Investing for Beginners Sitemap - Page 9
SEP-IRA - Simplified Employee Pension Individual Retirement Account
If you're self-employed or own a small business, you can set up a retirement plan for yourself and your employees quickly, inexpensively and without a big
SEP-IRA Contribution Limits
The SEP-IRA contribution limits are established by Congress and apply for the current tax year. This brief overview of the SEP-IRA contribution limits shows how much you can contribute to your SEP-IRA annually.
SEP-IRA Contribution Limits
If you are a small business owner or a highly successful independent contractor, such as a sales rep or consultant, you may have a SEP-IRA. This special type
SEP-IRA or Simplified Employee Pension IRA
The SEP-IRA is short for the simplified employee pension individual retirement account. It is a type of retirement account available to small business owners that will allow them to put aside very large amounts of their profits in a tax-advantaged way to buy stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other assets for their own, as well as their employees' retirements.
SGA - Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SGA expenses for short, consist of payroll costs, salaries, commissions, travel expenses, and advertising expenses. SGA expense is recorded as an operating expense on the income statement.
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits
The SIMPLE IRA contribution limit is set by Congress. This guide to the SIMPLE IRA contribution limit will show you the current caps in effect at the time, including explaining the tax treatment of contributions.
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits
If you own, or work for, a small business with fewer than 100 employees, it's highly likely that you have a SIMPLE IRA as a retirement account instead of a
Salary Calculator
A salary calculator are a type of financial calculator that lists the salary for hundreds of professions based on geographic area. Salary calculators adjust your current salary based on cost of living and relocation expenses in hundreds of U.S. cities.
Sale vs. Spin-Off of a Subsidiary - Which is Better for You, the Investor?
With all of the private equity buyouts going on in the market, and the news that Home Depot may sell or spinoff its supply unit, you may wonder which is better
Sam Walton
Sam Walton brought big-scale retail to small towns through his company, Wal-Mart. Through sheer tenacity and pricing brilliance, Sam Walton turned his Wal-Mart into the largest retailer in the world, making his shareholders and family wealthy, all while changing the way Main Street shops and business works.
Sam Walton - Profile of Wal-Mart Founder and Billionaire Sam Walton
Sam Walton, founder of Wal-Mart and one-time richest man in the world, left an estimated $100 billion fortune to his wife and four children when he died. In this profile, we examine interesting facts about Walton, his educational background, and foray into the discount retailing sector following a stint as a Ben Frankling franchisee. If you are interested in Sam Walton, this profile can serve as a quick cheat-sheet.
Sample Balance Sheet - The Coca-Cola Balance Sheet
The best way to understand the balance sheet is to see an actual balance sheet and walk through it line by line. Here is a real example that we've taken from the Coca-Cola financial statements. It shows oyu assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity.
Sample Income Statement
The best way learn how to read financial statements is to begin with a real income statement. Here, we start with the Microsoft Income Statement. We will work our way through it line by line until you understand financial statement analysis and how to calculate financial ratios.
Saving Money
You cannot be successful in the long-run unless you master the habit of saving money. If you've ever watched biographies of old sports stars or musicians, this should be common sense; people who made hundreds of millions of dollars lost everything, all because they didn't know how to save. These articles and resources were written to help you avoid that fate by making it easier to understand how money works.
Saving Money Tips - The Beginner's Guide to Saving Money
Saving money, or the saving habit as Napoleon Hill put it so many years ago, is the foundation of all financial success, including investing. Having money saved is what provides the means for you to take advantage of situations, whether it's going back to college, starting a new business, or buying shares of stock when the market crashes. These saving money resources will provide a foundation and answer questions such as,
Saving Money and Spending Money Only Matter Relative To Your Income and Net Worth
When it comes to saving money and spending money, the only thing that matters is how much you are doing in proportion to your household income and net worth. It may be foolish for you to buy a $10 item, while at the same time, your brother might be able to spend $300 on something and it not matter.
Saving Money vs. Investing Money – Finding the Right Balance
Saving money and investing money are not the same thing. Each has an important part to play in your family's financial life but very few new investors can explain the difference between the two.
Savings Bond Calculator
Savings bond calculators can help you determine the value of your various U.S. Government savings bonds, including EE, HH, and I series. These savings bond calculators are the best available on the net.
Savings Bonds
Savings bonds are a safe, risk-free investment guaranteed by the United States government. Unlike other investments, savings bonds guarantee you will never lose any of your initial investment. There are several types of savings bond, each with different features and yields.
Savings Bonds in Your Portfolio - The Role of Savings Bonds in Your Overall Plan
What role should savings bonds play in your overall investment portfolio? How do you know the total level of savings bonds you should keep on hand? Do savings bonds offer an attractive rate of return? These common questions are just some of the things new investors should consider when deciding whether or not to add savings bonds to their collection of investments. In this guide, the Role of Savings Bonds, we'll explain some of the things you need to consider before taking the plunge.
Savings Calculator
Savings calculators can help you find out how long it will take to reach your savings goal, the amount you must save each month or week to reach that goal, and the expected impact of interest income on your savings. These savings calculators are taken from a variety of finance sites.
Savings and Debt Management
If you want to save for a house, build a nest egg, establish credit history or pay off your long term debt, these resources can help make the journey easier.
Saying No to Custodial Fees and So-Called Safe Keeping Fees
So-called safe keeping fees and custodial fees from your broker or bank are nothing short of a rip off. You should not have to pay safe keeping fees or custodial fees. To find out why, this article will explain.
Saying No to Custodial and Safe Keeping Fees
Did you know there is one sort of investment fee that I consider to be the greatest rip off of all? To find out what this horrible fee is and how you can avoid
Scripophily
Scripophily is the practice of collecting stock and bond certificates. One of my favorite sites on the topic is scripophily.net. Depending upon what they have
Secrets to Making Money
This morning, I wrote a quick essay on my personal blog explaining how during my college days, Aaron and I were able to earn between $80,000 and $100,000 a year
Secular Bull Markets and Secular Bear Markets
Have you ever wanted to understand secular bull markets and secular bear markets and how they differ from their regular counterparts? In this article, you'll discover how to define a secular bull market or secular bear market and what they mean for your portfolio.
Secular Bull Markets and Secular Bear Markets
Have you ever wondered the difference between a regular bull market and a secular bull market - or, for that matter, a regular bear market and a secular bear
Securities
The word securities is used to describe any asset that can be bought and sold on a market by exchanging paper certificates or electronic ownership records. Shares of stock, ETFs, and many bonds are securities. Real Estate held in REIT form and traded also counts as securities. Regular mutual funds or real estate does not. You'll often hear financial professionals use securities as a catch-call phrase for your investments.
Securities Investor Protection Corporation - SIPC
The SIPC is an acronym for Securities Investor Protection Corporation. It was created by the Securities Investor Protection Act, and was designed to protect investors from the bankruptcy of a broker or dealer.
Security Analysis 1934 Edition by Benjamin Graham
A review of the 1934 edition of Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham. Discover the pros and cons of the classic investment treatise, as well as links to other books by Benjamin Graham.
Selecting High Dividend Stocks
High dividend stocks should have a history of uninterrupted dividend payments for at least the last twenty years as well as a history of increasing those dividend payments. This is the minimum requirement for someone who is looking to add dividend stocks to their income portfolio.
Self Employed 401k
Thanks to a bit of federal legislation passed in 2001, self-employed people now have a powerful tool for sheltering savings - a lot of savings - from the tax
Sell Any Unrestricted Investments You Have to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
If you have any unrestricted investments such as stocks or bonds in a brokerage account, savings bonds, or other assets, you may want to consider selling them to pay down your credit card debt because it is likely the interest rate is higher on your debt than what you can earn on the investment. You can also consider taking a 401(k) loan to pay off your credit card debt although there are some drawbacks to that approach.
Selling Call Options, Focusing on Weddings, and Looking at Quarterly Earnings
In addition to entering into a series of investments and trading techniques that I described a couple of weeks ago, my operating companies have been busy
Senate Proposes $15,000 Tax Credit for Home Buyers
The Senate has now proposed a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of a home, with a $15,000 limit, for those who buy a residence. The theory is this will
Separately Managed Accounts - or SMAs - Can Offer Wealthy Investors Important Benefits
In the investment world, separately managed accounts are exactly what the name implies - they are accounts that are managed separately for each investor, as
Series EE Savings Bond $100 Certificate
The $100 savings bond from the United States Treasury is issued as part of the Series EE savings bond family and features Thomas Jefferson.
Series EE Savings Bonds Guide
The Series EE savings bond is one of the most popular savings bonds ever issued in the United States. This collection of Series EE savings bond articles, resources, and guides will make it easy for you to find out how you can add them to your portfolio, how interest rates are set on EE bonds, and much more.
Series EE Savings Bonds Interest Rates
The Series EE savings bonds interest rates are determined by modifying the 10 year U.S. Treasury bond for the benefits offered to savings bond holders such as the option to defer taxes and exchange bonds for other series types. The interest rate on Series EE savings bonds is set twice per year.
Series EE Savings Bonds Photo Gallery
Pictures of Series EE savings bonds show you all of the denominations available to investors in this photo gallery. We have pictures of all of the Series EE savings bonds.
Series EE Savings Bonds for Beginners
One of the most popular and affordable options for new investors wanting to put money into bonds is the Series EE Savings Bond issued by the United States
Series HH Savings Bonds - A Guide to Owning and Investing in Series HH Savings Bonds
The Series HH savings bond was discontinued on September 1st, 2004. Prior to this, Series EE savings bond investors could exchange their savings bonds for Series HH savings bonds. The new HH bonds, unlike the old EE bonds, would pay out interest twice a year by making a direct deposit into the bank account of the bond holder. Series HH bonds never actually increased in value, instead distributing all of their earnings to the bondholder.
Series I Savings Bond Gallery
These high resolution images of the Series I savings bonds are provided by the United States Treasury department and feature some of the most remarkable Americans throughout the nation's history. Each high resolution I bond graphic shown is what investors receive when they invest in the paper certificate version of the savings bond program.
Series I Savings Bond Guide
The Series I savings bond from the United States Treasury is a great way for new investors to protect themselves from inflation. Although the series I bonds are a type of zero coupon savings bond, meaning you won't receive interest checks in the mail but rather your interest income will be added to the value of the bond and compound until you sell the savings bond back to the United States Government, they provide unique protections and a guarantee that they will never lose money.
Series I Savings Bonds
Did you know that if you had put $10,000 into Series I savings bonds in June 1999, your bond would now have a redemption value of $18,856? Compare that to the
Series I Savings Bonds - Articles, Resources, and Guides for I Bond Investors
Series I bonds pay interest based upon the combination of a fixed interest rate plus an
Series I Savings Bonds - Articles, Resources, and Guides for I Bond Investors
Series I bonds pay interest based upon the combination of a fixed interest rate plus an
Seven Questions That Can Help You Select Better Stocks
You want to select safe, successful investments for your retirement and brokerage accounts. Sometimes, that can seem like a daunting task. You're busy with
Seven Questions that Can Help You Select Better Stocks
When putting together a portfolio of companies, there are seven basic questions that every investor should. The answers can help uncover competitive strengths and weaknesses, providing a better understanding of the economics and market position of the business.
Seven Questions that Can Help You Select Better Stocks
When putting together a portfolio of companies, there are seven basic questions that every investor should ask. The answers can help uncover competitive
Seven Questions that Can Help You Select Better Stocks
Sometimes, new investors may feel as if choosing an investment were like searching the stars or reading tea leaves. The truth of the matter is that it simply
Seven Questions that Can Help You Select Better Stocks
When putting together a portfolio of companies, there are seven basic questions that every investor should ask. The answers can help uncover competitive
Seven Test of Defensive Stock Selection
In his famous work, The Intelligent Investor, Benjamin Graham prescribed seven tests the average investor can use to evaluate the safety of his holdings.
Seven Tests of Defensive Stock Selection
These seven tests of defensive stock selection from Benjamin Graham's Intelligent Investor are keys to putting together a conservative portfolio of common stocks.
Seven Tests of Defensive Stock Selection
These seven tests of defensive stock selection from Benjamin Graham's Intelligent Investor are keys to putting together a conservative portfolio of common
Seventy Five Dollar Series I Savings Bond Gallery
These high resolution images of the Series I savings bonds are provided by the United States Treasury department and feature some of the most remarkable Americans throughout the nation's history. Each high resolution I bond graphic shown is what investors receive when they invest in the paper certificate version of the savings bond program.
Shadow Player
Shadow Player is financial slang for an investor who is investing a very large amount of money and is attempting to conceal their identity when buying up shares in a company.
Share Repurchase Plans Aren’t Enough
Sometimes, a share repurchase plan isn't enough. There are three tips to help you watch out for limitations on share repurchases.
Share Repurchase Programs - Increasing Earnings Per Share with Stock Buybacks
Share repurchase programs increase ownership and earnings per share by reducing the number of shares outstanding.
Shareholder
A shareholder is any person, corporation, institution, or entity that owns stock in a publicly traded company.
Shareholder Equity and Book Value - $500 Question
$500 Question for Investing Lesson 3: Shareholder Equity and Book Value
Shareholder Equity and Book Value Correct Answer - $500 Question - Investing Lesson 3
Correct Answer: shareholder equity lesson 3 correct answer balance sheet quiz
Shareholder Equity on the Balance Sheet
Shareholder equity is the difference between total assets and total liabilities on the balance sheet.
Shareholder Perks
Shareholder perks are goodies that companies give to their shareholders of record. These perks can include discounts to theme parks, free coffee, french fries, and discounts on jewelry. This article discusses seven companies that offer shareholder perks.
Short Selling - Short a Stock
When someone shorts a stock (sometimes called
Short-Term Capital Gains Tax Rates Guide
The short-term capital gains tax rate is based upon your personal income tax rate and applies to stocks or other investments that have been held for less than one year. Short-term capital gains taxes can take a huge bite out of your investment returns and is one of the reasons value investors focus on lowering turnover in their portfolios. Of course, short-term capital gains taxes aren't applied to investments held in tax-advantaged accounts such as a Roth IRA or 401(k).
Should I Invest In Individual Stocks or Index Funds?
If you have ever picked up a financial magazine or spoken to a handful of financial advisers, you know there are some pretty strong opinions about whether investors should buy individual stocks for their portfolios or just go with a collection of low-cost index funds. What is the difference? I thought I'd provide a brief overview to help you understand some of the benefits and drawbacks of each school of thought. Then, you can decide whether you prefer individual stocks or low-cost index funds.
Should I Invest In Penny Stocks?
Should I Invest In Penny Stocks?
Should I Pay Off Credit Card Debt Before Starting An Emergency Fund?
Should I Pay Off Credit Card Debt Before Starting An Emergency Fund?
Should I Pay Off Credit Card Debt Before Starting an Emergency Fund?
You don't have an emergency fund. You have credit card debt. What should you do? Start building an emergency fund or pay off your credit card debt?
Should I Pay Off Credit Card Debt Before Starting an Emergency Fund?
Should I Pay Off Credit Card Debt Before Starting an Emergency Fund?
Should I Pay Off My Debt or Buy Stock?
Whether you pay off your debt or invest depends upon the cost of your debt (the interest rate), the percentage of your income that the fixed debt payment takes, the returns you can earn on your investments, opportunity cost, and much more.
Should More Investors Use DRIPs and Dividend Reinvestment Plans to Invest in Stock?
Dividend reinvestment plans, or DRIPs, often let small investors buy stock directly from a company with little or no brokerage commissions. They can setup automatic investments and have money taken from their bank account each month and even request stock certificates if they would rather park them in a local safe deposit box instead of keeping them on file with the transfer agent. What do you think of DRIPs? Do you think more investors should be using dividend reinvestment plans to invest?
Should People Pay Off Their Mortgage Early or Invest More Money?
Should the average person pay off their mortgage and debt or should they begin investing and saving more? Which is the wiser course of action in your opinion? Tell everyone your opinion and why you believe it.
Should You Invest in Bond Funds or Invest in Individual Bonds?
As a new investor, you have two big choices when you start thinking about investing in bonds - whether you should invest in individual bonds or instead invest
Should You Invest in Individual Stocks or Equity Funds?
Should You Invest in Individual Stocks or Equity Funds?
Should You Invest in an IPO - Investing in an Initial Public Offering
Many investors get excited by an IPO or initial public offering. Should you invest in an IPO or should you stick to established businesses?
Should You Invest in an IPO?
Investors are people. They like novelty; get excited by something new, especially if it holds the promise of making them a whole lot richer and provides
Should You Invest in an IPO?
I'm reading some materials that detail the historical returns on initial public offerings versus the broader markets and the implications are not exactly good
Should You Manage Your Own Investments?
Most investors need professional assistance in building their portfolio? How can you know if you should be managing your own investments or whether you need to turn the job over to a professional?
Should You Manage Your Own Investments?
Maybe the thought has occured to you as you read the business section of your local paper. It started as a small, passing idea that has slowly grown on you and
Should You Pay Off Credit Card Debt or Build an Emergency Fund First?
When it comes to managing your own money, do you think that people should pay off credit card debt or save money in emergency funds?
Should You Pay Off Your Debt or Invest?
Should You Pay Off Your Debt or Invest?
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Or Should You Invest More Money?
A popular question asked by new investor is whether or not they should pay off their mortgage early or add more money to their investments. There are a number
Should You Take a 401k Loan?
If you find that you need a loan to meet immediate needs, you may be tempted to borrow money from your 401k retirement plan. After all, it's your money, and who
Should You Take a Buyout?
Early retirement buyouts can be an interesting option for those who are sure they are ready to get out of the corporate game and move on to the next stage of their life. Should you take an early retirement buyout? Does an early retirement buyout make sense for you? Help find answers in this article.
Shows: A-B-C
Find your favorite TV cop show in the database of links - everything from 21 Jumpstreet to C.S.I.
Simon Transportation Services
Analyzing the balance sheet of Simon Transportation Services could have warned investors of a looming bankruptcy.
Simple IRA
Did you know there is a retirement plan that will let you invest more money each year than a Traditional IRA but enjoy all of the same benefits? It's called a
Simple IRA - An Introduction to the Simple IRA Plan
The term Simple IRA is actually an acronym for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees Individual Retirement Account. It is designed to be more affordable to maintain than other retirement plans. In fact, the Simple IRA can allow a business owner to save and invest more money than they could through an ordinary retirement account.
Simplify Your Life
This may not seem intuitive, but trust me on this one. For most people, clutter is not only messy, but it has a financial cost. You spend time looking for things, space storing it, lose tax deductions because you don’t have your receipts cataloged or you can’t find the paperwork to mail-in a rebate, require more time for accountants and lawyers to sort out your affairs when something goes wrong. There is an enormous financial cost to being disorganized.
Sir John Templeton Just Passed Away ...
Sir John Templeton Just Passed Away ...
Six Steps to Retire Rich
These simple six steps to retire rich will help you ensure your golden years are spent comfortably. This article is part of the investing retirement center.
Six Steps to Retire Rich
These six easy-to-follow steps can help you retire comfortably. More...
Six Years Later, a Look at How the Home Depot Revolt Turned Out for Shareholders
Six Years Later, a Look at How the Home Depot Revolt Turned Out for Shareholders
Skip the Formulas
The Financial Calculators Subject menu contains dozens of individually reviewed and sorted savings, retirement, and investing calculators. Go there now...
Small Business Stock Gains Section 1202
Investors who owns shares of Section 1202 small businesses may be able to exclude 50% of the capital gains profit from their taxes. They also may be able to use Section 1202 stocks to defer capital gains taxes indefinitely by reinvesting in other small business shares that also qualify under the IRS provision.
Socially Responsible Investing
Socially responsible investing is the practice of investing in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and partnerships that adhere to a predetermined ethical philosophy. Socially responsible investing causes include environmental friendliness, morality, and animal rights.
Socially Responsible Investing
Socially responsible investing is a term used to describe individuals and groups who only purchase shares of companies that are friendly to the environment, animal life, and human rights. These articles and resources will teach you how to put together a portfolio that reflect your personal beliefs.
Solo 401(k) and Self-Employed 401(k) Plans for Small Business Owners
If you own a small business you may be able to save much more money for retirement thanks to the higher contribution limits on solo 401(k) plans and self-employed 401(k) plans. This brief overview explains how these two types of 401(k) plans can help small business owners begin to put aside money for retirement.
Some Banks Have Risen 200% to 300% Off Lows
This week has been marvelous for bank stocks and the market in general. For those who took advantage of the market lows in March, it is possible they have
Some Companies Selling At or Near Cash
I never thought I'd get to see it in my lifetime, but there are some companies that are trading at or below the cash they have in the bank. They aren't
Some Good Advice from Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett
Buy and hold investing is incredibly important because it allows you to make money from the underlying business, not just trading pieces of paper in the stock market. Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett have both talked about the importance of buy and hold investing in their various speeches, letters, and talks.
Some Good News ... And a Bold Prediction
Today, I was thinking about the current stock market fluctuations and discussing them with a woman who was worried about her retirement plan. Something
Some Good News from the Real Economy
Some interesting stories on the economy today: Americans' confidence in the economy rose in April to its highest level since September 2008, just as
Some Good News in Real Estate
According to The Washington Post, the housing market has not only stabilized but has begun showing life.
Some Great Investments Are Right Under Your Nose
As someone who adheres to a patient, long-term value investing philosophy, I tend to revel in consistency and familiarity (after all, as the greatest investor
Some Great Stocks ...
The markets finally seem to be calming, but this is both good and bad - good because the average person will probably be able to sleep better at night, bad
Some Wise Words from Park Avenue ...
As many of my readers know, I'm a big fan of Tweedy, Browne & Company. The Park Avenue value-investing powerhouse started as a brokerage firm serving Benjamin
Someone Forgot to Mention to Stock Investors ...
Someone Forgot to Mention to Stock Investors ...
Sometimes The Best Course of Action Is To Do Nothing
I was reading some literature from a private bank and came across a client who encouraged moving because you want more
Sometimes, Psychology Means More Than Maximizing Returns ...
You may wonder why so many professional investors and wealth planners insist their clients dollar cost average into low-cost index funds, design an asset
Speculating on margin and the Great Depression
The stock market crash accompanying the Great Depression was partially due to the level of margin utilized by speculators buying common stocks. Discover the role of margin in the Crash of 1929 as well as the subsequent Great Depression.
Spend More Time Selecting a Dishwasher or Microwave than Planning for Your Future?
Whether it's work, children, aging parents, health issues, getting your education, buying a home, or any other of the thousands of things that can take up your
Spendthrift Trust
Want to leave money to an heir but worried about their lack of frugality? A spendthrift trust may be the answer. This quicktip explains what a spendthrift trust is and how you can benefit from it.
Spin-Offs vs. Sale of Subsidiaries
Are tax-free spin-offs better for your portfolio that the sale of a subsidiary or subsidiaries for cash? What are the tax effects of spin-offs? Find out the answers in this investing article.
Spin-Offs vs. Sale of Subsidiaries: Which is Better for Your Portfolio?
A reader recently wrote me asking about the difference between a tax-free spin off and a sale of division or subsidiary. “What’s the difference and which is
Standard Oil Stock Certificate
View a detailed picture of a Standard Oil Stock Certificate
Starbucks Franchise Value
The Starbucks franchise is an example of an excellent business. This article discusses the value of the coffee company and its performance as an investment.
Start the New Year Right - 10 Steps to Building a Complete Portfolio
Long-time readers of the site may be familiar with our concept of
Stay Within Your Circle of Competence
circle of competence investing Warren Buffett circle of competence
Stick to the Basics
As in most disciplines, it is wise to go back and cover the basics from time to time, if only to strengthen the foundation. As we move into the month that has
Stick to the Basics - Simple Reminders for Profitable Investing
Profitable investing is about sticking to the fundamentals. Learn the basics of profitable investing by reading these simple and basic truths in this article.
Stick to the Basics - Simple Reminders for Profitable Investing
As in most disciplines, it is wise to go back and cover the basics from time to time, if only to strengthen the foundation. These helpful reminders are designed
Stock Buy Back Programs can be Bad
If a company pays too much for its own shares, stock buy back programs can actually hurt investor returns. This is why it is important for stock buy back programs to only be used when a company believes its shares are undervalued.
Stock Buy Backs - The Golden Egg of Shareholder Value
Companies declare stock buy back programs to reduce the number of shares outstanding, effectively increasing the earnings per share. Investors should look for companies that have announced share buy back programs.
Stock Dividend Yields vs. Treasury Yields
One way to calculate the relative value of stocks is to compare the dividend yield on a group of solid, blue chip companies to the interest yield you could earn by investing in Treasury bills, bonds, and notes. We discuss the difference between stock dividend yields and treasury yields and how you can know when the relationship has fundamentally changed.
Stock Dividends
Many investors know about cash dividends, but few understand stock dividends. Discover what they are and why some companies choose to issue them. Read more...
Stock Dividends and How They are Different From Stock Splits
A stock dividend is a pro-rata distribution of additional shares of a company's stock to owners of the common stock. A company may opt for stock dividends for a number of reasons. This article explains stock dividends, how they are issued and how they affect the investor. You'll also learn how stock dividends are different from stock splits.
Stock Exchanges
Learn the history and function of stock exchanges throughout the United States and the World.
Stock Market Game
One of the best ways to learn to invest is to take part in a fantasy stock market game. In these games, players invest fictional money into various stocks, bonds and mutual funds. At the end of the game period [usually a month], the winner is given a prize. The stock market game is an excellent tool for beginners.
Stock Market Introduction and Financial Terms
This introduction to the stock market and list of financial terms will help provide a firm foundation for your investing activities.
Stock Spin-Offs vs. Sales of Subsidiaries - Which Is Better for Your Portfolio?
Follow the national business news and you're likely to hear story after story of asset sales, corporate spin-offs, mergers, acquisitions, split ups, cut backs,
Stock Trading
Stock trading is the process of actually choosing individual stocks and placing trades with a traditional or discount broker to get those orders filled on the stock exchange. This collection of stock trading articles and guides will help you understand what is happening, walk you through the process, and explain some of the hidden pitfalls.
Stock Trading 101
Once you're ready to start buying and selling investments, you'll need to know how the process works. This beginner's guide to online stock trading will walk
Stock Trading 101 - Beginner's Guide to Online Stock Trading
Stock trading is one of the basic activities of a new investor and most often involves online stock trading at discount brokers and brokerage firms. This beginner's guide to stock trading will walk you through the process of placing an order with your broker, choosing individual stocks, and expenses to consider such as commissions.
Stock Trading Guide for New Investors
Want to know the difference between a market order and a limit order? How to trade on margin (or, if you do, how much risk there is for your portfolio)? How
Stocks & Stock Options
There are many different types of equity investments including common stock, preferred stock, convertible stock and restricted stock. These resources will help you learn the difference between each and help you understand derivatives such as stock options and warrants.
Stocks Aren't the Only Way for New Investors to Build Wealth
I am reading a book called New Elite: Inside the Minds of the Truly Wealthy by Jim Taylor, Doug Harrison, and Stephan Kraus. There's a great passage I want to
Stocks vs. Real Estate - Which Do You Think Is a Better Investment?
Are stocks or real estate better investments? Like most great debates - Coke vs. Pepsi or Ford vs. Chevy - investors have a lot of opinions of the question of whether real estate or stocks are the better investment. Which do you prefer for your own portfolio? Real estate properties? Blue chip stocks? Share your opinion with the other readers and tell us why you feel the way you do.
Stop Segregating Your Income Mentally to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
When you are struggling with large credit card debt that needs to be repaid, you cannot afford to think in terms of money piles such as your gas money or grocery money. Instead, you need to use all of your available resources to pay off your debt. This is a point that many people are simply unwilling or unable to take seriously, instead preferring to complain about their credit card debt.
Stop the Blame Game Over Your Credit Card Debt
If you are looking for the reason you are in credit card debt then look no further than the nearest mirror. Your decisions got you in the situation you now find yourself but that should be good news - not bad - because it means that you also have the power to fix your life, turn the ship around, and stop living under the pressure of constant credit card debt.
Straight Line Depreciation Method
The straight line depreciation method is the simplest and most commonly used depreciation method. Straight line depreciation is calculated by spreading the cost of an asset out over its useful life.
Strategies For Creating Monthly Income
When creating a portfolio for passive income, there are several ways you can create monthly income that turns your money into a stream of checks deposited automatically in your bank or brokerage account. Some popular options include MIPS, QUIPS, and dividend stocks.
Student Credit Cards
Student credit cards can help both high school and college students build up their credit history. Use the links below to find more information on student credit cards, compare interest rates, and find out how one could help teach financial responsibility.
Student Loan Reform Set to Go Into Law
The Biggest Sweeping Overhaul of the Student Loan Industry Could Help Your Bottom Line Most of you know that I'm not a big fan of a lot of the programs put
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Subsidiary
A subsidiary is a company that is wholly, or nearly wholly, owned by another business, corporation, or company. There are special tax rules for 80% or greater owned subsidiaries that allow the company to pay dividends to the parent corporation tax-free.
Successful Investing Comes In Bursts and Sputters
Successful Investing Comes In Bursts and Sputters
Successful Investing Is Simple
Investing isn't hard but people make it more difficult than it has to be. Wall Street doesn't help because the more complicated people think putting together a portfolio is, the higher the fees it can charge. As Warren Buffett said, there would be no need for the priesthood if people figured out that all you need are the ten commandments.
Successful Investing Is Simple
Successful Investing Is Simple
Successful Investing Isn't Sexy
In past articles such as Commit to a Value Philosophy, How to Think About Share Price and 7 Keys to Successful Investing, I’ve extolled the virtues of
Successful Investing is Not Sexy - In Fact, Successful Investing Is Boring
In the world of investing, most of the great gains are made in boring companies or index funds that aren't sexy. That means things like water utilities, power plants, banks, insurance, candy, chocolates. It all comes down to the price you pay for the asset and your focus on low costs and sufficient diversification.
Succession at Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett elaborated on the succession plan at Berkshire Hathaway by saying that he was looking young people that remind him of his late friend Bill Ruane’s (of Sequoia Fund fame.)
Sum of the Years Digits Depreciation
Calculate the depreciation charges using the sum of the years digits depreciation method.
Sum of the Years Digits and Other Accelerated Depreciation Methods
The sum of the years digits depreciation method is an accelerated depreciation method that assumes an asset loses a greater percentage of its value in the earlier years of its useful life. Sum of the years depreciation charges are calculated by adding up the useful years of an asset.
Support Your Productive Children - Not the Losers
Giving money to children is an area fraught with danger. There is substantial evidence to support the notion that giving funds to sons and daughters that are not economically successful in their own right is a foolish decision.
Supreme Court Upholds Medical Marijuana Ban
In a unanimous 8-0 decision, the U.S. Supreme has ruled that marijuana may not be distributed to persons who prove a medical necessity for the drug.
Surviving a Roller Coaster Stock Market
Stock market volatility can be a problem for investors that don't have experience in the financial markets. These tips and tricks can help you survive stock market volatility and reduce your retirement risk.
Surviving a Roller Coaster Stock Market
There have been a number of research papers proving that investors, as a whole, experience far lower returns than the stock market itself as a result of
Surviving and Thriving in the New American Retirement System
For decades, there was a social contract in America between workers and businesses. Today, however, the middle class face nothing short of a crisis – social security is failing, the traditional pension has gone by the wayside, and the rising cost of health care have made it almost impossible for most businesses to afford decent coverage while withstanding calls from investors to maintain their profitability.
Surviving and Thriving in the New American Retirement System
For decades, there was a social contract in America between workers and businesses. Today, however, the middle class face nothing short of a crisis – social
Surviving and Thriving in the New American Retirement System
For decades, there was a social contract in America between workers and businesses. In exchange for a lifetime of service, companies provided their long-term
Suze Orman
Suze Orman has emerged as one of the most successful financial gurus in recent years. Her investment and financial planning advice has given thousands the keys necessary to obtain monetary independence while enjoying their money. This is a collection of Suze Orman links, resources, and interviews.
Table of Contents - The Art of the Market
The table of contents of the Art of the Markets by Bob Tamarkin and Les Krantz. Read our full product review.
Table of Contents - The Essays of Warren Buffett: Lessons for Corporate America
The table of contents of Lawrence Cunningham's book, the Essays of Warren Buffett. Read our full product review.
Take Charlie Munger's Advice - Know Your Opportunity Cost!
This week, I decided that it would be wise to once again read Poor Charlie's Almanack, a book released at the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting detailing
Take Control: Financial Success Stories
Take Control is a feature dedicated to publishing stories from ordinary people just like you that have made their financial dreams become a reality. Browse through the stories or submit your own!
Take Control: Real Financial Success Stories
Read real financial success stories from people just like you
Take This 5 Second Test to See If You Should Pick Your Own Stocks
After a decade of being asked by new investors,
Take a Breath and Remain Calm - An Easy and Quick Explanation as to How and Why the Stock Market is Acting Crazy
Take a Breath and Remain Calm - An Easy and Quick Explanation as to How and Why the Stock Market is Acting Crazy
Take a Breath and Remain Calm - An Easy and Quick Explanation as to How and Why the Stock Market is Acting Crazy
The markets have been rough the past few months. Don’t panic. Calm down. If you are more than five or ten years away from retirement, this is an excellent
Take a Breath and Remain Calm - Some Encouraging Words for Today's Volatile Stock Markets
The stock market has been very volatile in recent months but this can represent a great opportunity for disciplined investors to dollar cost average into their favorite blue chip stocks.
Take a Crash Course in Building Your Wealth!
New to investing, want to get your financial life in order, start building wealth but don't have a clue where to begin? You work hard for your money. Now,
Take a Global View of Your Portfolio to Act as a Recession Buffer
If you are worried about a recession in the United States it can make sense to have money invested abroad in the global and international markets. Taking a global investing viewpoint to guard against recession often works because different economies and asset classes can be uncorrelated.
Take the Poll: How Will the Democratic Victory Change Your Investment Taxes?
Taking a 401(k) Loan Is Almost Always a Stupid Idea
Taking a 401(k) Loan Is Almost Always a Stupid Idea
Tale as Old as Time ... The Great Real Estate Myth
The financial markets and media outlets are once again telling of doom and gloom in the housing market as a result of subprime lending several years ago by many
Talk about investing success stories ...
Roger Lowenstein wrote that,
Tax Advantages of Series EE Savings Bonds
There are substantial tax advantages to investing in series ee savings bonds from the United States treasury. This includes no state or local taxes on series ee bonds, as well as the opportunity to generate tax deferred earnings by exchanging the bonds for other types.
Tax Advantages of Series I Savings Bonds
If you use your Series I savings bonds to pay for qualified education expenses, you may owe no tax on the income you generated from investing in those bonds. This great program was designed to help families afford college expenses and is eligible for anyone who purchased Series I savings bonds after 1989. This special will explain the tax advantages of investing in I savings bonds and other considerations you may want to factor into your decision about whether they are right for your portfolio.
Tax Free Spin Offs
A tax free spin off is often a way for companies to divest certain business lines and subsidiaries. This article discusses tax free spin offs and ways to find additional resources.
Tax Free Spin Offs
Taking advantage of tax free spin offs can be a simple way to profit in the stock market. With little fanfare and a better chance at spotting undervalued
Tax Strategy: Asset Placement
Asset placement is a tax strategy that minimizing tax liability by placing certain assets in certain types of accounts. This article discusses asset placement and tax reduction.
Tax Strategy: Asset Placement
It may surprise many new investors to discover that two people with identical portfolios can have widely disparate results over the course of several years. The
Taxes
Everything you need to know from personal income taxes to capital gains. Learn about strategies that can minimize Uncle Sam's bite out of your wallet.
Taxes
Taxes are the one thing everyone loves to hate. Everything you need to know about personal income taxes and capital gains. Learn about strategies that can minimize Uncle Sam's bite out of your wallet.
Taxes Matter - A Lot
When attempting to become financially independent it is important that you plan your income taxes and capital gains taxes accordingly - in fact, even your inheritance taxes make a difference. That's because the road to financial independence is fraught with dangers and pitfalls that will require the help of a tax professional such as a qualified and honest CPA.
Taxmageddon Is Now Only 8 Months Away
Taxmageddon Is Now Only 8 Months Away
Teach Your Teen Financial Responsibility
Teaching your teen financial responsibility is one of the most important lessons you can instill while they are still living at home. Teach your teen how to choose a college wisely, avoid credit card debt, and use financial planning software.
Tell Us About Your Brokerage Firm!
Tell Us About Your Brokerage Firm!
Tell Us What You Think! - Is the Market Overvalued?
Tell Us What You Think! - Is the Market Overvalued?
Tell Us What You Think! Do You Prefer Cash Dividends, Share Repurchases, or Reinvested Earnings?
Tell Us What You Think! Do You Prefer Cash Dividends, Share Repurchases, or Reinvested Earnings?
Temporary Problems That Can Lower Stock Prices
Sometimes the short term problems of a company can drive its stock price lower. Learn how to spot a bargain.
Ten Financial Resolutions for the New Year
The New Year is always a wonderful time. It's an opportunity to start over, fix the things about your life you don't enjoy, and make for a better future. I've
Ten Part Guide to Beat the Market
Truly successful investors have certain traits and characteristics that allow them a better chance of generating higher after-tax returns than the broader stock market indices such as the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average thus beating the market. How can an average investor beat the market without taking on additional risk? For tips and tricks about market beating returns, this step by step guide could help.
Ten Thousand Dollar Series I Savings Bonds
The ten thousand dollar series I savings bond is no longer available due to purchase limits. The Series I $10,000 savings bond
Tender Offer
A tender offer is a public offer made to the shareholders of a company by a potential acquirer to purchase their stock at a price much higher than the current market value of the stock. If all goes as planned, the shareholders who accept the tender offer make a significant profit on their holdings, and the acquirer gains control of the company.
Tests of Safety for Municipal Bonds
These tests of safety for municipal bonds will help investors learn to protect against loss and default. Municipal bond tests of safety include minimum population, credit ratings, municipal bond insurance, and more.
Tests of Safety for Municipal Bonds
By applying these simple tests of safety to your potential municipal bond investments, you can reduce the risk of permanent loss due to default. Read more...
Tests of Safety for Municipal Bonds - Summary of Requirements for Conservative Investment in Municipal Bonds
This summary of minimum standards for investing in municipal bonds provides a framework for conservative investors looking to put together a portfolio of tax-free munis. These municipal bond safety standards include population, credit rating, and insurance status.
The #1 Secret for Recovering from Big Investment Losses
I know the stock market can be a frightening place. You work hard, diligently save, control your costs, and then wake up to find tens, or even hundreds, of
The $1,000,000 Question - Calculate Basic and Diluted EPS
The $1,000,000 question for investing lesson 4, analyzing an income statement. Calculate basic and diluted EPS.
The $1,000,000 Question - How to Analyze a Balance Sheet
$1,000,000 Question - How to Analyze a Balance Sheet
The $25,000 Bouquet of Roses - A Lesson in the Time Value of Money
Today, I happened to stop by a flower shop near my office and pick up a dozen long-stem red roses for the foyer of my investing company’s headquarters. Not thinking that it was near Valentine’s day, nor really paying attention, I selected a dozen premium flowers and, upon paying, realized I had just dropped roughly $93.50. That would have been fine, except it wasn’t something that I expected – but it was too late.
The $25,000 Bouquet of Roses - A Lesson in the Time Value of Money
Today, I happened to stop by a flower shop near my office and pick up a dozen long-stem red roses for the foyer of my investing company’s headquarters. Not
The 10 Ways Investors Make Money
I'm working on a few lists to build content around in the future and it occurred to me, there are only a handful of ways to actually make money and build
The 10% Solution: How To Give Yourself a Raise
One way to begin putting more money aside into your investment portfolio is to cut your expenses by 10%. That may sound overly simplistic but sometimes the best advice is the plainest.
The 2009 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Weekend Begins Today ...
The annual Omaha adventure begins this weekend with the Borsheim's cocktail party kicking off tonight, the shareholder meeting tomorrow, and the main jewelry
The 3 Types of Investment Risk
Business, valuation and force of sale are the three risks that are present in every investment decision you will ever make. In order to be a successful investor, you must minimize these risks.
The 3 Types of Investment Risk
Every investment decision you will ever make faces the possibility of three very different types of risk - business risk, valuation risk, and force of sale
The 3 Types of Opportunity Cost That Matter To You
The 3 Types of Opportunity Cost That Matter To You
The 5 Categories of Financial Ratios
There are five categories of financial ratios into which most calculations fall. Here, we explain what they are to help you understand how to organize your own financial analysis when valuing a stock or bond.
The 5 Categories of Financial Ratios
There are five different groups that financial ratios fall into when you begin analyzing a company. Discover what they are ...
The 5 Most Important 401(k) Terms You Should Know
There are five primary 401(k) terms you should know that include your 401(k) matching limit, contribution limit, tax deduction, and more. By understanding what each of these means and how they influence the amount of money you can save, you might be better equipped to plan for retirement.
The 5 Most Important 401(k) Terms You Should Know
If you are new to 401(k) investing, there are a few important concepts you should understand. By learning the basics of your 401(k) account, how it works, and
The 5 Second Test to Determine If You Should Pick Your Own Stocks
A new investor probably shouldn't pick stocks for his portfolio unless he can answer a very important question. This question is a test I developed that lets me determine in under five seconds whether or not someone is sophisticated enough to select their own individual stock investments without the guidance of a professional.
The ABC’s of Risk Arbitrage - Profiting from Corporate Mergers, Acquisitions and Liquidations
Arbitrage (sometimes called “risk arbitrage” or “merger arbitrage”) is a special type of investment operation that is meant to generate profit with little or no
The ABCÂ’s of Risk Arbitrage - Profiting from Corporate Mergers, Acquisitions and Liquidations
Arbitrage (sometimes called “risk arbitrage” or “merger arbitrage”) is a special type of investment operation that is meant to generate profit with little or no risk. This article discusses Benjamin Graham's formula for evaluating arbitrage operations as well as how arbitrage opportunities come into being on the security markets.
The Annual Report - Researching a Stock's Annual Report
Many investors know that they are supposed to request a company’s annual report to understand the business but they don’t really know what it is or why it is important. Here, you'll learn how an annual report is different from a 10K and why it should be read by all stockholders and investors.
The Art of the Market: Two Centuries of American Business As Seen Through Its Stock Certificates - Product Summary
Read a product summary of Bob Tamarkin and Les Krantz's book The Art of the Market: Two Centuries of American Business As Seen Through Its Stock Certificates. Includes table of contents and full review.
The Average 401(k) Investor Is Now Richer Than They Were Before the Crash!
According to a new story by the Associated Press, Vanguard, the nation's premier provider of mutual funds and 401(k) accounts, shows that the customers that did
The Basics - Investing FAQ for New Investors
The Beginner's Corner provides answers to frequently asked questions posed by new investors such as,
The Basics of LIBOR
The London Inter Bank Offered Rate, or LIBOR, is the most famous barometer for short-term interest rates in the world. Many corporate variable-rate loans are
The Basics of LIBOR - London Inter Bank Offered Rate
LIBOR, or the London Inter Bank Offered Rate, is the most famous barometer for short-term interest rates in the world. LIBOR is often used as a base for variable-rate loans.
The Basics of Libor - The London Inter Bank Offered Rate
You may not even know it, but your life is deeply affected by the London Inter Bank Offered Rate, or LIBOR. That's because companies - those you might have
The Basics of Shorting Stock
Shorting stock allows speculators to profit from falling stock prices. This article explains the basics of shorting stock, and considerations for those thinking about trying it out.
The Basics of Shorting Stock
Arbitragers, speculators and many individual investors engage in a practice known as shorting stock. These
The Basics of Shorting Stock
Some speculators profit by falling stock prices. This article will explain the mechanics, risks and expense of shorting stock. More...
The Basics of Shorting Stock
Remember the market crash only a week or two ago? Yeah. It's long gone by now. Many companies have already returned to their then-levels despite the
The Basics of Stock Splits
Get a quick, easy-to-understand explanation of stock splits in this Beginner's Corner feature. Read more...
The Benefits of Investing in Blue Chip Stocks
Did you know that blue chip stocks got their name from poker chips? Back in the day, the highest denomination was - you guessed it - blue! Today, the
The Benefits of Investing in Blue Chip Stocks
What could be more exciting than consistant growth, ever-increasing cash dividends, respect in the financial markets, and powerful brand names that give a
The Benefits of Owning Blue Chip Stocks
There are a number of benefits to investing in blue chip stocks. These benefits are caused by the franchise value and earnings power of blue chips.
The Benefits of Owning Blue Chip Stocks
This in-depth article explains how investing in sound, predictable and long-established companies can improve your portfolio's results. Learn the history of
The Benefits of Owning Blue Chip Stocks
Despite their reputation as stodgy and old-fashioned, blue chip stocks can provide lucrative results to long-time shareholders. Discover the benefits of owning
The Benefits of Owning Blue Chip Stocks
Despite their reputation as boring, stogy and perhaps even a little outdated, blue chip stocks have long reigned supreme in the portfolio of retirees,
The Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting - Coming Soon!
As I type, I'm packing up my office and getting ready to depart to Omaha for the Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting, or as it is known in the financial
The Best Investment Is Still in Yourself
I'm up reading the early edition of The Wall Street Journal that will hit newsstands tomorrow and a story caught my eye that underscore exactly why I've told
The Best Investment a New Investor Can Make
It's 3:30 in the morning and I'm reading the early release edition of The Wall Street Journal. One of the articles is explaining how certain companies in
The Best Investment to Beat the Recession Is Your Own Skills and Knowledge
The Best Investment to Beat the Recession Is Your Own Skills and Knowledge
The Best Week for Stocks In the Past 2 Years Proves You Can't Time the Market
The Best Week for Stocks In the Past 2 Years Proves You Can't Time the Market
The Big Secret: How to Be Financially Successful
Even though I have written hundreds of pages on the topic, include the How to Get Rich Guide for new investors, I receive tens of thousands of messages through
The Biggest Mistakes Made By Equity Fund Investors
The Biggest Mistakes Made By Equity Fund Investors
The Blog Is Not the Investing Site ...
I just realized from the emails and messages I've received that some of you think the blog (what you are reading right now) is the investing site. This blog
The Board of Directors - Fees, and the Impact of Ownership Structure
The second page of this article on the Board of Directors explains the perks of being a director, the interaction with the company's CEO, and the ways directors must react to ownership structure. Topics covered include directorship fees, stock option grants, additional compensation for each meeting attended, the Chairman of the Board, and evaluation of CEO performance.
The Board of Directors - Responsibility, Role and Structure
The board of directors of a company is elected by shareholders.
The Borsheim’s Cocktail Reception
The Berkshire Hathaway shareholder meeting weekend traditionally begins with a cocktail reception at Borsheim's.
The Bottom Line
Profits... they're what this whole game is all about. Although the term
The Bubble Aftermath
Sprint announced it is undoing the tracking stock hierarchy it created for its wireless and traditional phone segments back in the late 1990's.
The Capitalist Class Diversifies Income Sources
The capitalist class focuses on diversification not only in assets but in income as well. By diversifying income intelligently, you can survive volatility in the economy and market.
The Capitalist Class Doesn't Care What the Market Does
The capitalist class doesn't care what the market does because there are always intelligent things to do.
The Capitalist Class Makes Its Own Luck
The capitalist class doesn't rely on luck to make their fortune. They consistently outwork and out study everyone they know. When a few of their projects pan out and return great profits, those around them assume it was luck because they didn't see the effort that went into achieving the end result.
The Capitalist Class Realizes Money is a Fungible Commodity
The capitalist class realizes money is a commodity and doesn't care where it gets it provided the terms are right. The capitalist class apply at 500 banks, if necessary, before getting one yes.
The Capitalist Class Thinks of Business as a Game
The capitalist class thinks of business as a game, and often doesn't suffer the same emotional attachments to money that the middle class does.
The Capitalist Class Understands Taxes
The capitalist class understands tax laws and how to minimize what they owe both legally and ethically.
The Capitalist Class Understands the Nature of Money
The capitalist class understands that the nature of money is like a seed and sewing and reaping is real. By planting money and making investments today, you can reap a harvest later on and the size of that harvest depends upon how intelligently you chose your investment.