Financial Info Source - Personal Finance & Investing Blog http://financialinfosource.com Helping Dollars Make Sense Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:37:39 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 en Credit Card Counseling - Is it For Me? http://financialinfosource.com/credit-card-counseling-what-can-it-do-for-me http://financialinfosource.com/credit-card-counseling-what-can-it-do-for-me#comments Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:26:54 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/credit-card-counseling-what-can-it-do-for-me There’s no denying it. Times are tough financially for many Americans. Does this sound like you? Are you so deep in debt you can’t see any possible way out? In danger of loosing your home or automobile or even both? If so now is the time to take action before your home reaches foreclosure or you have to settle for bankruptcy.

Credit card counseling, debt consolidation, non profit companies may be the way for you to pull yourself from underneath the crushing burden of your bills. Imagine being able to breathe freely again knowing you are taking the right steps and paying off your debts.
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]]> http://financialinfosource.com/credit-card-counseling-what-can-it-do-for-me/feed Stock Market Games Earn You Bragging Rights and Big Bucks http://financialinfosource.com/stock-market-games-earn-you-bragging-rights-and-big-bucks http://financialinfosource.com/stock-market-games-earn-you-bragging-rights-and-big-bucks#comments Sat, 08 Dec 2007 09:47:28 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/stock-market-games-earn-you-bragging-rights-and-big-bucks Internet stock market simulations have become quite a phenomenon for learning about investing. From finance teachers and students to savvy investors these virtual stock markets are giving many the opportunity to learn and succeed in stock investing. For decades, the teachings of financial literacy have been almost non-existent in our school systems. This absence of such an important topic could perhaps be why many are prone to financial difficulties and lack of savings. This wave of stock market simulations is giving teachers and investment professionals new tools to get people involved in understanding the importance of finance and investing that is both beneficial and fun.

In many ways these virtual stock markets mirror the workings of a fantasy sports league. To succeed, players have to spot trends, review stats, invoke strategies, and make decisions. Instead of managing a team of athletes, players are managing million dollar stock portfolios and a key objective of making money. The biggest difference between the two games though is that when the game’s over players are turning these experiences into big bucks!

Across the nation from middle schools to colleges, students are getting in on the competition. Everything from cash, scholarships, and gifts such as i-pods and video games are up for grabs for these aspiring money makers. Recently in Rochchester New York, over 200 local high schools participated in a regional competition pitting the stock market prowess of students against each other competing for prizes and college scholarships.

Are students the only ones winning and reaping the rewards? Absolutely not! Online competitions between friends, colleagues, and enthusiastic investors are pooling cash together for their top earners. In addition, fantasy stock sites such as www.wallstreetsurvivor.com sponsor competitions to compete for daily, weekly, and monthly prizes for up to $25,000. It’s free to join as well. Not too shabby!

Everyone wants to succeed, make money and live happily. Learning the ins and outs of the stock market and investing is definitely a way to achieve this. From the start, stock market simulations have been a great thing to get involved in and developing a strategy for building wealth.

]]> http://financialinfosource.com/stock-market-games-earn-you-bragging-rights-and-big-bucks/feed What are Common Stock and Preferred Stock? http://financialinfosource.com/what-are-common-stock-and-preferred-stock http://financialinfosource.com/what-are-common-stock-and-preferred-stock#comments Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:07:53 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/what-are-common-stock-and-preferred-stock For the beginning investor learning and understanding so many new ideas can get confusing. Especially, when it comes to looking for and choosing between the different types of stocks. The confusion can lead to frustration and actually cause some to disregard stock opportunities altogether or make bad investment decisions. There are two fundamental types of stock, common and preferred stock. When you’re getting into the market,you need to know the types of stock shares and their meanings. This article discusses the differences between common and proffered stock and will help define a better understanding of which is best for you.
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]]> http://financialinfosource.com/what-are-common-stock-and-preferred-stock/feed 5 Tips for Protecting Your Identity http://financialinfosource.com/5-tips-for-protecting-your-identity http://financialinfosource.com/5-tips-for-protecting-your-identity#comments Mon, 03 Dec 2007 01:59:56 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/5-tips-for-protecting-your-identity Every year millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft. Whats more troubling is that it often goes unnoticed by the victim for up to twelve months. By that time the perpetrators are long gone and most of the crimes end up going unsolved. For the consumer, getting back on track requires hours of work to clear their names. Each year the costs of identity theft for businesses and individuals total in the billions and these totals are only rising.

How can you prevent yourself from becoming a victim? Below are five useful tips to help you avoid becoming an identity thieves next target.
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]]> http://financialinfosource.com/5-tips-for-protecting-your-identity/feed Going Long - Investing for the Future http://financialinfosource.com/going-long-investing-for-the-future http://financialinfosource.com/going-long-investing-for-the-future#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:50:47 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/going-long-investing-for-the-future If you want to start investing money for a future event, such as funding retirement or funding a college education, there are several options available to you. It is not necessary to make investments in risky stocks or ventures. Investing your money in ways that are very safe, that will show a decent return over time can be easier than you think.

First consider bonds. There are many types of bonds that you can purchase. In many ways bonds are similar to certificates of deposit (or CD’s). However, instead of being issued by banks, bonds are issued by the Government. Depending on the type of bond, your initial investment can double over time.

Another relatively safe investment is a Mutual fund. A Mutual fund is formed when groups of investors put their money together to buy stocks, bonds, or other investments. A mutual fund manager will typically decide on how to best allocate the money towards investments. To begin investing in mutual funds find a reputable, qualified broker then he or she will help invest your money, along with other client’s money. Mutual funds can be a bit riskier than bonds though usually they produce higher gains.
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]]> http://financialinfosource.com/going-long-investing-for-the-future/feed Five Tips for Increasing Your Credit Score http://financialinfosource.com/five-tips-for-increasing-your-credit-score http://financialinfosource.com/five-tips-for-increasing-your-credit-score#comments Fri, 30 Nov 2007 01:17:54 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/five-tips-for-increasing-your-credit-score Believe it or not raising your credit score is not as hard as you think. It’s a well known that when you have a high credit score lenders will give you lower interest rates on everything from home loans to credit cards. If your credit score drops below 620 just getting a loan or credit card offer with reasonable terms can become a difficult chore.

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]]> http://financialinfosource.com/five-tips-for-increasing-your-credit-score/feed Getting Your Feet Wet In Investing http://financialinfosource.com/getting-your-feet-wet-in-investing http://financialinfosource.com/getting-your-feet-wet-in-investing#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2007 13:09:04 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/getting-your-feet-wet-in-investing If you are ready to get your investment portfolio on a roll, you can actually start immediately without having a whole lot of stock market knowledge. You can begin investing by making conservative investments that bear a low risk tolerance. Going this direction gives you an opportunity to make money while your study more about the markets and how investing works. Starting with conservative, low risk investments will help you build a solid financial base until you are ready to expand your asset portfolio.
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]]> http://financialinfosource.com/getting-your-feet-wet-in-investing/feed Investing Basics - Know Your Goals http://financialinfosource.com/investing-basics-know-your-goals http://financialinfosource.com/investing-basics-know-your-goals#comments Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:40:44 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/?p=4 When it comes to making investments, many first timers want to jump right in feet first. Unfortunately, with this approach very few of those investors end up successful. When making investments in anything it requires some level of skill. An important thing to remember is that few investments can be a sure thing – there always lies the risk of losing your hard-earned money!
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]]> http://financialinfosource.com/investing-basics-know-your-goals/feed Choosing a Bank http://financialinfosource.com/choosing-a-bank http://financialinfosource.com/choosing-a-bank#comments Tue, 20 Nov 2007 20:11:26 +0000 Mike http://financialinfosource.com/?p=3 There are so many options to consider when finding a bank that is right for you. Today, there are an unprecidented number of options, accounts and services than ever to choose. So many options can lead to confusion when confusion when looking for a place to begin. With a little bit of research and some trips to your local bank, you can find a bank that will meet your needs and financial goals.
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