Investing

Market timing for dummies: Tips and techniques

Here's a hot investment tip: Don't try to time the markets, because it doesn't work. Read »

A fixed-income primer

Here is a quick overview of bond types, concepts and terminology. Read »

Investing in tax-free securities

How would you like an invest­ment that pays interest but where you never have to pay taxes on the income? That's the attraction of municipal bonds. Read »

Bond investing: Riskier than you might think

While many investors focus on stocks and give little thought to investing in bonds, allocating a portion of their portfolios to bonds is usually advisable. Read »

2006 Investment returns

2006 was a stellar year for most types of investments. Read »

Looks like another good year for stocks

It appears that 2006 will be the fourth consecutive year of positive returns for the major stock market indices, and that their returns will ex­ceed historical averages. Read »

Variable Annuities: What you should know

By U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Read through some tips on variable annuities. Read »

Mutual fund fees and expenses

By U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Learn about mutual fund fees and expenses. Read »

Steer clear of making investments based on emotions

No one knows when a market has hit bottom or when it has topped out. Anyone who promises to show you on a consistent basis how to buy low and sell high is peddling snake oil. Read »

Asset Allocation: More than just diversification

Are your investments properly diversified? How do you know? Read »

Foreign stocks tops in 2005

Did you know that foreign companies include 7 of the world's 10 biggest banks, 6 of the 10 largest oil and gas companies and 7 of the top 9 automobile manufacturers? Read »

Don't panic over recent stock market downturn

Until a few weeks ago, the major stock market asset classes had done very well this year – making many investors comfortable, if not happy. Read »

Funds, funds, funds

Confused by different types of funds? Here's a review of what's what Read »

Mutual fund expenses explained

I want to put some money into a mutual fund but after looking at the company's web site I'm confused by all of the fees. Can you explain them in laymen's terms? Read »

Investing in real estate — the REIT advantage

Real estate offers an attractive supplement to traditional stock, bond and mutual fund investments. Read »

DFA funds offer low-cost, passive investment option

Most people have never heard of Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA) and their mutual funds. One reason is that DFA funds are not available to the general public. Ra­ther, they're available only to clients of a select group of independent fi­nancial advisors – including Mentor Capital Management – and to certain institutions. Read »

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