Why Do You Invest?

Now that the markets are showing signs of life, the pundits and financial writers are pumping out investing articles of all kinds. Gold is prominently mentioned as are a wide variety of stocks, mutual funds, and exotic ETFs. More so than ever, when I read these articles I ask myself this question: Why should I invest in that? Or taken one step further, the question becomes: Why do I invest? Read more

Selecting an Ideal Beginner Investment

Today you are going to read my views on first investments for beginners. That topic seems strange for a baby boomer who is probably considering his gazillionth different investment option. On the other hand, the high school and college graduation seasons have just concluded, causing me to reminisce about my first ventures into the investment world as a younger person. Read more

Taking on the Lighter Side of Economic Bad News

A long time friend sent me an email yesterday with a compilation of questions and answers pertaining to recent economic events.  Because these questions are of such high importance, I thought I should interrupt my normal flow of personal finance opinions, commentary, and information so that you could read them yourself. 

Please note that I am not able to identify the source of the answers (or even the original questions).  Therefore, Mr. ToughMoneyLove cannot vouch for them in any way.  That being said, please enjoy: Read more

Money and Emotion Continue to be Poor Companions

Do you make financial decisions in moments of panic or other extreme emotion? 

Gotta make an offer on that house before interest rates change?  Must buy that shiny red car on the lot today before someone else does?  Buy that dress, bauble, or gadget to boost your mood?  Quickly sell that stock before the market drops even more?  Read more

Principles of Economics: Business, Banking, Finance, and Your Everyday Life (Book Review)

We Must Learn How Politicians are Exploiting Current Events

As I write this review, Congress is working hard to load the Wall Street rescue bill with dozens of extra provisions in a costly and misguided attempt to save segments of the middle class from themselves.  (Those that bought homes they could not afford.)  I’ve also read that some Democrats are clamoring for a provision that would cap compensation for corporate executives, striking another blow against the free market.  There will be others and it will be ugly.  Our economic system is being transformed in an accelerated devolution.  Read more

Using Your Health Savings Account as a Super Roth Investment Vehicle

I forgot to tell my readers that the Free Money Finance blog recently published my guest post on using your health savings account (or HSA) as a super-Roth investment vehicle. You can read it at the excellent FMF blog along with some excellent comments and feedback from FMF readers.  Check it out – you may want to give this different retirement planning strategy a try.