Two recent investment column articles are pointing the spotlight at a new trend in options trading. Traditionally investors look at buying and selling options on future stock trades when the stock market is relatively quite -- volatility is low. But given the political and economic crises rolling out across the world, stock markets are having to adjust their trading.
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Why Would Anyone Invest in Stock Options?
Stock options bring to mind scenes from various movies where some big investor is making millions of dollars by betting on futures. Is investing in stock options really that easy? Or is it much harder than enthusiasts would have us believe?
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When Does It Make Sense to Refinance?
I had an interesting discussion today about refinancing a loan. The consumer has a car payment that is a little higher than he wants and so is interested in lowering the payment. He looked at refinancing the car but his bank quoted him a higher interest rate than he is currently paying. Why is that? And when is the best time to try to refinance a car loan?
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Should We Be Checking Consumer Reviews for Investment Firms?
This is a question that has been nagging at the back of my mind for a while. Here is why: I am seeing a lot of television advertising for Websites that boast they publish "real consumer reviews" for businesses. The business of writing reviews for businesses must have become big business, because last year the New York state Attorney General cracked down on the practice.
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Are Bitcoins a Real Currency?
Bitcoins are, in this writer's opinion, a digital commodity of highly questionable value. A currency is a medium of exchange that is accepted throughout a geographical region, usually a country but often beyond the borders of a country.
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Make Money Through Alternative Investments
Alternative investments are a product of the Internet Age. These investment opportunities are usually too small for large investors to consider taking on. The Internet has made it possible to create small investment portfolios that provide flexibility and some measure of safety. Here are a few suggestions.
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What Is the Best Way to Pay Off Credit Cards?
If you are like me you probably have 3-10 credit cards that eat into your monthly budget. Why do we need so many credit cards? I don't know but once you get them all you find you are reluctant to use them.
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How to Buffer Your Investments and Why You Should
The first time I was able to manage my own 401(k) plan I thought I had it made. I would out-invest everyone. I would make a million dollars and retire in style. I had a plan. I had a rough idea of how the stock market worked. I was ready to go.
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How Do Insurance Companies Make Money?
Insurance companies are supposed to be our friends, are they not? And yet everyone loves to hate the insurance industry. That is because many insurance companies have investment portfolios that run into the billions of dollars. Why do they need so much money if they are trying to help everyone?
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Should You Invest in a Stock that is Bought Back by the Company?
Some financial analysts are expressing concern that the current stock market is following some misleading indicators. They are pointing to a growing trend in stock buybacks by companies. When a company buys back its own stock investors can take some of their money out of the market. If they have been holding the stock for any length of time they should realize a profit.
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3 Big Lies Financial Experts Tell You About Insurance
If you follow any of the big financial experts who are featured on TV and radio, you have undoubtedly heard them pontificate about life insurance at one time or another. Dave Ramsey, Suze Ormon, and others have all gotten rich off of selling you books and "programs" and financial coaching, etc. They all tell people who ask them for advice about life insurance the same thing: "DO NOT INVEST IN LIFE INSURANCE".
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4 Ways to Save Money for Your Children’s College
You're looking at that bright, beautiful baby and you're thinking about the future. You imagine this lovely child standing up and walking, playing with friends, going to school, playing sports, graduating from high school, and going on to college....
