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Best Stock Market Simulation Games
A stock market simulation game is a great way to practice your investment skills before actually investing any "real" money in the stock market.
Simulation games are usually played on the internet, where people can experience the thrill of...
Brain-dead Mutual Fund Selection
About this time every year, the personal finance magazines will
perform an annual ritual: Looking at how mutual funds have
performed over the past year--and then using that information to
suggest which mutual funds you should pick for the coming...
MUTUAL FUNDS: THE MODERN DEN OF THEIVES!
Mutual funds were created with the idea that one person can specialize and manage the investments of a large pool of money from multiple investors. Before the great depression mutual funds were called investment pools and mutual fund managers were...
The 11 Best Money Saving Ideas of All Time - Part 4
At any time in history, no matter what the current state of the economy, no matter what the current trends, no matter what the unemployment rate is or where interest rates lurk, some money-saving ideas stay true.
Some of you may have heard...
Three Steps To Stock-Picking Success
With thousands of stocks, mutual funds and exchange traded funds
to choose from, it may seem like a daunting task to
separate the wheat from the chaff.
Don't let the shear numbers discourage you.
By applying three simple steps, ...
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT FINANCIAL PLANNER
Choosing a financial planner is a very important decision. Who will you trust to handle your life savings and plan your financial future? The fact that someone claims to be a financial planner does not qualify him or her to handle your money. They must have the proper certification, experience and knowledge.
The Four Cs of choosing a financial planner
1. Credentials
·What certifications, college /university degrees and experience does he/she have?
·How many clients or how much money does he/she handle?
·Make sure the planner is registered with the Investment Dealers Association in your area or Certified by a Government body
2. Compensation
·How are you compensated? Flat fees, salary or commission? (Beware of those who earn big commissions for placing you in high risk funds)
·Are there any hidden underwriting fees with my investment fund?
·Will you explain all the cost involved with each investment?
·What is the cost of liquidating or canceling my account with your firm? (Good to know, if you decide to switch funds or investment companies)
3. Characteristics
·What is your investment philosophy?
·Do you focus on domestic markets, foreign market or both? (Answer should be both)
·What is
Associated Websites
your specialty? Your strongest area? (Global portfolio management, no load mutual funds, stocks, bonds etc)
·How do you view risk and how does your philosophy fit my risk tolerance?
4. Customer service
·What services does your firm offer?
·How accessible will you (the agent) be?
·Will you review the funds last 5 to 10year performance in the prospectus?
·What has been your year-to-year investment performance?
·What was you worst year? Best year? And why? (Look for defensiveness or humility after raising this question, it reveals personality type)
·Do you offer financial planning, money management or both?
In conclusion, a financial planner works for you, and should be compatible with your personality, risk tolerance and financial goals. Make sure that your hard earn money is in good hands. Interview potential planners, ask for references and call at least 3 of those references.
For more information and articles pertaining to family life, visit:
http://www.parenttree.com
About the Author
Richmond Acheampong is the editor and founder of Parent Tree online family Resource. A web site promoting family health and balance with useful articles, products, advice columns and resourceful links.
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