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January 15, 2013


  

Why You May Want to Keep Facebook as Part of Your Investing Strategy
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


Many of us love Facebook as part of our social networking strategy. But since its introduction into the open market last spring, the Facebook stock (NASDAQ: FB) has not been as beloved as hoped. In fact, I have heard people speaking online about the stock in jest, one person citing how glad that they were to not get suckered into purchasing even one stock.

Despite a poor reception over its less than one year on the trading market, a broker at J.P. Morgan still has faith in the Facebook stock. In fact, the Facebook stock was named as the “top large cap pick” among Internet stocks, according to this article from MarketWatch (The Wall Street Journal) entitled 4 top Internet stock picks from J.P. Morgan.

With a target price of $35, analyst Doug Anmuth believes that recent positive feedback regarding Facebook’s push towards mobile advertising indicates that the stock may move up in value during this year. The target price listed is about 12% above the Facebook stock’s current price, so only time will tell.

But if consumer trends are any indication, despite a social network field that has become crowded with competitors, Facebook continues to rank as the #1 social media website for both private and business users. Just this fact alone may push the Facebook stock to higher value. Let’s keep an eye on this one, folks.

Have your purchased any Facebook stock? Do you think the stock will improve or decline as it gets closer to its one year IPO anniversary? Please comment below and share your thoughts on this social networking giant’s stock.


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December 14, 2012


  

How to Prepare Your Personal Finances for the Potential Fiscal Cliff
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


In yesterday’s post, we explored exactly what the fiscal cliff is. Since time is drawing short before a potential solution can be found and instituted, some people are starting to take steps to safeguard their personal finances in the case that the fiscal cliff becomes a reality.

According to a recent Gallup poll as reported by ABC News, 64% of those surveyed believe that the fiscal cliff will hold negative implications for their own personal financial situation. Amongst those most concerned were respondents who are lower-income making $36,000 or less, those nearing retirement age, and Republicans. To read the full report, click here: Fear the Cliff: Americans See Threat to Their Own Finances, Poll Finds.

So what can you do now to help safeguard your finances if the fiscal cliff arrives? Here are a few of my quick tips:

  • Do not incur any new debt—We have discussed this before, but lay off the credit cards and loans, especially when the country’s financial situation is rather up in the air.
  • Pay down existing debt—Now may be a good time to pay down debt that you do have. If you get money during the holidays, consider making larger payments towards your existing debt. That is what I am considering for this holiday season instead of buying things that I really do not need. No matter what happens, you benefit!
  • Save and store away—You may want to do your best to save any additional money and set it aside for potential rainy days that may be right around the corner.
  • Hold onto your job—Businesses are already making rash decisions based on the outcome of the recent election and changes in taxes that are upon us. If you have a good job, hold onto it for dear life.

 

DailyWorth also has some excellent tips on 4 Smart Tax Moves Now in the case that taxes will be going up in the year ahead. To sum it up:

  • If you can get any money due you before December 31, 2012, do so to take advantage of current tax rates.
  • Take another look at your investments and speak to your portfolio manager to see if you should reap the profits now versus later.
  • Consider switching over other retirement accounts to a Roth so that future profits will be tax-free.
  • Consider asset relocation to switch investments in taxable accounts to a retirement account to avoid a spike in taxes from 15% to up to 40%.

 

Only time will tell as to whether we will go over the proposed fiscal cliff. But as we peek over the edge waiting to see what fate awaits us, we should attempt to follow these tips to do whatever we can to keep our financial status in the best possible shape.

What are you doing to prepare for the fiscal cliff? Are you concerned, and if so, why? Please share your thoughts on this timely topic by commenting below.


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November 2, 2012


  

How to Invest In Your Own Stock
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


Times have changed, especially in the last few years. We used to find our identity in what occupation that we held—a doctor, a secretary, a mechanic, a teacher. Today many people have switched careers whether by choice or necessity or have lost their jobs altogether. Suddenly we are less focused on titles and more focused on skills and who we are as individuals. Think about how we are supposed to fill out our LinkedIn profiles—putting a job title such as “Account Coordinator” is insufficient; instead we must get creative with a title such as “Effective account strategist and relationship builder.”  Things are slowly becoming more about you—not just what you do, but who you are and what you accomplish using those skills.

Now is the time to invest in your own stock, your own brand—what makes you ‘you’ and therefore valuable to others. This is essential if you are to increase your earning power.

You can invest in your own stock by doing the following:

  • Know Who You Are and Who You Are Not—You should know yourself first so that others can get to know you. Think about what you are good at, what you enjoy, and what you can offer to others.
  • Don’t Sell Out—Do not attempt to be something that you are not and in doing so, sell yourself short. Excel at who you are and what you can do. Be honest and upfront about what you have to offer.
  • Know Your Worth—Just like we check on stocks to determine the current worth, you should know what your skills are worth in today’s job market. Demand a fair value for your skills, experience, and expected contributions.
  • Be Confident in Yourself to Inspire Confidence from Others—Let’s face it: Confidence breeds confidence. When we look at confident people, we are more likely to feel like they know what they are doing and what is going on. The best way to inspire confidence in others towards you is to be confident in yourself and your abilities.

When we invest our money in stocks, we are indicating support and confidence in the brands by putting our money behind them. We are saying that we believe in them and are participating in their further success. Should we do no less for ourselves?

Do you find it easy to invest in your own stock? Why or why not? How do you manage to build your brand? Please share your experience with us by commenting below.


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October 25, 2012


  

You Now Have Permission to Contribute More to Your 401K
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing,retirement


A 401K can be a useful way to invest and contribute to your future retirement. When you put funds into a 401K, they are tax-free. However, there is an annual limit to how much money can be contributed without having to pay taxes. For 2012, that limit as set by the IRS is $17,000.

However, that amount will be raised by $500 in 2013, bringing the annual limit to $17,500. This change is based on adjustments in regards to cost-of-living and the normal inflation that occurs over time. This is actually the second year in a row that the IRS has taken this measure.

Although this additional amount may seem minimal, every little bit helps when it comes to investing in your future and keeping a little more money in your pocket in the meantime. Even though it may seem far-fetched to some to be able to contribute even half of that amount in a year, some individuals do manage it.

To read more about this development, you can get the news directly from the IRS: IRS Announces 2013 Pension Plan Limitations; Taxpayers May Contribute Up to $17,500 to Their 401(k) Plans in 2013.


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October 4, 2012


  

The Biggest Threat to your Investment Money
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


If you are new to investing, you may face a number of fears. But there is one thing that poses the largest and most probable threat to your long-term investments. You may think that I am talking about a major stock market crash, and although that can be devastating, you may be able to recover over time from its effects.

Instead it is something more mundane, but even more insidious because it works its “magic” quietly over time: inflation. According to CNN Money, “inflation may be the biggest threat to your long-term investments.” I recall sitting in my first orientation into 401Ks, and they described a scenario that if you are saving for retirement and relatively young, you would require millions of dollars to have an adequate stash for retirement. This estimation takes into consideration the cost of inflation over time. I always remembered that example, because it was a startling concept.

Inflation makes everything cost more over time, thereby making the money you have accumulated worth less than it was originally. Because of the effect of inflation, you need to save more in order to anticipate the inflation. CNN Money estimates that this inflation amount has historically been about 3.2% per year.

This is why financial experts recommend investing in some higher risk, higher reward investments, as you will need more than just a savings account to prepare for your future retirement. Although it may seem safer to roll your cash into a savings account or even bonds, the likelihood of higher returns is diminished, therefore raising the chances that inflation will limit the power of your long-term earnings.

Experts recommend that you diversify your portfolio with a combination of higher-risk and lower-risk investments. An investment adviser can devise a plan that is suitable for your investment level, age, and retirement goals to help combat the sneaky grasp of inflation on your long-term profits.


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September 19, 2012


  

Celebrate Worldwide Invest Better Day by Improving Your Investment Knowledge and Skills
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


The Motley Fool has set Tuesday, September 25, 2012 as Worldwide Invest Better Day. With their mission being “to educate, amuse and enrich,” The Motley Fool makes a great everyday resource to learn about investing. But on this special day, you can place a little extra emphasis on sharpening your investing skills when you celebrate Invest Better Day with them.

They claim that “on September 25th, 2012, individual investors will experience a jolt of confidence” through the knowledge that The Motley Fool will be sharing with you. You can join the movement by going to the Invest Better Day page and checking out the video from co-founder Tom Gardner. When you enter your email address, you will be privy to revealing and actionable wealth building insights via articles, videos, podcasts and more.

If you are looking to learn more about the world of investing, this may be a great time to do it. What questions about investing would you like answered? What aspects of investment do you struggle with? How would you describe your level of investing expertise?


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August 1, 2012


  

Are You Disrespected Due to Your Gender?
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


It has taken years for women to achieve the level of respect and dignity that men have enjoyed since the beginning of time.  But have we really reached that plateau, despite education and successful job opportunities?

Some in the financial industry suggest not. According to an article by Interest.com entitled When will investment advisers take women seriously?, consulting firms have to remind financial advisors that women are not a “niche market,” but rather a “significant business opportunity.”

Women are increasingly achieving advanced levels of education and higher levels of earning power, sometimes even surpassing their husband’s income. In my opinion, this buys respectability, but apparently financial power does not always garner immediate respect, particularly from investment professionals.

Eventually I think that this problem will resolve itself in a couple of different ways. First of all, the success of women means that women may no longer feel the need to go to an investment advisor of the male variety. Capable women have advanced in the financial services field and now provide those same services, capturing the attention of fellow females who want their time and money to receive the respect that it deserves from a potential investment professional. Second, as women continue to experience success in financial industry roles, those who previously only thought of female clients as second class will realize their importance as clients if they want to have a truly diversified career portfolio.

Regardless, you still hear unfortunate stories of women who are disrespected by the dealership salesman when they go to purchase a vehicle or auto repair technician when they bring their car in for service or money manager when they attempt to build their investment portfolio. I guess sometimes the only way to gain respect is to be in the position to provide respect to others, and thankfully there are many women who are learning how to take the reins and finding success as investment professionals themselves. That is why that websites like this exist—to empower women and provide them with the resources to be who they were meant to be.

 


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July 31, 2012


  

How to Start Investing
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


One of the scariest things about investing is getting started. You have probably heard the horror stories of people losing thousands of dollars and the reports on television as the market closes disappointingly low. Such things can make any potential investor squeamish.

My first stab at investing was through an employer-sponsored 401K, and that is one of the primary recommendations on how to start investing according to the recent article How Should a Young Person Get Started with Investing by Narrow Bridge Finance.

Although the article is tailored towards young adults, I think the lessons in the article can be applied to any new investor. 401Ks are a safer, practical way to start your investing journey. Because there are fund managers that assist you with 401Ks, it can be easy to invest in mutual funds that you can be comfortable with. The mutual funds are grouped according to risk level, making it easy to choose your potential investments. Because 401Ks are often targeted towards employee groups that may include novice investors, there is a lot of hand-holding and support that is offered without the added expense that a personal financial advisor or fund administrator may incur.

A 401K can be a good way to get your feet wet in the investing world. Unfortunately, I was not pleased when the economy started tanking and I saw some significant losses in the little bit of money that I had invested in normally stable funds. But part of investing is weathering the storms in order to achieve long-term success.

As with many things, the hardest part just may be getting started.  You can do that by investing 10% of your income, or whatever you can afford to set aside for your future. The good news is that employer-based 401Ks often carry a company match, so you will not be on your own for your first investment experience—your employer will also be putting some money on the table to add to your own.


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June 27, 2012


  

Do You Go for the Gusto in Your Life?
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


Recently Money Magazine posted the following infographic on their Facebook page:

According to the graphic and study that it originated from, men are more likely to take greater risks in investing than women.

We talked in posts last month about determining your own risk tolerance, as well as if being a woman makes you more likely to make money mistakes. But something we have not fully considered is if being a female makes you less likely to take risks. The research states that women are more likely to consider bonds over stocks.

Bonds are considered safer because, in essence, you loan a company money in exchange for a fixed return. Although there is still the risk that an investor will not receive the promised interest at the specified time, generally bonds are considered a more secure investment than a stock.

Stocks involve an investor essentially buying into a company. As the company is either profitable or not, the investor reaps the applicable results. Unlike bonds, there is no scheduled rate of return or repayment date, making stocks more unpredictable and scarier to the risk averse investor.

In general, women tend to be safer drivers and less likely to put their own lives at risk. They also tend to make less rash decisions and are obviously not as driven by testosterone, a thrill-seeking hormone which can cause men in particular to take risks. Women have also found great success as professional money managers in recent years due to their ability to stop, think, and then act versus simply being reactive.

In order to ensure profitability over time, women should consider going for the gusto with calculated investment moves that combine a balance of risk and security. Sometimes a little risk is a good thing, and I think that motto can be applied in all of life, not just regarding investments.

Do you consider yourself less likely to take risks because of your gender?

If you tend to shy away from risk, do you find that it has more to do with other factors besides gender, like personality, financial state, age, etc.?


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June 7, 2012


  

Why Nasdaq is Paying Out Over Facebook’s Recent IPO
         


By: JL Lopez  — Category: Investing


After months of anticipation and preparation, Facebook’s IPO (initial public offering) did not go as smoothly as hoped for. Investors have already become disenchanted with the stock, and the difficulty processing the initial transactions did not help to encourage confidence in the Facebook stock.

In order to keep all parties satisfied and in the spirit of good will, Nasdaq has announced that they will be making a $40 million payout to make up for the technical issues that occurred during the initial public offering. The money will be forwarded to a handful of financial trading firms. It will be devoted to those who attempted to buy or trade shares listed at $42 or less, but were unable to execute the purchase early on.

For further information on Nasdaq’s payout plan, read Reuters.com– Nasdaq offers $40 million to cover Facebook losses, short of claims. It is also interesting to read about some of Nasdaq’s possible motivations behind this bold move: MarketWatch.com– Nasdaq to Facebook parties: We’re sorry.

What are your thoughts on this new announcement from Nasdaq?


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