Previous Articles - 2001

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Articles from 2001

12/19/01 - Lesson 2
Now that you know how the stock market works, we are going to take a closer look at the individual factors that cause wild fluctuations in stock prices.  Understanding this concept will help you to take advantage of the manic-depressive behavior that sometimes seems to affect your portfolio.  The last part of Lesson 2 will focus on explaining Ben Graham's famous metaphor "Mr. Market".

12/10/01 - Top Holiday Gifts
Have a business tycoon in the family?  Look through our gift-guide to get that perfect surprise for him or her.

12/05/01- Book Review: The Essays of Warren Buffett, Lessons for Corporate America
This is one of three or four absolutely essential books every investor should have a copy or two of.  It's relatively inexpensive [click below and we'll search for the lowest price on the web to save you money].  The full review contains a copy of the table of contents.

11/28/01 - Top Investing Books
Most people know their portfolio should have a good collection of Blue Chips, but don't know where to begin. Now, there are four simple ways for you to invest in them without a lot of hassle.

11/15/01 - Top Business Biographies
One of the quickest and surest ways to become successful is to study those who have already done it.  Here is a list of the greatest five business biographies available.

11/02/01 - Before You Open a Brokerage Account
Before you can begin investing, you must open a brokerage account (for those of you who don't know what this is, read the article "What is a Broker and Why do I Need One" in the Beginner's Corner).  As an investor, choosing a broker is one of the most important decisions you'll have to make.  Here are five things you want to look for before you open an account.

10/20/01 - 4 Ways to Invest in Blue Chips
Most people know their portfolio should have a good collection of Blue Chips, but don't know where to begin. Now, there are four simple ways for you to invest in them without a lot of hassle.

10/09/01 - Investing Lesson Number 1
This lesson explains how a company issues stock for the first time. It also covers important concepts such as market cap, book value, and p/e ratio. If you've already read the lesson, you can take the Quiz.

09/25/01 - Warren Buffett: Oracle of Omaha
Over the past thirty-five years, Warren Buffett has emerged as arguably the greatest investor in American history.  If you had invested $10,000 in Berkshire Hathaway when he took control in 1965, your holdings would be worth more than $50 million today.  Everything you could want to know about him is right here in the Titans of Wealth directory.

09/16/01 - The Polls!
Would you marry for money?  Choose beauty or cash?  Take these fun money polls in no time at all and find out what other readers think...

09/01/01 - How To
A collection of short and to-the-point "How-To" articles.

08/23/01 - Interview with Ellis Traub, Author of "Take Stock: ... Profiting from Your First Walk Down Wall Street"
With four sons about to enter college, Ellis Traub lost everything.  Today, he's a widely respected author, spokesman for the NAIC, and CEO of Investware.  Learn how you can avoid the same mistakes he did - and save your pocketbook a lot of trouble.

08/11/01 - Interview with CNBC's Maria Bartiromo
Maria Bartiromo is one of the most influential financial journalists in the world.  In this four-part interview she discusses everything from the impact of oil on the economy to her new book.

07/28/01 - The Beginner's Corner
One of the newest and best resources on the site, the Beginner's Corner is a collection of frequently asked questions about stocks, mutual funds, and the market.  Everything from "What is a ticker symbol?" to "What is the Dow Jones?" can be found here.

07/16/01 - The Sexiest Investment
You know you shouldn't.  Your CPA wouldn't approve.  Your wife would be furious if she found out.  The guilt would consume you.  Still... you can't help casting a lustful glance at Junk Bonds with their 10-12% rate of return.  Just remember... flashy investments usually go up in smoke, and when these babies fall, they fall hard.  They're called "junk" for a reason.

06/25/01 - In This Corner...
People are constantly wondering where to park their money when they don't see any investments that interest them.  In this article, we are going to look at two of the most popular ways of using excess cash, and discover just which one is superior!

06/10/01 - Love & Money
Relationships and Investing are both complex subjects - mixing the two can sometimes be a recipe for disaster.  Here's what you should (and shouldn't) do with your money when you are seriously involved with someone else.

06/04/01 - Stock Buybacks - Shareholder Golden Eggs
Share repurchase plans are the golden eggs of shareholder value.  Learn how they increase the value of your stocks, and when managements should and should not use them.

05/21/01 - Socially Responsible Investing
Are your investments supporting causes you disagree with?  Find out if your stocks and mutual funds are paying for causes you disagree with.

05/17/01 - Pay Yourself First
Money is like water - it expands to fill the container you put it in.   If you don't have an objective goal in place for your finances, you no doubt reach the end of each month and find you have pilfered everything you had left after your bills and living expenses were paid.  You vow that next month will be different, but it never is.  With this strategy you can avoid all that - and grow your net worth.

05/14/01 - The Bottom Line
Profits... they're what this whole game is all about. Although the term "fundamental" has become a popular financial buzzword, few investors understand what it means.  Here we spotlight one of the most important fundamentals of all - earnings.

05/09/01 - How to Research an Investment
Many people are ready to take the plunge and start researching their own investments.   The problem?  They don't know where to begin.  Everything you need to learn is found in this article.

05/07/01 - The Investor's Manifesto
Just what makes an investor?  All true investors exhibit certain traits, beliefs and characteristics.  This is a compilation of those attributes in what I call "The Investor's Manifesto" - not only will they help you make the most of your money, they'll help you enjoy your life.

04/25/01 - Buying Stock without a Broker
If you want to invest, you have to open a brokerage account, right?  Wrong.    Most investors aren't aware of the options that are available when it comes to investing in stocks and mutual funds.  Although working with a qualified broker definitely has its advantages, it may be better in some cases to purchase stock directly.

04/19/01 - Dollar Cost Averaging
Many successful investors already practice dollar cost averaging, although few of them realize they do.  It is unquestionably the most effective way to put the odds in your favor, and in doing so, make your pocketbook a lot bigger.  Learn more about it here!

04/16/01 - What Perks!
Ah... Corporations. You've got to love them!   Very few beginning investors are aware that many companies work overtime trying to find ways to make their shareholders happy.  Whether you're thinking about investing in stocks for the first time, or just adding to your current holdings, here's a list of seven companies that provide perks and discounts to their favorite customers... the stockholders!

04/11/01 - 3 Fundamental Truths: Dealing with Losses
Falling stock prices are sometimes a hard pill to swallow - but long term investors shouldn't be concerned.  Learn the three fundamental truths about dealing with losses.

04/09/01 - 4 Things to Look for in an Investment
New investors are often interested in purchasing a company's stock but don't know what to look for.  What constitutes a good investment?  Here are the four most important things you should require out of each of your holdings.

04/04/01 - Bonds 101: What They are and How They Work
Want to learn more about Bonds and Fixed Income Investments?  Learn why bonds are issued and how you can make money from them.

04/01/01 - Margin 101: The Key to Fast Riches or Playing with Fire?
You've heard the story of glory... and the story of loss.  Now find out what the hype is all about, and whether margin is something your portfolio needs.

03/20/01 - Fifteen Terms Every New Investor Must Know
New to investing?  Read the list of the fifteen most important investing terms you can learn - and find out what they mean to your investments.

03/19/01 - Pay Off Your Debt or Invest?
Should you pay off your debt or invest your money? It's one of the most important questions you will ever ask yourself about your finances.  Here you can find the rules for deciding what will be best for your pocketbook as well as your peace of mind.

03/17/01 - Understanding a Bear Market
If you've only begun investing within the past few years, you may not be aware of what a bear market is.  Get the low down on what it is - and how it should change the way you invest.

03/16/01 - Mutual Funds Under $100
Looking for funds with low initial minimum investments?  You can find them here.

03/15/01 - Mutual Funds 101
What they are and how they can make you money.  Learn the basics of mutual fund investing.

03/10/01 - The 7 Rules of Becoming Rich
Learn the seven rules that are essential to become rich.

03/04/01 - Coffee Talk Edition 2
More Readers' Questions Answered.  What should I do with inherited money?  What is the difference between stocks and bonds?  What is the difference between a money market account and savings bonds? 

03/04/01 - Mistakes Every Investor Should Avoid
Avoid Being Your Portfolio's Worst Enemy

03/02/01 - Coffee Talk Edition 1
Readers' Questions Answered.  How is stock price determined?  Where can I find information on a financial planner?  What does SMA value mean?     

02/23/01- Recession 411: What it is and How it Should Affect Your Investment Strategy
Learn what a recession is and how it can affect you.

02/18/01 - HOLDRs: The Most Revolutionary Thing Since Mutual Funds
This new investment vehicle from Merrill Lynch allows you to diversify without the fees and headaches.  A must-read for new investors!

02/03/01 - Rejoice in Market Corrections? Absolutely!
True fortunes are built during economic depressions and recessions. Learn how they may be the greatest gift your portfolio can ever receive.

01/25/01 - The Rule of 72
Compound interest has more power to multiply your portfolio more than any other financial principle or tool. Learn how to use it and what interest rate you will need to secure in order to make your assets grow at the rate you want.

01/15/01 - How to Become Wealthy
How you think about money can determine your success with it. Learn how to change the way you look at cash and start laying the foundation for your freedom today.

01/12/01 - Where to Begin: Investing 101
Ready to open an account and start investing today? The sooner you get started, the sooner you are on the road to financial freedom. Read our Investing 101 feature to find out how to put your money to work immediately.

01/11/01 - P/E Ratio: The Key to Understanding Value
The Price to Earnings ratio was popularized by Benjamin Graham over half a century ago. Learn how this powerful yet simple tool can make you a better investor.

01/10/01 - DRIPs: Dividend Reinvestment Programs
Think those $12 dividend checks don't matter? Think again. They could mean the difference between an average and a comfortable retirement.