Why you shouldn't chase investment trends

On my weekly radio show, asked the audience "I heard that the dollar will go down in price, so there are falling dollar fund?" someone asked "inflation is forecast to grow — there is inflation?" answer: you don't need to buy these things. The Marketing Department of the investment firm may establish a Fund tries to profit from the trend at the moment, but that doesn't mean that investors need to take the bait. It may seem cool to buy dollar fund. However, the Fund will not be so great when the dollar goes up.

Instead of trying to be an amateur, stick to the best managers of mutual funds, which have demonstrated that they can choose the securities that will benefit the most everything that happens in the future. These fund managers must have the discipline and methodology to find stocks that will go up when the dollar falls. Management also enables you to determine which companies will benefit when the dollar rises.

[See why mutual funds are the best investment]

In fact the best managers will likely have already invested in stocks that would benefit from some tendency for many months before. Managers and their team of analysts armed with proprietary research from around the world, as well as access to top company executives to help them to predict what will happen in the future. The best managers also have access to trained economists who understand the market better than most people. In turn fund managers investing can stay ahead of the crowd and the purchase of this stock at attractive prices. By the time most investors are aware that the dollar falls, stocks that would benefit already grown up.

Chasing, investing trends reminds me of those infomercials that tout medical remedy for every type of ailment imaginable. If your muscles or joints pain, there is a pill that will ease the pain — doesn't matter all harmful side effects. In reality all you probably need to soothe your muscles-aspirin and rest. Another example is the "new and improved" version of washing, toothpaste and popular snacks that consumer product developers are trying to get us to buy in the supermarket. We really need "Doritos 3rd degree burn Habanero flavored? Scorchin ' Tortilla chips? It's all marketing.

In investing, stick with the tried and true mutual funds. Yes, it sounds boring, but that's OK. To find the best fund managers who are looking for consistent performers. This means that their funds in good markets and not as bad in a down market. These leaders have demonstrated that they are aware of the economic conditions are better than individual investors. We also wanted to managers who have been running it for a long time.

So don't get sucked in "new and improved" or fancy facility at the week that pushes some investment companies. Remember that there is no quick fix in investing. In the long run the best mutual funds can provide you with everything you need to achieve your goals.

Adam Bold is the founder mutual funds of the Bank that provides only the payment for an investment consultation areas transcontinental. He also hosts the show mutual fund, a call-in radio broadcasting across the country. Bold bold truth is the author of the book about investing (April 2009). Bold is Investment Director of mutual fund research centre, SEC registered investment adviser which provides investment funds and asset allocation recommendations and studies for stores in the system of mutual fund.

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Worse they discharge 2010

It was a record year for stocks, index, S & P 500 to healthy 13 per cent or so in 2010. Stocks recently hit a two-year high, putting them back near the level of 2008, right in front of the financial panic of nauseating plunge in value of the stock portfolios. Some analysts believe the bull market will keep rolling straight until 2011.

[See companies cratered in 2010.]

But as a general economic recovery, stock market rally is an invitation only parties and dozens of State-owned companies are still suffering from the devastating effects of the recession, which lasted from 2007 through 2009, leaving 15 million Americans. Analysis of capital IQ, a division of Standard & poor 's, show that about 200 public companies United States with a market value of over $ 1 billion has been falling stock prices in 2010, many of them double-digit declines. Weak performers provide a glimpse into the most troubled parts of the economy where many firms are still facing the consequences of the economic downturn and painful long-term changes. Here's 10 worst stocks performers * 2010:

Weyerhaeuser (stock price down 57% from 2010). The fate of this lumber, pulp and paper companies are closely related to the housing market, which have been felled in epic bust. Revenue down by more than 50 per cent since 2006, Weyerhaeuser has been slashing costs and handling units, and it also plans to change its corporate structure to reduce taxes. Within the framework of this restructuring, the company paid a special dividend in the year 2010, to compensate for the regrouping of shareholders.

Dean Foods (down 54%). Thrifty consumers and rising commodity prices pinched profits at DIN, which sells a variety of milk and other dairy products. Premium lose ground for cheaper store brands, although the cost of the ingredients of thorns. Dean, who owns brands such as land o' Lakes, silk and Garelick farms, laid off 1000 employees and shaving plans $ 100 million over the next few years.

[See who will thrive in 2011]

H & r Block (down 43%). Higher unemployment means less tax returns and more employees trying to save money by doing it themselves. The crimped revenue in the nation's leading tax preparation, although reorganization helped keep the profit. Prospects of companies mainly relate to the improvement of the economy is rather uncertain at the moment — plus investors want to see stronger growth companies "do it yourself" software.

Dividing resources (down 40 percent). Energy prices are notoriously unstable and plunging prices of natural gas have suffered this energy company, which operates primarily in Texas and Louisiana. Strong energy companies protect against price fluctuations, by diversifying into different forms of energy, but 94 per cent of the proved reserves of natural gas, which fell in price by approximately 55 per cent from 2005.

Apollo Group(down 36%) The company commercial education operates the University of Phoenix, which offers relatively cheap online degrees and enjoyed a surge of business during the recession. But Apollo financial practices has recently caught the attention of federal regulators — most recently, investors want to hear. The Government is exploring the possibility of insider trading and other violations, and some investors have filed a class action lawsuit claiming false statements from the company execs. Apollo says he did nothing wrong and fights suit, but bad advertising led to a decline in population, and the company recently expelled 700 employees.

[See who will fight in 2011]

Diamond offshore drilling (down 34 per cent). This oil drilling company does a catastrophic spill XB, but it was sure that affected. Diamond contracts its services to large energy companies and the Gulf of Mexico is one of the main areas of its work. So at this year's drilling moratorium, plus new drilling restrictions in the Gulf, darkened picture of earnings. Plus performance type services, diamond were soft to BP spills, lax and two dividends decreased this year.

ITT educational services (down 33%). Business is good for the business entity that operates approximately 125 technical agencies offering associate 's, Bachelor's and master's degrees. However, the commercial school suddenly attract more government study, since students often increase debt load is largely thanks to financial assistance, subsidized by the Government and the struggle to repay it. New rules are possible, and even some investors hold a class action lawsuit against ITT educational services.

[See why did double dip recession]

BancorpSouth (up to 31 per cent). Come to this regional bank based on Mississippi dropped thanks to real estate loans, which account for about 75 percent of its loan portfolio. The Bank was trying to overtake the housing bust through diversification of insurance and other financial services, but not her income has consistently met the expectations.

SuperValu (down 27 percent). Sales are down at the big grocery chain, which operates under the names such as show, Acme, Albertson, shop 'n Save, and the buyer, thanks to cost-conscious consumers and fierce competition from big discounters like Wal-Mart was closed, some companies and restructuring, but the pressure in this low-margin business stays active. As skittish about workforce is highly unionized and disadvantages SuperValu investor value.

[See 4 reasons why jobs are still very scarce]

PulteGroup (down 24%). Income for the year finally can improve the dismal levels of 2009, but this House Builders continued to struggle as housing bust drug with high unemployment and limited credit dramatically depressing home sales. Pulte has a deep cut to survive, and if it can prevent losses in 2010, will be the first annual profit in 2006. But home values will probably keep falling in 2011, nobody can be sure that when the housing bust really ends — or of the future will be brighter for home builders.

* Includes publicly traded companies United States with a market capitalization of $ 1 billion or more United States in mid-December. With the exception of companies whose stock price was affected by the merger, spinoffs, paging and other events. On the basis of the shares in 22 December 2010.

Twitter: @ rickjnewman

Updated on 12/23/10: this story was updated to include information on the special dividend paid to shareholders of Weyerhaeuser.

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Zen and the art of asset allocation

Although it is proved that the machinations of active investor's portfolio, probably did not help his return, a recent study shows that it did not help his happiness, either. Gallup World Poll 132 countries and more than 136 000 respondents indicated that in the United States, although it is a rich nation on Earth, gives poorer countries when it comes to personal pleasure.

According to the study of Latin America, the United States in everyday trounced happiness even if their income has fallen. Why is that? After you have reviewed the basic needs of human happiness seems to increase based on rewarding relationships and strong sense of community — no more wealth.

[See 5 financial solutions for new year.]

Researchers found two kinds of happiness that is correlated with wealth. One relates to the overall evaluation of the life of the individual. This form of happiness is as a person compares with their colleagues and establishes internal sense of accomplishment. More of their wealth, the more the person normally, assessing their satisfaction with their places in the world.

The second type of happiness everyday behavior and feelings of satisfaction measured, including laugh, smile, joy and what researchers call a "socially psychological well-being" Shockingly any income increase over $ 75000 per year has almost no correlation daily happiness.

One of the findings of a pilot is all the more a person thinks about money, the lower the rating of his happiness. When the researchers exposed objects in photographs large amounts in dollars or euros, savory Rating (measurement of how well considered the subject of the image, sunset, Panorama, etc.) was significantly reduced.

[See why mutual funds are the best investment]

This has obvious implications for investment styles, and stresses the importance of asset allocation on stock picking as passive and active forms of governance.

Asset allocation frees your time and your mind for more important things. When you know your money is diversified and your assets are safe, you can leave a computer monitor and get busy with a truly valuable things in life. You'll think less of your money and more about the people around you. And contrary to what some might believe most friends and family really don't want to hear about your recent stock or option.

When a person has to feel that their life is financially secure, he or she will be higher rated in terms of day-to-day happiness. As pointed out by Dr. Ed's Diner from Illinois State University, one person can have a motor home while the other mansion. If a person with motor home feel secure that their houses would never have taken their happiness will be ranked higher than those in the Mansion are afraid of losing their homes.

This principle emphasizes the importance of life within your budget and without pension capital to unnecessary risk. Active control requires increased risk in the endless search for income. Although index investing was beat active control over long time horizons, asset allocation has been proved to lower risk, providing a much greater stability of your portfolio.

When it comes to money, active and passive management debate, I understand that there's more discussion than profit. Both the economy and psychology demonstrate now that the distribution of passive assets exceeds the active management of both financial and emotional impact.

Steve Beck is MarketRiders, co-founder of the on-line investment advisory and management services to help Americans to invest for retirement. MarketRiders gives investors more piece of mind knowing that they attract the best thinking of Nobel and investment techniques used in the world's most elite institutions and wealthy families. MarketRiders is located on the investor side, helping to reduce investment costs and risks and increase retirement savings.

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10 Easy ways to save money on environmentally friendly products

Although most of us are aware of benefits of organic food, sometimes it is hard pill to swallow, knowing that organic products are often cost a lot more than conventional products. If you are on a tight budget, this can be very saddened to see regular oil listed at $ 3 a pound, and then have a look and see what organic oils are $ 5 per pound. However, there are ways to save money on organic foods. Here are just a few of these methods.

[Photo: 12 money mistakes nearly everyone makes]

1. coupons! Coupons! Coupons!

There are several ways to get coupons for organic foods. You can check these circulars that come to your Inbox, search your store website for coupons or visit the manufacturer's coupons for the particular item you are looking for. You can also subscribe to newsletters and emails you'll receive coupons and promotions for organic foods. To get started mambosprouts.com check.

2. "buy one get one free" offers

While shopping in a grocery store, pay close attention to any buy one, get one free offers. If there is any element of organic food that you use a lot, take advantage of the offer to purchase and get one free. This time, you may receive offers, however, may not be available the next time.

3. get rewards card

Many shops these days offer card rewards when you shop at their store frequently. These cards often will save you money at the checkout counter. If you use the card awards at the drugstore, you could use the extra money you save to buy more organic foods.

4. Buy organic food is grown locally

Your local food markets often have lower prices for organic foods than traditional grocery stores. You can check the website Local harvest markets that are in your area.

5. comparison shop

If you contribute to your grocery store, take note of how the cost of organic food. When you go to other stores, to take note of their price, and sometimes prices will vary, and it can save you money to go to another store.

6. subscribe to save

Consider a program as Amazon Subscribe and save this program that gives you 15% discount on food (and other elements) that you "subscribe" to automatically acquire and shipped to you in 1, 2, 3 or 6 months.

[Visit United States News blog my money for best money tips from around the Web.]

7. Buy In bulk

Many food warehouse stores now offer organic food, and you can buy these items in bulk. Buy organic food wholesale is cheaper than buying a regular grocery stores.

8. buy organic produce In season

Out of season products may cost more because of transport costs, as well as demand and availability of the item. Buying products that are in season saves energy and reduces the cost of food. If you want a certain type of organic food all year round, and you don't want to spend more money when eating out of season, consider buying an item, when it is in season and freeze it in the off-season.

9. save money in other areas

You can save money in other areas of your life and put money on organic foods. Instead of spending a lot of money on shampoo or body washes, consider making your own with homemade recipe. Use the remaining money to buy organic food you want.

10. start your own organic vegetable garden

One guaranteed to grow your own way of saving money on organic foods. You can plant all kinds of fruit and vegetables, you like and freeze any more fruits and vegetables, you're not using it yet. When you grow up and freeze your own fruits and vegetables, you'll have an endless supply of healthy food. You may be able to even sell your own organic food at your local farmers market.

Here are some ways how you can save money on organic foods. It can be tough in today's economy to lead a healthy lifestyle, but with a few tips and tricks, it can be possible.

Bob Lotich launches christianpf.com personal finance blog with a Christian perspective.

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10 ways to protect yourself from ID theft

Identity theft can be as simple as losing your Facebook account, or Fisher as serious as someone to assume your identity. This is a real and serious problem. According to Javelin Strategy & Research, the problem more than 11 million Americans in 2009. This means that you have more chances to get your identity stolen than win jackpot lottery.

[Photo: top 10 cities with the most outstanding]

If you're lucky, it will not cause you much more than a few phone calls to troubleshoot.But most likely will destroy your credit and finance, and cause you time and money: the easiest way to protect you from identity theft is to simply enroll in credit monitoring and protection of the individual, but they cost money. Fortunately there are many simple things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

Your purse and wallet

I know some people how to do everything they can in their purse or wallet. This can be useful, but it can easily turns into a nightmare if you lose your wallet or billfold with "life" in it. Do not carry more than you need in your purse or wallet.For example, do not carry a card, social security number or your social security number, do not carry more than one or two credit cards at a time and do not carry a PIN for your ATM and credit cards.

Avoid dubious stores and online merchants

I often see super good deals from stores or Web sites, I've never heard it before but before turning on the deal, check them out on sites like the better Business Bureau. You should also search the store name and add the word "complaints", "issue" or "scam".

Basic privacy

Your social security number and date of birth, you can unlock a lot of great information and give thieves access to your personal and financial lives.To help you protect the data, never give them without understanding why it is necessary to do never use them as part of your username or password and avoid using your actual birthday on different social sites.

Regularly review your credit report and scores

You can get one free credit report annually from each of the three credit bureaus with annualcreditreport.com. You can also easily get your free credit score from many websites. Things to look out for in your credit reports include suspicious accounts, activities and addresses that you don't recognize.

[Visit my money USA news blog for the best advice money from around the Web.]

Review your credit card statements and account statements

Treat your application does not protect you from identity theft pros who opens up totally new accounts and statements by mail elsewhere.But it's still a good idea to review your credit card statement, because it will help protect you from minor theft--someone uses your credit card to pay for purchases.

Cross shred any document that contains confidential information

One thing I always keep on hand in my Office, a good cross shred Shredder. you should never cause any document containing confidential information, along with your regular garbage, because someone can dive in and take your Recycle bin information. best way to get rid of these cross shred, and recycle confetti.These documents include credit cards, credit applications, tax, accounting and invoicing--anything that contains personal information.

Keep a list of all of your account number and contact information in a safe place

Invest in a document securely store all your important documents in one place. make a list of your account number, for example, credit, debit, and ATM cards with telephone numbers.If you lose your wallet, you can easily use the list to invite all banks and credit card companies to put your account.

Attention to your emails

You should delete the emails from your mailbox daily. If you live a fill area, you can get a mailbox that can be locked and only available to you: Yes, it's a federal crime to steal emails, but that doesn't stop identity thieves from doing it anyway.

Use strong user names and passwords

In addition to not use personal information as part of your user names and passwords, you should also learn how to build a strong user names and passwords in addition, avoid using the same username and password for all accounts online.

[Hits personal finance u.s. news site for more insight and money management tips].

Do not click on links in email

One of the most popular ways to get you from your identity is called phishing. using this method, phishers send you official-looking email with masked link, please log in to your account when you click on the link you made official looking website, but to a different URL when you enter your login and password, the thief has the information necessary to access your account: do not click on links in email, especially when the URL is different from the site, you were expecting a better site visit is by entering the URL manually.

Of course there are a few things you can do, but they should save you the trouble of 99% of problems if you have other tips that are not listed here, please share them in the comments section below.

Pinyo owns Moolanomy personal finance blog that covers a wide range of personal finance and investment topics, with features that include reviews, comparisons and Q&A sections.

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10 Places that offer great bang for your buck

Although we usually talk about ROI, return on investment in business relates to your career, too. If you spend years studying prepare for the jobs you want to get paid accordingly. If you put in the time to learn to receive compensation in your paycheck. But what if you are not interested in earning a master's or doctorate? What if you prefer to keep your study and training, and continues to bring home the bacon?

Lucky for you, not all jobs require years of preparation. Our list of 50 best career, 10 seats are allocated as offering an excellent return on investment is above-average wages in return for a relatively low level of education and training.

In-service training for timeout, as well as tips on how to get hired on career that interests you:

Actuary: after a Bachelor degree, probably with a concentration in finance or mathematics, Actuaries are average annual salary of $ 87 million. They are also obliged to receive the certificate, passing exams.

Biomedical engineer: these workers earned an average annual salary of nearly 79 000 $, but only a Bachelor's degree, usually in a mechanical or electronic. Biomedical engineer is the highest of all occupations in the Labour Department growth projections, with 72 per cent increase in the number of expected jobs available between 2008-2018.

[See choosing a career is best for you]

Computer engineer: With a Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field of computer software engineers to bring the average salary of $ 87 million per year. For more complex jobs may require a master's degree, but the real gold standard is a profound knowledge of programming languages. It is expected that employment will swell enormously 295.200 jobs, or more than 32 percent between 2008 and 2013.

Court reporter: after a two-year training programme and earn State certification, court reporters make a median salary of $ 48.000 annually. Professional certification, such as a registered reporter, certified legal video Diplomate Department specialist or certified broadcast captioner, income may be even higher.

Dental hygienist: associate degrees and licenses, dental hygienists to earn an average annual salary of $ 67 million. About 300 accredited dental programs throughout the country offer the necessary degree.

[See 10 Smart ways to use social media in your job search.]

Financial analyst: searching with a Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, accounting, statistics or economics, and the profession will offer you the average annual salary of $ 74 million. This includes bonuses that can represent a significant part of total revenues. Financial analysts may need a license, however, this process often sponsors of his employer.

Gaming Manager: the heads of schools, vocational or dealer, and then on their way to the average annual salary of $ 67 million. They are also required to obtain a license from the State. In 2008, there were only about 6200 gaming Manager positions across the country, but there are a lot more gaming Manager positions — about 40.900 — which usually pay less and offer less responsible.

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10 reasons to feel optimistic about the future

2010 Year draws to a close, the country seems to be some solid ground. After more than three years what seemed the economic collapse there is a sense that we've seen the worst. Perhaps we are not moving in the right direction just yet. But we stopped moving in the wrong direction. Consumer sentiment is a key indicator and purchasers in the large enough to maintain a respectable holiday season. Not boom, mind you, but a better indication than we've seen in recent years.

[See 10 key retirement ages, plan for.]

It is certain that nasty headlines to appear. Congress is back in session before you know it. Slow recovery will be slow recovery. But there will be more jobs. State and local Government will face serious budget gaps. But after years of ignoring their problems, or attempt to commit your way to the next election, there is widespread recognition that the time has come for Governments to follow the example of the public and to live within their means. During a peaceful transition from 2010 to 2011, here are 10 reasons, the future may be looking a bit.

without increasing taxes. Federal tax rates will increase for at least the next two years. Even if there is an aggressive deficit reduction package that includes higher taxes, don't expect any more before and after the election of 2012.

2. Inflation will not be a problem.There will be a stand-alone prices that pretty much happens all the time. Vulnerable sectors of energy and food. However, the general price level is above any time soon.

3. help paying for prescription drugs. Medicare drug plans will break older people with expensive prescription drug needs. Next year plans to cover 50% of the price of branded drugs and 7% of the cost of generic drugs after consumers have introduced the so-called "doughnut hole."

4. Free preventive health services.Health care reform act added a lot of free preventive tests and exams for Medicare benefits, including the annual wellness physical from your primary doctor. These free procedures do not require a surcharge and is not subject to any payment or restrictions in connection with your policy deductibles. Medicare has list of preventive services, he invites you to discuss with your doctor.

[See 8 savings tips for older consumers]

5. economy once again the pulse. It is a miracle. Recent tax and stimulus compromise appears to have been blessed with a wonderful time. Although no new funds are flowed to consumers ' pockets, the prospects of such support has increased feast expenditure and as a result, many economists to increase their growth forecasts. Smoke and mirrors, perhaps, but effective smoke and mirrors.

6. Washington impasse has weakened.It was targeted the Congress we spied on last week? It was a weird and wonderful site, with a flurry of legislative accomplishment, not seen in years. Now of course, we'll have to figure out a way to pay for everything.

7. Shortage crisis was recognized. It seems that there will be a significant boost in the next year to develop a long-term plan for deficit reduction, possibly even including a major Simplification of the tax code. This plan is a reliable, our readiness to take some tough fiscal medicine could contribute to the economy.

[See 5 financial skills valued in a difficult economy.]

8. durability. Despite all the hardships and uncertainty faced in recent years, we continue to live longer. Longevity and health benefits are not evenly distributed yet. People with education and money as beneficiaries and have the knowledge and the means to take good care of yourself.

9. Boomers finally getting old. Hey I Boomer, and even I was exhausted stories "Here Come the boom. Well, the oldest boomers begin turning 65 in 2011 of about 7500 people per day. Maybe then we can move on to the new demographic a chew toy.

10. Betty white.I loved the Betty White since it put the moves on the Lou grant Mary Tyler Moore show. Approaching its 89th birthday, she continues to dazzle. Thank you for your continued to be active, funny, and relevant.

Twitter: @ PhilMoeller

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