are going to review the fundamentals of investing. Fundamentals of Investing Investing…
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Sooner Rather Than Later
There are many old sayings that are especially relevant when it comes to your finances. There is no time like the present. A penny saved is a penny earned. Take…
Read More Make Sure Your US Savings Bonds Are Still Paying Interest
United States Savings Bonds have been one of the most popular ways for Americans to save for over 60 years. As a result of purchases or gifts, more than 55…
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Investing in U. S. Treasuries
Many individuals buy U. S. Treasury obligations as part of their investment strategy for one reason – safety. However, there is more to Treasuries than just safety. Benefits of Owning…
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Investing in Bonds
Fixed income investments have a place in most individuals' investment portfolios. Bonds or other types of fixed income investments provide diversification and predictable income and are generally thought of as…
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Building a Stock Investment Portfolio
Most people buy stocks to earn returns that are higher than what they would earn on fixed income or cash investments. However, owning stocks involves risk. Your company’s stock may…
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Dollar Cost Averaging When Buying Mutual Funds
Dollar Cost Averaging When Buying Mutual Funds One of the most difficult investment decisions is "when to buy." Even if you are convinced you have made a good mutual fund…
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Investing in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer many benefits such as diversification, professional management and convenient purchase options. However, the income tax issues associated with mutual funds can be confusing. Generally, owning equities through…
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Financial Market Indicators — What to Watch
Managing your finances should include being aware of financial market conditions. While your portfolio of individual stocks or bonds will not perform exactly like the overall market, knowing what the…
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Investing in Exchange Traded Funds
Investing in Exchange Traded Funds Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are a relatively new type of investment vehicle and have become very popular in recent years. Since 2000, investments in ETFs…
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The Dow Jones Industrial Average
The most often-quoted stock market indicator is the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). In 1896, Charles Dow averaged closing prices of 12 representative stocks and the DJIA was christened. Since…
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Mistake to Avoid: Using the Wrong Stockbroker
Your stockbroker or financial advisor can be the critical link between you and your financial objectives. But often, the relationship between the stockbroker and the client doesn't produce the investment…
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Mistake to Avoid: Basing mutual fund choices on short-term results
The emphasis placed on the short-term performance of mutual funds can be misleading. The financial press and personal finance magazines are full of stories about the "best" funds of the…
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Investment Portfolio Diversification
"Do not put all your eggs in one basket" Not every stock purchased goes up in value. Even with tremendous amounts of research, investment professionals are not always right. There…
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Bond Values and Interest Rates Changes
Bond values are determined in the marketplace and those values change in the opposite direction of changes in interest rate changes. When interest rates rise, bond values fall. When interest…
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Be Sure to Understand Brokerage Margin Loans
Most brokerage firms offer "margin loan" services to their customers. Margin loans are a form of borrowing from the brokerage firm using your stocks as collateral. Investors use margin loans…
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Asset Allocation and a Bumpy Stock Market
How you divide your investment portfolio among stock, bond and cash investments is called asset allocation. It can serve as a logical starting point for your investment strategy. Individuals should…
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Asset Allocation Revisited
How you divide your investment portfolio among stock, bond and cash investments is called asset allocation. It can serve as a logical starting point for your investment strategy. Individuals should…
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Mistake to Avoid: Not Understanding Fixed Annuities
Having enough money for the retirement lifestyle you want is usually best accomplished by using all the financial tools at your disposal. Your retirement plan and IRA can provide the…
Read More Making Your First Investments
You may already be making investments through your retirement plan at work, but at some point, you may have funds that you want to invest on your own. This article…
Read More Fundamentals of Investing
Investing is the process of acquiring assets that you hope will grow in value. Investments can include owning a home, owning a business, owning real estate or having money in savings accounts and CDs at a bank or credit union.