kinda crazy. apple has more cash than the U.S. government.
This really puts things into perspective!
I’ve been hearing about it for months, but late last week, the fact that most American’s can’t afford a $1,000 emergency expense started making its way across the web.
According to CNN Money, “most” accounts for a whopping 64% of Americans. Wow. Just wow. The remaining 36% could dip into their emergency funds to cover the cost, but the rest could not. CNN Money notes that the majority of Americans would have to “go to other extremes to cover an unexpected expense, such as borrowing money or taking out a cash advance on a credit card.” (via What’s This Emergency Fund You’re Talking About? | Invest for Later)
Just like stock prices, the value of bonds change on a daily basis. As obvious as this fact may sound, many green investors don’t realize this since they focus on the value of the bond at maturity – not its value at any time between. If you hold onto bonds, yes, you will get the maturity value plus interest. However, if you choose to sell it before then, the value of your bond may be worth more or less than you were expecting. (via Bond Prices Change Daily, Know Why and How | Invest for Later)
I previously went over what bonds are and why they are appealing to the “safe” investor. However, before I move on about the pros and cons about this wonderful investment option, I need to lay out some terms for the green investors out there. (via Basic Bond Terms 101 | Invest for Later)
Recently I was forwarded an article from MSN Career Builder about “4 ways to let fear ruin your new paycheck.” It focused on the issue I faced in my previous job – not negotiating when you’re interviewing for a job. The article notes 4 mistakes job seekers make when they are applying for jobs (via Negotiating Salaries to Invest In Your Career Financially | Invest for Later)
With the world in an uproar over the state of the stock market, domestic and international, it’s certainly put fear into beginning investors. I’ve been watching my 401k earnings tank and now I’m in the negatives. I certainly don’t want my 401k wiped out as it was for many in the 2008 crash. So I moved from a stock heavy 401k account to a bond heavy one until the fear dissipates. For those of you who aren’t familiar with bonds, I’ll try and break down the basics for you in this blog. Granted, bonds are pretty damn boring to listen and talk about, so I’ll try to spruce it up a bit. (via Bonds? What are those? Why should I care? | Invest for Later)
It’s funny because when I first started this blog, I thought of “investing” as a term related only to money. I couldn’t see it any other way! How can I invest my money for my retirement? How much will I need to live until I’m the ripe old age of 95? And for many of you, investing is exactly that. It’s money. But the more I thought about it, the definition of “investing” changed dramatically as what I valued in my life changed. (via Investing Goes Far Beyond Just Money | Invest for Later)
I’ll be quite frank with you. My knowledge of investing is still quite green. And, taking a cue from college, reading up on it is a great way to become a little less green. I’ve ordered The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need by Andrew Tobias off half.com. I’m still waiting for it to arrive in the mail, but I’m hoping it’s as great as the buzz I’ve been reading on it.
Do you have an investment book that’s changed your life? I would love to know what book it was and why you found it so useful. Leave a comment!
(via Reading: The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need | Invest for Later)
When hearing about mutual funds, I haven’t heard too much talk about the negatives. While mutual funds are great ways to diversify and lower your risks in the long run, you can still stand to lose a lot when investing in them.
Here are 7 mutual fund disadvantages you may not have been aware of at my blog.
(via The 7 Disadvantages of Mutual Funds | Invest for Later)
Let’s face it; it’s much easier to spend than it is to save. Even when we’re not shopping, we’re paying bills, loans, mortgages and much more. At one point in my life, money slipped through my fingers like water. I was never able to save enough to truly appreciate the value of a savings account – and I’m not really open to the idea of being where I was a few years ago.
Here are 5 ways I’ve discovered will keep you in the red – for a long time. If you are doing more than a few of these, you need to re-evaluate how you are budgeting.
