Continue reading Kiplinger's Offering Free Retirement Advice

Kiplinger's Offering Free Retirement Advice originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Obama Picks: Building an "Obama Stock" portfolio originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Over the last few months, real estate investment trusts (REITs) have shown that they are able to survive in tough conditions, at least compared with most other stocks. However, there have been signs of weakness for REITs lately and this is likely to continue.

With recession fears still looming, real estate operators are facing yet another difficult situation brought on by rising unemployment, which could result in lower office and retail space demand. And rising inflation will come with higher interest rates, leading to higher borrowing expenses for REITs. Considering these circumstances, the outlook for REITs is not all that promising.

With all these concerns and obstacles tied to the market and the industry, you may think it wise to stay away from real estate, at least until we see an improvement in consumer spending and the banking sector. Kiplinger suggests that we reconsider these thoughts, and actually suggests some names to invest in that could offer us the advantages we are all looking for.

Continue reading Some REITs for your portofolio from Kiplinger

Some REITs for your portofolio from Kiplinger originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The TradeKing blog posted a nice review by Dominic Basulto of the May 2007 cover story of Kiplinger's Personal Finance. that pointed out some old tried and true investment strategies that are still the best way to build financial wealth over time.

While these strategies are nothing new, they should be reaffirmed from time to time.

Kiplinger's suggests that you consider the following when looking to consistently build your investment value over time:

1.) Get involved in a sector which has been underperforming for a considerable period of time and is showing strong signs of picking up. Consider Warren Buffett's railroads play. Could he be on to something?

2.) Keep a look out for "breakout technologies". I suggest keeping a close watch on solar and artificial intelligence plays as well as RFID. Basulto suggests telecom and biotech.

3.) Higher risk generally provides higher returns. Do ya think? Play the volatility game. This requires nerves of steel and a lightening hand but if you're good, the returns can be immense. It's like betting on the horse that's straining at the gate and sweating before the run. Either that pony will run uncontested or it'll spin circles in the first length. Volatility plays best if you're a heavy duty behind the scenes researcher.

4.) Look for fundamentally strong companies which have floundered under poor management and then wait for a management change. I have watched several people successfully work this angle.

The Kiplinger article seeks to provide insight into the strategies for compounding your money over various time frames. The information provided is valuable and time tested but Kiplinger's makes clear that they suggest a longer time table shall provide you with greater investment security.

Kiplinger's suggests time tested strategies for building wealth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Today in Money & Finance - 3/13 - Top dividend-paying stocks, how to live like a billionaire & $2 billion in unclaimed refunds originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

As you have probably heard, that perennial pain in the butt EPA has come up with a new knot for you. They are claiming that the auto manufacturers have skewed miles per gallon estimates by testing their cars when they are warmed up, using tepid air and running at the speeds they're supposed to. Obviously the EPA believes that averages aren't averages unless you figure all the extremes into the calculations. As an average Joe, I really don't care. The EPA has always annoyed me and I guess they will continue to.

Be that as it may, I am happy to report to you that the personal finance gurus at Kiplinger have provided a tool for you to convert 2007 EPA ratings into 2008 EPA ratings. This handy automated mileage calculator is so simple to use a White House subcommittee could do it. You simply enter the manufacturer, model, engine size and transmission configuration of your specific test subject vehicle and...viola! An instant converted mileage estimate is yours.

Please use the Kiplinger's calculator if you'll be shopping for a 2007 model year vehicle. The new conversions will more closely match what you'll see as actual. Or you could use the tool that I've always employed: Deduct two or three MPG from the sticker estimate and you'll be in the range of actual results. Of course the vehicle window stickers will still say:

"ACTUAL MILEAGE MAY VARY"

Kiplinger's gives you the new EPA MPG originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.