Short Selling Strategies That Can Work

by Terry Detty

There are many very important points to remember when entering the lifestyle of the short selling ways. If you do not pay attention to what some of the basic rules to investing in either direction are, you may end up finding yourself in a world of hurt.
There are going to be those who would love to take all of the money that is in your pocketbook, and there are going to be those who want to teach you how to succeed in your personal investing strategies. This even refers to those traders out there who enjoy trading via pennystocks.
One piece of advice that can be given is that when you see the sideways action taking place in the stocks chart that you are watching, just wait for the crack to appear in that sideways action to start downtrending. This will be one of the indicators that you should most likely get ready to short sell that stock.
It is a fact that 90 percent of traders lose money in this investing industry. If your not careful, you will be swallowed up whole by some of the richest and smartest hedge funds in the world. This should be approached with great care and diligence. The one solid way to come up with your own strategy is by learning from someone that you connect with and that is very transparent for all to see.
There are many different forms of material that you can purchase online from other traders that have been doing this trading thing for quite some time. It is always best to learn from somebody else and the mistakes that they made trading, even in the pennystocking world.
You are expected to make a few mistakes while getting to know the way that things work in the investing world. If you do make a lot of money, do not let that go to your head too fast or at all. If you then start making trades based on what your ego wants you to do, you will lose all of that money you may have made in a real hurry.
There really is not one right style or strategy when trading pennystocks with your hard earned money goes, you need to pick one over time that you discover works for you very well. Since everyone is different from one another, we all will have our different ways of trading.
If you aim for home run style strategies, you will most likely find yourself striking out. You should aim for 10-20 percent gains within a few days or hours. Stick to stocks that are in play, don't play random stocks with good stories you hear from friends, message boards, gurus, etc. Let the market tell you what's hot, the market never lies, humans do.
Nobody knows exactly where stocks will end up on any given day, month or year except for the true market manipulators who you probably don't know. If you did know them, be scared because they're probably pretty powerful and they don't like people with big mouths.
The stock market is basically one big casino. You should trust nobody, everybody's out to get your money, even if you don't realize it….especially when you don't realize it. I mean, don't even trust friends and family, it's ugly, it's a battlefield, it's a battlefield casino.
In charts I trust. Those who ignore technical analysis might do fine over the long-term, or not. But in the short term, the best guide is technical analysis, for trading purposes at least. It is very important that you study what you are about to do for yourself and know what you have seen with your own eyes, you must look out for yourself.
Penny Stocks are the simplest most derided market niche of all, that's why I love them to pieces. The people who play down here in the gutter are manipulator, sharks and suckers….there's plenty of room for someone like you or me, who's not the smartest or richest person out there, but one who is willing to research and do the hard work necessary to figure out the truth behind each penny stocks.
The key is finding setups where you have an edge. I don't mean insider trading edge, I mean where you think you're in a stock where the news type setup is so good and exciting, you know once other people hear about it over the next few days or weeks, they'll get excited too. Then it's a self-fulfilling prophecy, possibly and you'll learn how to surf a wave of profits from others piggybanking the story.
Terry Detty recommends you look at the Stock Market Short Selling Hedge and Short Selling Stock Blogs . Go here to learn how to Find Penny Stocks To Trade .

About the Author
Terry Detty recommends you look at the Stock Market Short Selling Hedge and Short Selling Stock Blogs .

Mutual Funds - Capitalizing on Real Estate Potential

by George Gonigal

The real estate stocks are difficult for an average retail investor to read. Wild swings have been the order of the day. However, mutual funds that have 3-4 per cent investments in real estate stocks allow a small investor to benefit from the surges but remain protected from the troughs.
Making an informed decision is necessary for the success of your investment goals. Mutual Funds (MFs) are certainly among the most sought-after investment instruments in the market but since you have to select from dozens of mutual funds and not all funds perform well, here we demystify the world of mutual fund investing for you.
What are MFs?
MFs are the professionally managed funds that invest in the equities of various companies, including real estate, listed on the Indian stock markets. These funds are governed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) that safeguards rights and interests of retail investors. Any citizen of India can buy mutual fund units that are available at certain Net Asset Value (NAV) declared every day by the fund managing company.
Should you invest in MFs?
As an investor you could well think of investing in the stocks of real estate companies directly. However, in order to make successful investment, you must take a look at the kind of volatility realty stocks witness on the stock exchanges. The Realty Index clocked whopping returns of 48 per cent between Feb 7, 2007 and Feb 7, 2008, on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) but it's not that every investor who pumped in his money in realty companies directly into stock markets got such returns. In fact, there would be many who bought shares at the wrong time only to witness substantial erosion in the value of their investment.
Mutual funds, at the other end, are run by fund managers who have specialized knowledge over stock-market investing, and track market movements on professional basis. This way, they are well-positioned to make suitable decisions to invest and de-invest in the markets as per the circumstances. Though mutual funds do not guarantee a win-win situation all the way, investing in proven funds actually has the capacity to meet your objectives. As a matter of fact, the specialized investment management by mutual funds has evidently produced returns as high as 80 per cent a year, which a naive investor rarely achieves in the course of direct stock market trading.
Types of Mutual Fund
Selecting a mutual fund scheme mainly depends on your risk appetite, investment horizon, and future needs. Once you work out these factors, you can choose a suitable scheme for yourself.
Meanwhile, Brix Research brings you the insights on the various types of mutual funds classified on the basis of their investment strategy and time horizons.
Corpus investment Equity or Balanced - Equity funds park their corpus anywhere between 65 and 100% in equities. Balanced funds, on the other hand, maintain a fine balance between equity and fixed income securities. The latter option offers you security and the rate of return is relatively lower than the equity fund.
Growth or Dividend - Under a Growth fund, the returns generated over the capital invested keep on accumulating, and your cost per unit increases in tandem. You can redeem your mutual fund units, in case you want to book profits. Choosing the dividend option, on the flip side, entitles you to receive returns in the form of dividend that is distributed among the investors, on a periodic basis. Although it depends on the company's policy, dividends are generally distributed 2-3 times a year.
Open-ended or Close-Ended - On the basis of investment horizon, mutual funds are divided into two categories: open-ended and close-ended. Open-ended funds allow you to purchase and redeem units at any time, however, in case of close-ended funds; there is a lock-in period under which you cannot redeem your mutual fund units for a certain period of time.
Specialty or Diversified - A Diversified Fund allocates its corpus into different sectors of FMCG, Auto, Petro, Pharma etc. In the event of slowdown in one sector, the other one may be able to compensate it. This way an investor invests his entire corpus in different companies and enjoys the advantages of diversification.

About the Author
Get the best and latest deals on India Properties and Real Estate in India.

Reverse Merger And Public Shells

by frank roberson

Reverse mergers are considered as a worthwhile pursuit by many private company CEO's and CFO's and they contemplate the day when their up-and-coming young company can come into the fold of the capital markets as a publicly listed company.
Nevertheless, there are many ways that a private business can use to go public and engage in capital formation. The most common is the IPO (Initial Public Offering). An IPO is when a previously closely held private company first makes an offer to sell its shares to the investing public.
When a private company visits the requirements needed to do a reverse merger - at times called a reverse takeover - with a shell corporation, it is as a means for becoming a publicly traded company quickly and perhaps offering the private company founders an exit strategy.
In the instance above, the publicly traded company is referred to as a "shell," because all that remains of the original business is the corporate organization and trading structure.
In public shell reverse mergers the shareholders of a private business purchase control of the public shell, and then merge it with the private business. The private company's shareholders get the biggest portion of the shares of the shell company, in that way keeping control of its board of directors.
Yet and still, the finer nuances pertaining to a reverse merger are countless, and possibly an overview of the character of a reverse merger with a public shell is an item that should be broached with a competent securities attorney with a vast understanding of all the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) rules and regulations.
When considering a reverse merger with a shell company, a legion of items command an answer. Crucial concepts spring forward, including the following: business plan, private placement memorandums (PPM), market makers, public float, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), form S-8 stock for company founders and directors, piggy back registration rights, regulation D (reg. d) rule 504, rule 505, and rule 506, SEC accounting practices, strategic planning, rules about raising capital, NASD broker/dealers, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The best going public advice should be sought before contemplating a reverse merger, since many private company officers are inexperienced and not aware of the pitfalls of going public via a reverse merger with a public shell.
A few of the benefits as the result of taking a private company public with a reverse merger are better ways to get capital, since the sources available are more available versus what a private company can attract. Furthermore, if there is a high enough interest from the investing public, investment attention regarding the business grows, it could provide a secondary trading market for the company's stock. The company can also keep key personnel by offering stock incentives. The resulting public company's stock can also be provided as currency for acquiring other businesses (Mergers and Acquisitions).
The countless advantages of going public with your company far prevail over the option of remaining a private concern. The esteem related with a publicly traded corporation is a plus; the superior circumstances for raising capital for company growth are exemplary reasons for becoming a public company. A reverse merger with a public shell company has its place within the available go public strategies.

About the Author
Information pertaining to how to take a private company public; offers the finer points of reverse mergers and how to raise capital.

Day Trading for Dummies > Online Stock Investing Guide Beginners - How to Pick Stocks ?

BY.- http://www.MomentumStockPick.com

It's no secret that online trading can be a very lucrative, yet highly competitive field, and the truth is that the stock market doesn't care if you are an experienced or a beginner trader.
The rules and the opportunities are the same for everyone, so either you are going to make money when you pick a stock and make a trade or you are simply going to lose it in favor of the more seasoned ones.
As a stock trader your homework is all about studying and testing different market strategies that can help you take advantage of stocks while at the same time protect your gains.
Just always keep in mind that a good strategy is simple and practical. Complicated stock systems will always make you slow in your decision making process or confuse you from the start.
A trader must always read as much as he can. There is simply no other way to prepare one self for this difficult yet incredibly rewarding activity, but to read and put into practice as much ideas as you can, at least by paper trading first.
The are a lot of books on the subject that pretend to help you, however many of them where written 6 or 8 years ago and that kind of makes them obsolete in this constantly changing field.
Fortunately there are some practical stock trading sites on the web where you can access proven trading strategies that are easy to implement. One of those sites is http://www.MomentumStockPick.com
They focus on stock trading methodologies that can help you identify and take advantage of certain stocks with momentum, while limiting your risk.
Visit them today and improve your stock trading potential in 2009.

About the Author
Momentum Stock Pick helps stock traders and investors take advantage of practical stock trading opportunities every day at http://www.MomentumStockPick.com

Stock Market Trading Advice

by David Baxwell

Many people think of the stock market as gambling, but if you take a long term disciplined approach you will minimize the risk while making money. Following a strategy in stock market trading and sticking to it for the long haul will get results. But you will have to keep an eye on the market and pay attention to the signals it gives you.
The stock market is much like a roller coaster, since it can go up and down very rapidly and suddenly in just one day. There are numerous option strategies available to you. If you are taking part in stock market trading, it is crucial to track the movements of stock shares over the course of a day. Every investor has different tactics for trying to earn as much as possible. By utilizing the assorted investor tools, you can pick up the best methods of day trading for the most profitable outcome.
The advent of high powered technologies offers a vast opportunity for an average person to pursue an investment in the Stock Market. Utilizing the online stock market trading will eliminate you from the commissions entailed in hiring a broker or the fees involved in investing through brokerage firms. This liberty from the brokerage's fees and commission is a great leap for an ordinary citizen who wants to venture in a Stock Market.
One more element to be considered with regard to trading shares on line is that you can do it in the comfort of your own residence or office. If you own a computer which accesses the internet, you can start right in. The main advantage is being able to eliminate all the tiresome checking into the background of a given stock and the analyzing of its past record, price fluctuations, and likely future trend. This difficult work can be left to the professionals who have sufficient expertise to do it with greater effectiveness.
If you don't have a computer, you can still use the older methods of stock market day trading. A phone call to your broker is all it takes, and modern smart phones are almost as good as any computer if you can get a connection to the internet. But more important than your method of trading is the training and education you receive. Act only on valid information and not on rumors.
The ideal option trading strategy is invariably to purchase shares at low prices and make your sales when they have gone up. It may be difficult to know exactly how to achieve this at first, but eventually you'll become more experienced and be a more capable day trader. When doing day trading, you have to keep in mind that you can only make so much on one share. Therefore, when you have topped out on a particular stock, you can simply switch to trading a different one which is still eligible to be traded.

About the Author
Stock market trading is an excellent way to earn some money. When participating in investing, you need to have some kind of a strategy.

The 4 Biggest Investment Myths of 2008

by Alexander Green

Pessimism about the U.S. economy and financial market is so thick right now you could cut it with a knife.
I'll be the first to admit that times are tough. But Americans have seen tough times before. And we have always prevailed.
Too many investment myths have gone unchallenged lately. Today I plan to refute them - and explain why financial markets are likely to perform much better than most investors believe in the year ahead.
Let's begin by examining the four biggest investment myths circulating right now…
Investment Myth #1: The Era of Free Markets is Over
It's true that many of the apostles of free-market economics have begged Congress for government intervention during the current credit crisis. But nobody is seriously arguing that Uncle Sam should nationalize the economy, set wages and prices, or establish production quotas.
The free market still constitutes the best means of securing prosperity over the long term. (Just ask the Chinese. Three hundred million people there have been lifted out of poverty over the past three decades.) We will find ways to make free markets work better - not abolish them.
Investment Myth #2: The United States Has Lost its Competitive Edge
The reality is the United States continues to lead the world in innovation, technology, higher education, worker training and the ability of the labor force to move from one job to another.
Three months ago, the Swiss-based World Economic Forum released its global competitiveness report and, once again, the United States topped the list. The study further noted that our strong productivity will help us "ride out business-cycle shifts and economic shocks" better than most countries.
Investment Myth #3: The United States is No Longer an Attractive Market for Investment
Yes, the Fed's move to take interest rates near zero has predictably knocked the dollar for a loop again. But that isn't deterring foreign investors. Perhaps they know that the biggest bargain of all is inexpensive assets in a cheap currency.
According to the World Bank, the United States attracted more than $2 trillion worth of foreign direct investment last year. Britain, Hong Kong and France - the next three top finishers - each registered less than half as much. The United States remains the economic engine of the world - and smart capital will continue to seek a home here.
Investment Myth #4: U.S. Financial Markets Will Take Decades to Recover
In the more than 200-year history of equity investing in the United States, stocks have never taken decades to recover. Those who argue they have always omit dividends. Dr. Jeremy Siegel of the Wharton School points out that even if you invested a regular amount in the Dow every month beginning at the market peak in 1929, within four years you would still have outperformed someone who invested the same amount each month in T-bills. (The key is regular investment and reinvested stock dividends.)
The Nikkei 225 in Japan, of course, is still down more than 70% from its peak in 1989. Could the United States be headed for the same long, deflationary spiral? That's extremely unlikely. The Japanese real estate and equity bubble was much bigger, government action there was clumsy and ineffective, and the banks were not cleaned up quickly or efficiently. Congress and the Federal Reserve are being much more proactive here.
It's true that the economy is in for a few rough quarters. Understandably, the media is focused on the bad news. We all know that hundreds of thousands of jobs have been lost. Venerable names in banking and finance are no more. American automobile manufacturers are begging Congress for a lifeline. Residential real estate and the stock and corporate bond markets have all taken it on the chin.
But there are reasons for optimism, too. Oil has plunged from $147 a barrel to less than $40. Low interest rates will ultimately make it cheaper for businesses and consumers to borrow. A cheap greenback boosts exports and makes U.S. assets inexpensive to foreign buyers. And fundamental valuations on stocks are the cheapest they've been in 17 years.
Make no mistake, 2009 is going to be a tough year for the economy. But the financial markets - always looking forward - have already discounted this and could surprise you in the year ahead.
So don't get waylaid by the gloom-and-doomers. There are always attractive investment opportunities out there and right now is no exception.
We'll be highlighting dozens of new ideas - here and in our Oxford Club Communiqué - in the weeks just ahead.
Let's buck the trend together - and look forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
Good investing,
Alex
P.S. There's never been a better time to join The Oxford Club. In fact, members just received information on a little-known government loophole enacted in 2006 that can give you an extra $400 or more every month - starting in February. To find out more, just go here to read the full report. If you're already an Oxford Club member, you can log in here to see all of our Urgent Investor Reports..
Today's Investment U Crib Sheet
New Year's resolutions are on the minds of many as we close out 2008 and look to 2009. And while many resolutions include losing weight and living better, we'd like to recommend you consider one of our own:
Use the Four Pillars of Wealth to ensure your New Year is a profitable one.
To review, our Four Pillars are:
Pillar 1: Stick to an Asset Allocation Model Pillar 2: Adhere to a Sell Discipline Pillar 3: Understand Position-Sizing Pillar 4: Always Look to Minimize Investment Expenses and Taxes
We all want a Herculean body on a Krispy Kreme diet. But that's not going to happen. And neither is predicting the very next move of the stock market, oil, interest rates, or foreign currencies. That's why you need to have a specific strategy going into next year. And it's why The Oxford Club uses the Four Pillars.
Find out more about The Oxford Club, and its other strategies for limiting risk and increasing returns.
Related Articles:
Small Cap Stocks: The Most Important Trend Headed into 2009
I.O.U.S.A & The Coming Entitlement Meltdown: Why We Face $53 Trillion in Unfunded Liabilities
Stock Market Investment Advice: The Two Most Profitable Secrets of the World's Greatest Investors
Investment U Archives
InvestmentU Advice

About the Author
When Alexander Green isn't making money for Oxford Club members, or giving Investment U readers free advice, his knowledge is in high demand. He's been profiled on Forbes.com, written for Louis Rukeyser and several other leading financial publications, and was featured on the Fox News' 'The O'Reilly Factor.' The Hulbert Financial Digest has since ranked Alex's stock selections 3rd in the nation

Why Brand Identity is so Important for Your Business?

by Steve McMains

Brand Name, well these words mean a lot to any business owner. Your business can grow in no time if people know you and it can be shattered if your competitors overpower your name. Brand identity not only takes your business to a height but also helps you to maintain a sustainable growth of your business. Brand identity is something which can not be replaced with any other option in this world. Established business owners know the importance of brand identity. However new comers often stay back from investing to highlight their brands as they suffer from a misconception that creating brand identity costs a lot. You need to understand that brand identity can bring you bring you profit more than you have spent on it and more than you have expected.Few Tips for Establishing Brand Identity: You should have a clear idea about some facts before you invest to establish your brand identity. Following a few simple tips can save you from huge investment. • First decide what is your target market?
• How should the target market perceive your product?
• What is the unique feature of your product?
• Why your product is different from the products of your competitors?
• What will be your point of focus to highlight the qualities of your product? • What is the economic potential of your target market (fix the price accordingly)? • What is the best possible way to reach your target market?
• What is the most cost effective way of developing your brand identity?
• What should be your branding strategy? Developing brand identity is nothing other than hitting your target market on a regular basis. If your product is good, if the customers are satisfied with your service and above all if they remember your face nothing can stop them from coming back to you. The only thing you need to do is making them remember your face over and again. Thus, advertisement plays such important role in a business.
There are a number of ways in which you can go for advertising. The trick lies in realizing the best possible means of reaching your potential customers in the most cost effective way. You can choose different means of advertising such as audio, visual or audio visual.
Decide your cost depending on the size of your target market. If your target market is not so big, you need not invest for a full newspaper ad or a 2 minutes TV ad. There are many other alternatives. You can develop unique branding strategy to reach your target market. This will not only make them remember your face but also impress them. It is nothing new that a good impression will surely contribute to develop your brand identity. You can go for branded office stationary gifts. Another reasonable way of reaching your customers is email advertising or newsletter. Mobile advertising is also a good way of expanding your brand name. One of the best ways you can keep in touch with your target market is social media networking. Other interesting ways may include shopping bags, packaging and so on.

About the Author
Steve is a media professional and writes for different online publications on media and advertising industry. For more information on corporate branding or integrated marketing, he recommends you to visit http://www.brandweek.com/

Recession Survival - How to Make More Money Online

by Anne-Marie Ronsen

Earning money online nowadays is not like it was before. It is much harder to do and you also need to double the amount of work you usually do in order to earn some extra cash. The reason for this is that there are more people doing the same thing as you and more competition means more division of potential consumers.
The online business community is gaining popularity all over the world because of the passive or residual income it promises.
Network marketing is also popular these days. Through this type of business, you will simply have to recruit and sell, most often through emails. This is a great opportunity and you don't have to meet your downlines or customers because they can come from different parts of the world. You will only communicate with them online. However, you should be aware that there are also scams or illegal businesses on the internet.
By doing an in-depth search, you can stay away from scammers and do business with only the reputable and experienced ones. When the business is experiencing success, you will soon notice that residual income is starting to roll in.
The first is by becoming an online stock or FOREX trader. Thanks to the power of the internet, the stock market and the FOREX market have made available for everyone to trade.
Also, you don't even need to have hundreds of thousands of dollars in order for you to start investing in the stock market or even in the FOREX market. With a few hundred dollars, you can start trading.
Today, you will see that there are quite a lot of online stock and FOREX brokerage websites that offer online stock or FOREX trading. What you need to do is sign up with the website, open an account, invest a minimum amount of money, and start trading.
You can also try affiliate programs to earn passive or residual income. In this particular business opportunity, you don't have to think of a new product or service because the affiliate company will provide it to you. You will simply have to market their products/service through your own affiliate site and you will receive commissions for it. The harder you work, the more income you can expect. You must know more about SEO and keyword search so that you can effectively promote your affiliate site. Keep the site updated at all times to avoid loosing customers.
All these things can happen right at the comforts of your own home. As you can see, you don't need to be on the market floor to trade, and you don't even have to own a multinational company to do so. With a computer with an active internet connection and some money to invest, you will be able to start trading stocks or currency.
Another type of online business that can ensure income and a good amount of it is by being a call center agent. Most companies today are now outsourcing their call centers or their help desk. In fact, some companies even outsource it to individuals who have computers with active internet connection in their homes. If you want to make some extra cash but you can't leave home to work for some reason, then becoming an outsourced call center agent will be the right online job for you.
Another new way to make money online is by becoming a blogger. Many companies today are now trying to outsource man power because it is a lot cheaper and more efficient to do so. Besides, by outsourcing things that are not really that vital for the company, you will be able to free up more office space that can be used for things that are vital for the survival of the company, such as expanding the research and development department.
Bloggers are one of the positions that companies today outsource. Although it is not really an important part of the company, you have to remember that many people today are now visiting the World Wide Web. Even if a company is already well known and has a steady flow of consumers, you have to remember that they will do whatever it takes in order to get more people to buy from them. So, because people are constantly visiting the internet today, companies will hire bloggers to write about their products and posting it on various websites that are owned by the company.
The great thing about being a blogger is that the pay is actually quite good, and you will be able to work right at the comforts of your own home.
Reaching out to more people is another strategy that can help you make more money in your online business. Try to advertise as much as you can. Get people to subscribe in your website, and once they do and you get a hold of their contact information, always send them newsletters about your online business and the new products you are offering.
These are some of the new forms of income making strategies from the internet. With these things, you can be sure that you will earn more money from your online business and also make it more successful.
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Copyright © Anne-Marie Ronsen
Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.
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About the Author
Anne-Marie Ronsen is the author of many wealth and self development books. Download FREE e-books from http://www.e-bestsellers.com, http://www.plrbestsellers.com or http://www.universalpublishingltd.com ...You will learn about the best tips and recommendations to improve your health, weight and wealth. You'll also discover FREE Premium content at http://www.ibestof.com/ and Manual Submission Directory at: http://www.webdirectorybank.com

Saving For The Long Term by Isla Campell

by Isla Campell

However much money you manage to save, it never seems to be enough. And since you will want to make the most of any and all savings you have, it is well worth spending some time thinking about what to do with them. Most people know that the higher the potential reward may be, the riskier that savings vehicle is. But there is nothing wrong with playing it safe, and considering recent events with the economy in particular, it might just be the best strategy of all at the moment. So where do you start? The most important thing is to think about how much cash you have to invest for the future. Are you thinking about saving a set amount of money each and every month? Or are you looking at putting away a lump sum now that you can just forget about? Figuring out how much you can spare and when will help you to choose the right savings vehicle for your needs. It's no good choosing an account with little consideration and then realising you cannot get to your funds in an emergency, should such a scenario arise. It also doesn't pay to be too narrow minded. For example, if you have always relied on traditional savings accounts to put your money in up until now, why not consider other methods of investing your money as well? An investment bond might fit the bill if you are looking for a long term asset that you can keep adding to. They are designed to be held for a number of years, so they are ideal if you want to save for a specific event; this could be anything from a wedding, or perhaps even your retirement. The flexibility you have is one of the reasons this is such a popular choice. A bond is traditionally much safer than investing in something like shares. But the big advantage is that you will generally get a much better return than you would if you left your cash sitting in a standard savings account. As you can see, there is a lot to think about before you make your final choices on where you want to save your money. And you shouldn't restrict yourself to just one account or savings vehicle either. The best bet is to have an instant access account where you can stash some money to get at in a hurry if you need to. Higher paying accounts and bonds can then be added to the mix, in order to give you the best chance of getting the best return over a longer period of time. In short, this is possibly one of the best ways to make a decent return, if you don't like to handle too much risk.

About the Author
Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

Simple Direct Marketing Tweaks Make Profits Soar

by Dan Page

Savvy business leaders across the nation are secretly transforming their businesses by making vital changes to their customer interactions.
Their profits are surging, costs are plummeting and the environment gets an unanticipated boost. And perhaps the best news in these troubled economic times? Employees are keeping their jobs instead of suffering layoffs.
Sound like it's too good to be true? At first blush, perhaps.
The answer lies with a dear old friend: Direct mail.
No question about it: Direct mail and the entire direct marketing industry created enormous wealth for decades. But many companies have gotten…well…sloppy.
We cared more about stuffing mailboxes with messages than what we should have been doing: Fine-tuning our marketing machines for maximum efficiency. And we're paying the piper for taking our eye off the ball. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Recently, a handful of smart executives crafted a marketing strategy that leverages the power of direct marketing like never before. The system they've developed sends profits soaring. These adjustments to direct mail processes slash marketing costs without sacrificing a penny of profit.
With the economy in a freefall and unemployment at unprecedented levels, any company that is considering layoffs is in for a pleasant surprise when they put their direct marketing process under the microscope.
But this is not a place for marketing rookies to cut their teeth by indiscriminately slashing costs. Done wrong, your profits will plummet like a falling star.
The key is NOT to simply communicate with your customers less.
That's suicide.
But rather, the answer lies in how you talk to your customers. And this is where it starts to get fascinating.
The Problem With Direct Marketing
Over the past twenty years, the direct marketing industry has become increasingly complex. Companies employed a dizzying array of direct mail, email, web sites and phone rooms that enticed customers and prospects into opening their wallets. Database marketing was king.
And for good reason. It's predictable, it's profitable, and it performs like clockwork. Who cares if my return on investment is dwindling? If I can spend $1 on a direct mail piece and earn $1.20, I'll do it all day long!
But in the midst of all this marketing wizardry, efficiency suffered dramatically.
Efficiency Tweaks Transform Marketing
Very few companies were willing look at their direct marketing through the efficiency lens. Those that did trudge this extra mile profited wildly and guarded their secrets jealously. These companies invested years of painstaking trial and error, carving out marketing strategies that slash their traditional direct mail budget while vastly improving sales and profitability.
But there's a lifeline for those who want to quickly get up to speed and start reaping the rewards of efficient direct marketing.
Industry leader Transcontinental Direct quietly developed a proprietary Efficiency Analysis to help companies profit from these new advances. Their system predictably streamlines the marketing processes of any business that employs direct mail advertising.
The results are nothing short of astounding. It's the holy grail of marketing. Spend less and earn more.
Save Ten Percent of Marketing Budget
Any business that uses mail to communicate with customers and prospects can typically slash at least ten percent off their direct marketing budget.
Transcontinental Direct will even perform a Free Efficiency Analysis for qualified companies, non-profits and government entities to determine how much they can save.
Reduced Layoffs
For companies considering layoffs, these cost savings can mean that some employees will get to stay in their jobs, put food on the table and keep the family in their home rather than becoming another foreclosure statistic.
Unemployment rolls can get some relief, as more people remain on the job.
If the company is already on solid footing and employees are not in danger of losing their jobs, the efficiency savings drop right to the bottom line. That's pretty exciting in today's economy when many firms are struggling just to stay afloat.
But the leading-edge companies are taking it one step further.
They're re-investing the efficiency savings back into communicating effectively with customers and prospects. These firms are actually growing. Even now, when so many companies are scraping to merely survive.
And there's even more good news.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction
Efficient direct marketing means less junk mail stuffed in mailboxes across the country. Any business that learns and applies the right marketing strategies to reduce direct mail helps the environment in a very measurable way. Less trees cut to provide the paper, reduced water, electricity and other resources used to process the mail. And that doesn't include all the greenhouse gases that are eliminated from not having to deliver the purged junk mail to millions of consumers.
The problem has become so pronounced, several groups have recently sprung up to help consumers stop junk mail and give the environment a breather. It's part of the worldwide obsession of living a greener lifestyle. The time is ripe for efficient marketing because reducing the mountains of junk mail in America has a measurable effect on the environment and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
And the best part of efficient direct marketing? It's good business!
• Marketing messages become surgically focused, while response rates soar. • Employees will applaud your efforts to retain them, rather than heartlessly laying them off without considering this easy alternative. • Efficiency savings can be re-invested to retain existing customers, attract new ones, and increase the customer lifetime value. • The press will eat up your story of environmental responsibility. More press equals free advertising, so your savings compound. • Customers will reward your environmental stewardship with increased loyalty and sales.
Your business will quite literally become "Leaner and Greener".
The only question remaining is…why NOT do it?

About the Author
Dan Page is a Business Development Specialist for Transcontinental Direct, one of the largest direct marketing companies in North America. Find out if your company qualifies for a Free Efficiency Analysis. Contact Dan Page today at (303) 938-8280.

The Use of Forex Trading Strategies That are Sure Money Makers are a Quick Path to Easy Street

by William R. Alheim, Jr., CPA, MA

When I hear people say, "They can't make money in the Forex markets" I just think to myself, "How can you not make money, it is so easy if you know what you're doing." Let's examine the facts and the facts are the odds of making money in the currency markets are better than any other forms of investment, including, stocks, bonds, real estate or starting a business. All you need to know is a few Forex strategies that work and simply keep repeating them constantly and you will created a big wad of cash in your bank account.
The facts are, if you flip a coin trying to decide which currency to buy you would be correct 50% of the time. That is correct sir; a currency can only go in one of two directions, up or down. That makes 50% in my book, I am no mathematical genius but if I start with a 50% chance of making money in something I know nothing about, what do my odds increase to if I ACTUALLY learned something.
Are you aware of the fact, that most millionaires just know ONE simple method of making money and simply repeat it over and over. This is just how I started investing in the Forex markets, I looked at the odds of picking a winner and then I thought to myself there is NO way I can't figure some little technique of making money and then just do it over and over.
I personally liked the currency trading strategy of Forex scalping when I first started. I like it because it was low risk, but offered high returns if you were every able to perfect it. I started research everything I could about the subject and stumbled on this currency course that concentrated on it.
The name of the class if Forex Made E-Z and it teaches you one method of scalping that is a real money maker. At least it has been for me, and if I can do it anybody can do it. This class is not going to teach you everything about the markets, only this one little technique of making money.
Out of all the Forex strategies I have ever investigated this method of trading is the simplest to learn and easiest to implement. Really, there is nothing to it. You just look at one little thing at one certain time of the day. If it tells you to buy, you buy. If it tells you to short, you short. What could be easier? So if your looking for something that is not to hard to learn and makes real good money then spend a little time checking out this course.

About the Author
There are many fine Forex Courses, Software Systems and Brokerage Firms on the market today. We have eliminated the rest and only kept the best to help you LEARN CURRENCY TRADING ONLINE. For 100s of FREE Currency educational articles and tutorials check out FREE FOREX TRAINING.

Renewable Energy Gets Boost From Chancellor

by Duncan Freer

Chancellor Alistair Darling's Pre-Budget Report (PBR) has been seen as one of the most important packages of government proposals in over a decade. Included in that package were some very positive moves for renewable energy, which could equate to a big increase in 'green-collar' jobs - particularly renewable energy jobs, nuclear jobs and other careers in the UK's energy industries.
The government gave a significant boost to the wind power industry by promising to extend the Renewables Obligation of financial support until 2037. The Renewables Obligation, which places a legal requirement on UK electricity suppliers to source any growing percentage of their power from green sources, was originally only in place until 2027. The Chancellor's 10-year extension is intended to "ensure investors can plan with confidence for the future". The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) said that the move was "really encouraging" and would stimulate companies looking at plans to build expensive projects deep into the North Sea. These projects include tidal projects as well as offshore windfarms and other renewable energy sources. This extension of the Renewables Obligation gives these companies a reassurance that the government will be investing in renewable energy, which translates into a greater confidence and business growth, which in turn inevitably leads to more job opportunities.
With government targets for 10% of UK electricity supplies to come from renewable supplies only two years away, the renewable energy industry is pumping investment into new methods of meeting those targets, again all good news for those looking for careers in the UK's energy market. Nuclear power will be part of that package, so nuclear jobs look set to increase as new stations come online as part of the UK's long-term plans to meet its energy needs. Despite a real desire for environmental energy to be the key to Britain's future energy needs, there is a shortfall in supply and demand. It is probable that this shortfall will be taken up by the nuclear industry, whether the public wants it or not. The alternative is a country that cannot meet its own energy demands, so a compromise has to be made.
But not only has the Renewables Obligation been given an additional 10 year lifespan - the Chancellor also announced that the government would be bringing capital spending forward to finance the environmental sector as a whole. Mr. Darling said that this could potentially create one million jobs in the low-carbon industry over the next 20 years, giving the UK a new growth industry that has a long-term future. This obviously means a big increase in the number of potential energy jobs available and a stable career platform for thousands of people. Philip Wolfe, director general of the Renewable Energy Association said that "energy projects are significant undertakings and companies require 15 to 20 years of a stable policy framework stretching ahead of them to give them the confidence to invest." It is this investment confidence that not only would benefit the environment, but the jobs market as well.
Although the oil industry is in surprisingly fine fettle and currently meets most of our energy demands, renewable energy is the future of both supply and production not just in the UK but globally as well. The Environmental Industries Commission calls on the government to go further, saying that the development and implementation of a long-term growth strategy that includes a clear environmental policy framework, incentives, research funding and skills development is a matter of urgency if the UK is not to be left behind in the race to become a leading low-carbon economy. All of this again bodes well for those seeking careers in the energy industry and renewable energy jobs in particular.

About the Author
Duncan freer - Director - Utility Jobs Search is a job site dedicated to the utilities industry including gas jobs, energy jobs, water jobs, nuclear jobs plus many more. For interviews, images or comments contact: John Roberts Marketing Manager Email: john@thejobsearchgroup.com

Insurance...necessary Evil?

by Tim Norris

Insurance: The Necessary Evil...or is it?
As consumers, let alone real estate investors, we tend to flinch whenever the insurance bill arrives. Many times, for good reason: rates are higher, coverages seem to diminish, and for what? We have never even filed a claim! However, if we stop thinking of our insurance policies as just another drain on our cash-flow, and more as a legitimate part of our business plan, that premium notice may be a little bit easier to open...

Most of us consider insurance as a "purchasing endeavor". That is, we either buy it, or it is sold to us. Therein, in my opinion, is the foundational fault of the process. The misconception is still prevalent: insurance is mysterious, difficult to understand, and, at best we hope we can trust the person that is selling it to us. We buy it, because we "have to have it":... As a licensed "agent" in over 40 states, I cringe whenever I hear the word "quote". Not that getting the best rate for appropriate coverage shouldn't be our goal, but "quoting" tends to lead to, in many situations, an inadequate transaction between seller (the agent) and end-user (the policyholder). Inadequate, because the agenda for the agent may not fit the needs of the customer (or, as I prefer, client). Please do not misconstrue this as a generalization that all insurance agents are inherently indifferent, or less than legitimate. The attitude that insurance should be treated as a commodity can be blamed on the industry itself, who, as a knee-jerk reaction and effort to grow market share, seem to not really understand the needs of the public. Their Contact us to save $XXX on your Coverage advertising campaigns reinforce the public attitude that insurance is a "one size fits all" industry and getting the lowest rate makes the most sense. Unfortunately, when you really need it, this planning, or lack thereof, has hurt more consumers than it has ever helped.

Too many of us, when building our real estate investing portfolios, consider our insurance program an afterthought. Those of us who do understand some of it's value, may not fully comprehend it's place in our business plan/model. I consistently receive calls and emails from people who ask if I think an LLC, an S-Corporation, a Land Trust, or any other entity created to buy/own real estate is the best option over another for them. These bevy of inquiries bolster my theory that the right advice is still not promulgated in our industries (insurance AND real estate investing) to a sufficient degree. Contrary to most opinion, insurance should not be the foundation of an asset protection strategy. Think of your assets, whether personal or business, as the items within your castle that you desire to protect. The legal entities that you create, with the advice and assistance of a legal professional, are the castle walls, the moat, and the watchtower you build to help protect them. What you choose to create is a summation of the needs and issues in which tax, financial, and even estate planning must be taken into consideration. Acknowledge that insurance is the archer in the watch tower, or the knights with the boiling oil, that attempt to keep nasty things like liability claims, fire, windstorms and other catastrophes at bay. We all know insurance does not cover everything. The list of exclusions in most policies is more than a paragraph. Likewise, the archer does not hit every target. That stated, the archer and knights (insurance) need to work in conjunction the walls and the moats legal entities) to appropriately protect your "stuff". Protecting your assets is more complex than simply finding the cheapest insurance rate.

"That is a nice explanation, and worth consideration, but how does that help me when my next premium comes due", you may be thinking... Inadequate coverage, whether relating to your property or liability, may be just as damaging to your business model as no coverage at all. There are many cost-saving mechanisms that you can employ, far short of short-changing coverage. These are but a few:

Higher deductibles---Take a glance at the deductible you have on all your insurance policies. Chances are, if you increase each of them to the next higher incremental level, the premium savings generated will more than offset the difference. A solid rule-of-thumb is to take the minimum claim you would file, double it, and use that as your preferred deductible on any policy. If you would never file a $1000 claim, then certainly don't carry a $500 deductible. Besides, as real estate investors, we typically don't pay "retail" for supplies or labor when it comes to construction/rehab/repair...A deductible is, by definition, "self-insurance". I am an advocate of self-insuring that which you can control or is of a known amount (a deductible, or even the vacant property you got at a tax sale for $10,000). However, self-insuring unknown risk, such as liability, even with an asset-protection strategy in place, is rarely a good idea.

Combining coverages---The more opportunity you have to combine coverages on either the same policy, or with the same carrier, usually the better rate you get. If you have 6 rental properties on 6 different policies, not only are you potentially paying a higher rate due to internal policy fees, etc... on each, you may end up paying far more than you think in the event of a catastrophe, such as a wind or hailstorm. On separate policies, you have separate deductibles...If multiple locations are damaged, your deductible will apply per location. On a master, or "blanket"-type policy, where all properties are combined, the deductible usually applies per occurrence. Knowing this, and choosing a deductible that is appropriate for your business, goes a long way in helping you when you really need it...In the recent windstorms as a result of Hurricane Ike, I had one client that had over 150 properties damaged. She had a $5000 deductible. Thank goodness she only had to deal with it once, because her properties were combined on one policy. Otherwise, her 10 years of building a large portfolio of properties may have been wasted...

Dropping coverages you do not need---A quick review of a policy will usually indicate how much you are paying for unnecessary coverages. As real estate investors, many of us have been financially blessed, even in the current economic turmoil. With multiple vehicles at home, do we really need to pay for the "rental car coverage"? If our vehicles are newer, many times "Roadside Assistance" is built in to our purchase or lease. If you are still paying for "Towing" coverage on your auto insurance policy, it's probably a waste of a few dollars. I realize that many of these items are "nickels and dimes". However, they are yours, and you should spend them on things that you need. Consider re-allocating these premium dollars into higher liability limits, for instance.

Find an insurance "Advisor" that understands what it is you need/desire to protect. Let them work with appropriate advice from all of your business team members (attorney, CPA, and financial planner) to develop a fluid adaptable model that makes sense for you. As part of your business plan, insurance can help you when you need it, but not drain you when you do not.





About the Author
Tim Norris is an investor and NaREIA, OREIA and Cincinnati REIA member. Our office is open 8-5 Monday through Friday with evening and weekend hours by appointment. We can be reached at 513-275-1350 or 888-741-8454,and anytime at tim@nreinsurance.com. Check out www.nreinsurance.com for more info…