A large number of investment professionals confuse risk and volatility to the point where the terms are treated as being virtually synonymous. This has resulted in the flawed investment principle that reducing volatility will (and must) reduce risk. Such thinking is deeply misguided, and following it has dire consequences for investors. Let me explain more about what risk and volatility are and are not.

Asset allocation is one of the most crucial aspects of building a diversified and sustainable portfolio that not only preserves and grows wealth, but also weathers the twists and turns that ever-changing market conditions can throw at it. However, while the average [financial] advisor or investor spends a great deal of time carefully analyzing and picking the right stocks or sectors, the basic and primary task of asset allocation is often overlooked. [According to research by both Wainwright Economics and Ibbotson Associates and the current Dow:gold ratio, allocating a portion of one's portfolio to gold and/or silver and/or platinum is imperative to protect and grow one's financial assets. Let me explain.] Words:1060

Hedge funds are an integral part of our financial investment landscape. They often outperform the broad stock market by wide margins. Many are designed to make money in ANY market environment and they are now more accessible to investors via a fast-growing new vehicle — funds of hedge funds. Words: 859

This article provides you with an excellent understanding of what bonds are, the advantages of owning them and how to go about trading them.

Weather and climate are important considerations for most people when they think about where they might retire. This short article provides you with 6 internet resources to research the weather wherever you might be considering moving or retiring, so you can make the best choice. Words: 380

One of the most enduring of Wall Street axioms - falling somewhere under "buy low and sell high" but above "greed is good" - is to "sell in May and go away" and, indeed, there appeared to be some truth to the saying. Between 1950 and 2012, the Dow Jones gained an average of 7.6% annually during the November-April period, but only 0.4% during May-October. Does "Sell In May and Go Away" still hold true as a viable investment strategy? Not according to my analysis. Here's why.

Consumers should follow a few basic rules to protect their money...Let's review 10 of them: Words: 620

Overall tax rates are going to continue creeping higher in the years ahead so take advantage of every legal means you can to shelter your wealth and watch it grow with as little interference from Uncle Sam as you can. Here are 4 such ways to do just that - pay less taxes!

What is the best way to reduce debt? The most-efficient means is probably the snowball method. There are two main variations of the snowball method, but you must consider your personality to determine which of the two is right for you. [Let me explain.] Words: 1251

Most people think the only way to get money from a life insurance policy is to die but there is another way should your circumstances change and that is called a life settlement. This article provides you with some insider insights on how to go about negotiating the maximize payout on such a settlement.