The Foreclosure Information You Don't Want to Miss

This article provides readers with a general overview of foreclosures and how to avoid these legal proceeding.

What Does the Market Want After February's Mini-Crash?

The aftermath of February's mini-crash was relatively mild. The market meandered for the first half of March and then produced a modest gain over the last two weeks of the month. Value stocks easily outpaced growth stocks in all four market caps. This flight to quality is not necessarily long-term, but it is the norm after such a drop. Among market cap performance there was very little difference, with large-caps and small-caps gaining nearly 1%, mid-caps and micro-caps, a little more than .5% -- not much on which to base a prognosis.

Crisis? What Mortgage Crisis?

Thinking of buying a home? Then you have to read this article. The sub-prime mortgage crisis is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making a major financial decision you might regret. Is a single-family home really an investment you can afford to make?

The Business Cycle

The business cycle is a long-term pattern of changes in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) that follows four stages: expansion, prosperity, contraction, and recession. After a recessionary phase, the expansionary phase can start again. The phases of the business cycle are characterized by changing employment, industrial productivity, and interest rates. Some economists believe that stock price trends precede business cycle stages.

Common Equity Sharing Arrangement

The common equity sharing arrangement involves one party income in the property and the other putting up cash and/or financing. Both the inhabitant and the non-occupant take pleasure in tax benefits and share the profit, as described later in this chapter. First time home buyers make the best occupant partners while family members, sellers and real estate investors plug the non-resident partner role.

Investing - How To Invest in 2000 - An Update

In January, I discussed my predictions for how you should invest in 2004. This article updates those recommendations in light of recent events. Read on to know how to protect your money.

Investing - It's OK To Play Defense

Football season is coming! Those teams hoping to make it to the top can't just rely on a good offense. They know they'll need a great defense as well. It is the same way when it comes to managing your money. With several major issues affecting the markets, it may be time to add some defensive plays to your portfolio playbook.

Investing - Investors Have Been Duped

The financial services industry has duped unsuspecting investors out of millions of dollars. For decades, they've said the best way to invest was to buy an investment and hold it decades. I think they're crazy!

Investing - Don't Let Uncle Sam Take 80% Of Your IRA

Could you lose over 80% of your IRA to taxes when you die? Yes, unless you act before it's too late. Read on to find out if this affects you and how you can minimize the effect of taxes on your IRA.

Investing - Investing Ain't What It Used To Be

Heads up, retirees! If you depend on your investments to maintain your standard of living you need to know times have changed. Unless you recognize these changes and adjust how you invest you could be putting your lifestyle at risk.

Investing - Where Do Investors Turn For Justice?

Who's watching out for your interests, as an investor? If a car maker produces faulty brakes or a toy turns out to be a choking hazard, there are government agencies and commissions to protect the consumer. But when investors need justice, where do they turn? The answer may surprise you...

Investing - Let Financial Freedom Ring

As our nation recently celebrated its freedom, we are reminded of the 'unalienable rights' our Founding Fathers appreciated: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Sounds like the ideal retirement, doesn't it? But unless investors are careful, they'll never achieve their own financial freedom...

Investing - Commission vs. Fee Based Advisors - Which Cost More?

There is a debate in the financial services industry over commission versus fee-based compensation. As an investor, it's important that you understand the differences. Otherwise, it can end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars and great frustration.

Let The Ladder Roll- A Strategic CD Investment

Laddering is a tested strategy for investment on CDs. Take a peek to know how.

Investing - You Gotta Know When To Hold Em

Texas Hold’em poker has become a craze. Thousands of players compete in tournaments with the winner receiving a million dollars or more. Just like in the stock market, though, it's the professional players that win the game and profit from the inexperience of the amateurs. Investors can learn much from these professional card sharks.