Periodically in history, the expansion of credit creates the illusion of prosperity which, regretfully, ends in the inevitable bust which seems to be the case today. The sheer magnitude of credit destruction occuring right now is depressionary. The return to growth will be a long and painful process. Words: 625

NOT putting all your eggs in one basket makes intuitive sense to many investors. Indeed, evidence indicates that putting more eggs in your basket may actually crack your portfolio, not protect it. Words: 515

You too can live comfortably and buy the things you want without worrying about how to stretch your income even further -- you can even pay off your old bills in the process! Get out there and start making money! Words: 911

There's a saying in the investment business that when the taxi driver and the delivery person are talking about a "no-lose, gotta-have" investment, it's time to run for the exits. At that point of maximum adoration and comfort, the masses have gone wild. And that's often the warning that the smart money is on its way to the exits and the novices will be trampled in the exodus. Think technology stock bubble in 2000, or house flipping three years ago. Now, think gold. Words: 471

Presently, the federal government is increasing spending that in the end may actually retard economic activity, and is also proposing tax increases that will further restrain private sector growth. In other words, fiscal policy is executing a program that is 180 degrees opposite from what it should be to stimulate the economy. How is it possible to get an inflationary cocktail out of deflationary ingredients? Words: 1461

Determine whether you have the time, discipline, and emotional make-up to handle your own finances. Most people think they can succeed on their own, much like the vast majority of people think they are above average drivers. The data shows a different fact pattern. An 18 year study compiled by legendary Vanguard Group founder, John Bogle has shown that the average investor gets destroyed not only by fees, taxes and transactions costs, but also more importantly due to emotional errors and lack of investing discipline. Words: 847

The only, truly accurate and profitable way to invest in the markets is to understand and quantify the markets differing personalities, which is what the rigorous study of market cycles does for you. Right now, for instance, although we are starting to see more negative news come to the forefront (as compared to the last nine or 10 months where the market was rallying), I can assure, the negative news you are hearing will pale in comparison to the news that will come out in the months ahead as the 40-month cycle for stocks turns down. Words: 1065

We think investors will profit most — and with the least risk — by buying shares of well-established, dividend-paying stocks with strong business prospects. Words: 387

The rebounding global economy has pushed up commodity prices in recent months but, with the exception of gold which has recently hit record highs, most commodities remain below their 2008 peaks. Still, resource demand should continue to improve with the global economy but there are ways to do - and avoid doing - when buying into such investments. Words: 503

Most investors didn’t take warnings about the future of the economy and the financial marketplace - warnings that a ‘Category 6 Fiscal Storm’, a ‘Debt-Driven Meltdown’, a ‘Systemic Banking Crisis’, a ‘Financial Train Wreck’, a ‘God-Awful Fiscal Storm’, etc. was in store for the U.S. - seriously until it began. Perhaps this time around, before the other shoe drops, we should become more informed so we will be better positioned to survive and prosper regardless of what comes next. Words: 2128