Manage a Regional Fund

If you have little capital, but still want a diverse international portfolio, a regional fund may be the answer for you. These funds are designed for the average investor who may not have enough capital to adequately diverse himself or herself without the benefit of a mutual fund. Before you invest in a regional fund, it's important to understand exactly what they are.

Understanding Your Regional Fund

Find out what it is. A regional fund is one that focuses on securities from an entire region, such as Europe or Latin America. There are some regional funds, however, that focus solely on one country.

Learn why regional funds are used. Buying stock in foreign countries can be a difficult, confusing and expensive process. Regional funds are designed to facilitate these transactions and give investors the opportunity to expand their portfolios to overseas interests.

Discover your investment options. Most regional funds strive to provide investors with a diverse range of stocks from companies based in or operating out of the area of interest. However, some regional funds are invested solely in a specific sector of the area's economy, like transportation.

Understand how they operate. Fund managers choose the securities included in a regional fund based on specific geographical criteria.

Decide on a Regional Fund

Explore the variety of regional funds currently available. A good place to begin your search is on a financial Web site (see resources).

Choose a few funds that sound interesting. You don't need to select one now, so feel free to be as liberal with your choices as you want.

Investigate each offered region. Is there something that draws you to the area? Are you impressed with the level of growth in the region? Knowing your reason for wanting to invest in a region will give you more incentive to manage it well later.

Narrow down the field to a few attractive possibilities. A great way to do this is by looking at all aspects of a given region, such as future potential, past performance and emerging industries.

Ask for a copy of the prospectus for each fund you're interested in. You can request one for free from the fund's manager.

Tips & Warnings

• Regional funds are considered to be very volatile. Although they can reap high rewards, there is always the risk of country-wide recessions and disasters.
• Expect to carefully manage your regional fund. This is definitely not the type of fund that can manage itself.

By ehow.com

Manage a Municipal Bond Fund

If you help satisfy debt obligations that local and state governments owe for projects, like new schools and hospitals, these governments are willing to pay you tax-free interest on your money. Municipal bond funds are very attractive to many investors because of their tax-free benefits. Although these bonds aren't taxable, they aren't exactly a cash cow either. Municipal bond funds are notorious for giving a lower yield than other comparable tax bonds.

Invest in a Municipal Bond Fund

Decide what your investment needs are. Planning ahead can help you better manage your portfolio. Situations that require rapid growth within a few years, such as upcoming college tuition fees for your children, may not work with municipal bonds.

Find municipal bonds with a solid rating. Remember that all ratings are based on the quality of the issuing government.

Ask how the fund prices its holdings. You'll find that municipal bonds are traded sporadically, giving investors little knowledge of current market pricing. As an alternative to contacting customer service directly, you can look at the fund's prospectus.

Investigate the fund thoroughly. If you're going to properly manage your portfolio, you'll want to know every aspect of how your fund operates, from pricing evaluations to how to get answers to essential questions.

Get to know the person who will manage your municipal fund. Investing your money is no joke, so you'll want to feel confident in the person you're entrusting your money to.

Determine the appropriate method for purchasing shares. Will you need to go through a broker? Can you buy the shares directly from the fund? You may find that one method is more expensive than the other, which may influence your decision.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're in a higher tax bracket, it is probably more sensible for you to invest in a tax-free municipal bond. Individuals in lower tax brackets, however, would more likely benefit from investments with a higher pre-tax yield.
• If the bond fund you've invested in covers certain private activity projects, then the interest dividends you receive from it may be subject to taxation under the federal alternative tax system.
• Be careful of over-inflated pricing. The fund manager has a great deal of control over the current net market value (NMV) of the fund. There have been instances of fund managers boosting their NMVs unrealistically through the help of independent fund evaluators.

By ehow.com

23. How to Trade Stochastics Like the Pro's Do

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

A lesson on how to trade the stochastic oscillator for active day traders and investors using technical analysis in the stock market, forex market. and futures market...

Manage a Crossover Fund

Mutual funds are a great way to save for retirement, as there are a wide variety of options available to potential investors. Depending on your risk-tolerance level, you can invest aggressively or conservatively. If you're not too close to retirement and would like to maximize your potential profit, take a look at crossover funds. An innovative blend of public and private equity investing, crossover funds are among the fastest growing investment types in the United States.

Understanding Crossover Funds

Learn about crossover funds. These types of funds are a combination of both public and private equity holdings.

Find out about public equity. Chances are, if you've heard about a stock, it's public equity. These shares come from public companies and are traded on the open market.

Discover private equity. Investments that are considered private equity are not traded on a public stock exchange. There is a wide range of private equity categories, including venture capital, mezzanine capital, leveraged buyout and angel investing.

Determine your risk level. In order to properly manage your crossover funds, you'll have to accept the high level of risk involved. Crossover funds usually have a higher risk, but yield higher returns.

Discuss your investment plans with your financial adviser. You'll need an experienced financial guru to help you invest in crossover funds and manage your portfolio.

Buy and Manage Crossover Funds

Make a short list of potential crossover funds. You can find information about crossover funds on major financial Web sites. Alternatively, you can also look in the finance section of your local newspaper for mutual fund information.

Choose your fund by carefully studying the prospectus, performance and management policies of each one.

Resist the urge to sell your shares if your fund has a poor year. Most funds experience ups and downs throughout the year, but rebound over the long term.

Consider selling if your fund has been seriously underperforming for 2 consecutive years. There's no shame in admitting you've selected a bad fund, but make sure you get out in time.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confuse crossover funds with crossover investors. The latter deals with investing in companies throughout their initial public offerings (IPOs) and has nothing to do with managing public and private equity funds.
• Keep in mind that all investments come with some level of risk. If you're not comfortable with the investments you've made, contact your financial adviser immediately.

By ehow.com

Manage a Closed Fund

Most of the mutual funds available to investors are known as "open funds." This means that investors can buy and sell shares on a continual basis. Once a fund becomes closed, however, buying and selling are usually not permitted. To get an idea of the big picture, you'll need to gather information about closed funds and learn how you can invest in them.

Understanding Closed End Mutual Funds

Find out what closed end mutual funds are. These mutual funds become closed to new investors once operations begin. In most cases, shares are traded on a public stock exchange.

Learn how closed end mutual funds work. When a closed end fund goes public, investors are permitted to buy into the fund's limited number of shares. Once all shares have been sold, the fund managers invest the profit and the fund moves to a secondary market.

Decide whether this investment fits your personal goals. Closed end funds aren't usually considered high-risk investments, but you may find that the time investment involved doesn't suit your needs. This is especially true if you are on a tight investment timeline.

Talk to your financial adviser. Not only will you learn more about closed end funds, but you'll also get valuable insight into why they may be the perfect complement to your portfolio.

Buy and Manage Closed End Mutual Funds

Browse through upcoming funds to find one you're interested in. You can find a great deal of mutual funds online at most major financial Web sites, like Forbes and Money (see resources). Newspapers also publish information about mutual funds in their finance section.

Find out when shares in the fund you want will be available for purchase. Your best option is to look in the fund prospectus or call the managers for more information.

Discover your buying options. You may be able to buy shares directly from the company. Alternatively, you can also invest through a broker or a fund supermarket.

Work with your financial adviser to manage your portfolio. Closed end funds usually take little or no management. Under certain circumstances, however, you may need to make buying and selling decisions.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out if it is possible to purchase additional shares in your closed fund. Some fund managers occasionally permit existing shareholders to purchase outstanding shares.
• Keep in mind that closed end funds are not without risk. Always analyze every fund before you invest your money, and consult with your financial adviser in depth to determine whether this style of investing is right for you.
• Most investors consider closed end funds to be highly complicated. Therefore, they are not recommended for beginning investors.

by ehow.com

22.How to Trade the Relative Strength Index (RSI) Like a Pro

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

A lesson on how to trade the RSI for traders and investors using technical analysis in the stock market, futures market and forex market. In our last lesson we...

Manage a Blend Fund

Achieving a good mix of both growth and income is an attractive prospect to investors. In the past, it was often difficult to manage complicated portfolios with shares in separate growth and value funds. Blend funds are designed to ease complications and make it easier for the average investor to manage his or her portfolio. It's important to gather information about blend funds and get tips on how to choose the right one for you.

Understand Your Blend Fund

Learn what a blend fund is all about. A blend fund offers a mix of value and growth stocks. There are no fixed-income securities involved in a blend fund.

Find out the role of value stocks. The value stocks in a blend fund are believed to be undervalued by its investors and managers. The potential appreciation of these stocks (once their value becomes common knowledge) is part of the driving force behind blend funds.

Examine the potential of growth funds. The second part of the blend fund is growth stocks. These stocks have the potential for rapid growth, which can translate into large profits for investors.

Invest in Blend Funds

Find a financial adviser to help you establish concrete financial goals. This will help you determine the exact type of blend fund you'll need to reach your target.

Search for blend funds with good performance histories. You can find blend funds by looking in a financial newspaper or by searching the Internet.

Study the prospectus for each company you're interested in. You'll find a lot of valuable information about the fund's objectives and expenses, which should be used to help you make your decision.

Get to know the person who will manage your fund. It's important that you feel comfortable with your fund manager. After all, you'll be investing a good chunk of your money with this person.

Find out where you can buy shares in the fund. This might also affect your decision to buy, as there may be additional fees involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be confused by multiple names--blend funds are also commonly referred to as hybrid funds.
• Although blend funds are considered less risky than stock mutual funds, their precise risk is difficult to calculate due to their varied composition. Many investors view blend funds as risky because of their lack of fixed-income securities.

Make Money in a Down-Turned Market: Temporarily Withdraw

This article is part of a series of articles aimed to educate some of the ways to be profitable in a bear market. With the current economic recession, it may seem bleak, but there are still ways to profit!

You can shield your money from further loss by withdrawing it for a variety of other uses. Even retirement money can be saved from loss without tax penalties or fees. You may not know it, but you can shelter your mutual fund or stock money at any time, for any reason.

For non-retirement accounts, you can withdraw the money and not have to worry about penalties, etc. Pulling some of all of your money out while continuing to make contributions allows you to take advantage of investing while the shares are low-priced, while shielding your current money from loss by selling those shares.

If you can remove your money from the account completely, you be well off putting it in a high-yield savings or money market account. These types of accounts are fully insured by the FDIC and may earn interest as much as 5-6% a year. That's never as good as stocks in a bull market, but right now that's not the case with people losing 50%+ of their portfolio's worth! A high-yield insured account is a great way to keep your money safe while watching it grow.

Another even better option is a certificate of deposit (CD) account. These accounts offer even higher interest rates that traditional savings and money market accounts because you choose a term from 6 months or less up to 5 years or more. The longer the term you choose, the higher the interest rate! You can always end a term early, buy may have to pay a penalty of some of the interest you would have earned.

If you are concered about retirement accounts, you often can't completely withdraw the money or interest without paying taxes and penalties. However, you can still sell the stock you own, which removes your money into the brokerage core account. Some of these accounts earn interest and more importantly will no longer lose value when stocks go down! You can easily buy back in by using those core funds to repurchase stocks when the market turns for the better.

You may qualify for a hardship withdrawl on your retirement account, which would allow you to withdraw completely for a better investment option, like those explained in setps 3 and 4. Check with your financial institution or specific plan documentation to see if you qualify to do this.

By ehow.com

Involve the Entire Family in Investing

When most people think of investing they think of one person. The fact is when it is a family why not work together to build a family portfolio.

Start by setting up the formula. Depending on the age of the children, each will be able to contribute certain amounts to any investment. Payout will be based on the percentage put into the account. Also, agree nobody will withdraw money for a certain extended period of time and set yearly limits on the amount to be taken out.

Seek out an internet broker. This way the transactions are in your hands. There are many to pick from including Sharebuilder.com, E Trade and many more.

Search out stocks that are safe. Perhaps even go after mutual funds and avoid the individual stocks. If investing in individual stocks, seek out those with dividend payments.

Keep the flow of money coming each month or week. Even if this means keeping a large amount in a money market fund, but it should pile up quickly and in the end all will be happy.

Tips & Warnings

• I am not a professional financial advisor, this article is intended to provide basic ideas. For specific financial advice on stocks or other issues, please seek out professional advice.

21. How to Trade the MACD Indicator Like a Pro Part 2

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The second lesson of two on how to trade the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) for day traders and investors using technical analysis in the stock market...

Invest on a shoestring and make a buck

You can prepare for retirement, your kid's college, a new home, or any number of things. Even if you have a limited income, you can save and prosper if you commit and stick with it.

You can start with any level of income. If you're working a part time job, identify your average weekly income and set a percentage. 10% is the recommended average. You can go for more or less. Your circumstances will dictate your amount. Even if you go to 1%, you are developing the habit. Save something. Put it into perspective. Give up a cup of coffee a day and save a few cents. Walk one day instead of drive and save a gallon of gas. You can find some amount to save. I once did an experiment by picking up every penny I found lying discarded at various places and putting them in an old coffee can. At the end of the year, I had over $7 in pennies. I gave up cigarettes and now save between $4 and $8 a day (I was a 1-2 pack a day smoker). A savings is there, only you can identify it.

Now that you have a dime, or a buck, or two, find a place to put it where you can not only save it but make a profit on the savings. You can open a Credit Union account for as little as $5. If you get paid by check in hand, never ever cash it at a check cashing stand. Establish an account and cash it for free. When you cash the check, put your planned percentage in a savings account. If you think you need the whole check, put the excess of a rounded amount into the account. For example, if you were paid $57.60, put $7.60 away. Too much? Put $2.60 away. Too much? Put $.60 away. Get the picture? Pick an amount, put it away.

If your job offers a 401 (k) or any other savings plan, take advantage of it and contribute at least the absolute minimum. The company gets a tax break by matching your contribution and you get a tremendous break by contributing and having it doubled at no extra cost. If you can, max it out. Keoghs are the most lucrative investment plans in the market, use at least the absolute minimum potential it offers. The younger you are, the better.

Observe the "rule of 72". Find an investment and identify the percentage of return on your money invested. Divide the interest into 72. The dividend is the number of years it will take your money to double. For example, you find an investment that will pay 10% on a $100 investment; divide 72 by 10. 10 into 72 equals 7.2. In 7.2 years, your $100 investment will double. This formula applies to any quantity of investment and percent return.

Identify an investment and make a regular investment, the same amount at the same time every month. This is called "Dollar cost averaging". This is usually used on mutual funds but there are other applications. The proven theory is, some months you will buy at a low price, other months you will buy a little higher. Over time, the average will be a price at your advantage. Stick with it and don't waver. You must be consistent and stay committed. I cannot guarantee any results, you have to stay engaged and watch your investments, but theoretically, this is a proven and widely practiced investment strategy.

Avoid brokers that charge a fee for investing your money. There are many mutual fund programs out there that allow you to invest directly with no commission called "no load" funds. You can find them on the internet and a good resource to study them is "Weisenberger's", a financial periodical you can look at for free at your local public library. My story briefly; I bought my first mutual fund by contacting 20th Century (now American Century) which I found by reviewing Weisenberger's at the library. That was many years ago and the numbers have changed, but I started with $25/month and a simple, low cost investment is now worth tens of thousands of dollars. I'm not pushing a product, I'm making a point. Many companies want your business and you can invest with them without paying a broker. Go on line and just start contacting them. I didn't have the internet years ago. If I had, WOW, I can only guess at what I may have done.

Once you've started and get an account started, spread the investments around and avoid putting all your eggs in one basket. If one goes down, another will probably go up. If you can get into mutual funds, do it. They are relatively safe, are professionally managed, and cost you little. They make money if you make money and they have to spread your investment around to several different funds so it is difficult to lose everything in a market hiccup. Even in today's market, there is money to be made. Some stocks are down, some are up. But even the ones that are down are generally going to go back up. I am not a professional investor. I only invest for myself. But I've been learning for over 25 years and only encourage you to take an interest and get started. If you only make 2% on a $10 investment next month, it's $.20 more than you started with.

Just get goin'.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't fall for "get rich quick" schemes. Only the guy making the offer gets rich.
• Watch the pennies and the Dollars will take care of themselves.
• If you don't have a lot to invest, invest a little.
• Credit Unions are generally very consumer oriented and safe.
• Go for the long haul, not the quick buck.
• Benefit from Compound Interest.
• Your money works for you best when you leave it alone.
• I am not an investment counselor. My advice comes from my personal experience.
• Never invest in unsolicited proposals.
• Find investment possibilities on the net, then contact thru snail mail. It will verify legitimacy.
• If it's too good to be true, it is.

Invest In William Blair Mutual Funds

Based in Chicago since 1935, William Blair & Company has grown to become a varied investment firm with managed assets of $12 billion in mutual funds alone. William Blair boasts fund managers with an average of 24 years' experience and a staff with part ownership, giving them even more of a stake in the company's success. For the basics on how to invest in William Blair mutual funds, read on.

How to Invest in William Blair Mutual Funds

Decide what kind of fund you need. This is based on your age, your goals, and your comfort level with risk.

Browse the various funds offered by William Blair & Company. Each offers different goals, and many have varying fees and charges.

Consult a financial advisor, either with William Blake or independently. If you make your situation and goals clear, then he or she can help you narrow down your choices.

Once you have a selection of two or three mutual funds from which to choose, order the prospectus for each.

Read each prospectus carefully.

Contact your broker to make your initial investment.

Tips & Warnings

• While the William Blair website lays out the basics of their different funds very clearly, it helps to understand all of the terms and meanings of these facts before researching specific funds.
• Invest-faq.com is a helpful objective website for learning the terminology of mutual funds.
• On the William Blair site, you can investigate the performance of each of their funds over the past 3, 5 and 10 years. This can help further your understanding of their offerings so you can make informed choices.
• This site also displays the Morningstar rating for each fund. This rating represents its overall quality. Morningstar is a company that offers unbiased recommendations about investment products.
• Like many financial institutions, William Blair & Company shows potential investors plenty of information up front, but does not invest any online space to explaining the basics.
• Be sure you have a good understanding of the basics before you start making decisions about your investment.
• If you don't yet have a financial advisor, ask those friends or family whom you trust to recommend someone competent. They need not be in your local area.

20. How to Trade the MACD Indicator Like a Pro Part 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

A lesson on how to trade the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) in the stock, futures, and forex markets. The indicator, which was developed by Gerald A...

Invest in Westcore Mutual Funds

Investing in Westcore mutual funds is a way for you to get involved in the financial world without putting all of your eggs in one basket. The diversity offered by a mutual fund limits your risk and increases the probability of returns, making these funds a popular investment choice for beginners and experts alike.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Study all of the available options to find the mutual fund appropriate for your needs. Westcore Funds offers 12 different mutual funds that vary levels of risk and return.

Determine whether you are investing to meet short- or long-term goals. Use your financial calculator to determine how soon you need to invest in order to achieve your financial objectives.

Investigate the fees and tax implications associated with each mutual fund and consider how these extra costs will affect your rate of return. If the outcome doesn't mesh with your financial goals, consider a different fund.

Decide on the amount of money you can afford to invest. Although mutual funds are considered a low-risk investment, there is always some level of risk in investing.

Make the Investment

Visit the Westcore Funds homepage to research mutual funds and invest.

Register with the site. Signing up will make navigating easy and will be required once you are ready to invest.

Go to the "Mutual Funds" page and find the list of the different funds offered. Narrow down your choices based on your personal financial objectives.

Read the prospectus for each of your final fund choices. You should study all of the details in terms of fees and overall account information.

Pick the mutual fund that best matches up with your financial objectives.

Download and fill out the investment forms. Sign the forms and send them to Westcore to complete the transaction.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay current with the securities that make up your portfolio. If one security is under-performing, it should eventually be swapped out for a more lucrative company.
• When you investigate a fund's past performance, note its volatility. If you're trying to meet short-term goals, you may be better off with a more stable fund.
• Diversify your investments. Although mutual funds have proven to be one the safest forms of investments, nothing is ever certain. It's important that you have a balanced investment portfolio that doesn't rely exclusively on mutual funds.

Invest in Wells Fargo Mutual Funds

Wells Fargo is the oldest and largest financial institution in the West. With the highest possible credit rating (Moody's Investors Service) and the highest U.S. bank credit rating (Standard & Poor's Rating Services), Wells Fargo combines respectability with knowledgeable customer service, comprehensive portfolio management and a wide lineup of funds to help you reach your financial goals.

Research the basics. Before you invest, visit an unbiased Web site, such as The Investment FAQ, listed in Resources below, to learn the fundamental principles of investing in general and mutual funds in particular.

Calculate the amount you would like to invest. Because this is based on income, savings and many other factors, you may want to consult a financial planner. Remember, different mutual funds may require different initial investments.

Read a prospectus. A prospectus lists a fund's particulars, including the risks involved in investing in that fund. On the Wells Fargo site, prospectuses are found under Prices & Performance.

Visit the Wells Fargo Web site, listed in Resources below, and view their mutual fund opportunities. (To complete the next step, you must choose a fund.)

Request a mutual fund application from Wells Fargo's Web site. You can request either an electronic version or a hard copy, but you must choose one or more of their mutual funds at this time.

Complete the application carefully and completely. The online form takes less than 15 minutes to complete. You will need to supply online banking information if you are applying online.

Return your paper application with your investment, if you requested one.

Tips & Warnings

• The Wells Fargo Web site has many brief yet informative articles on the basic principles of investing, various types of investments and the differences between the markets.
• Polite and highly-trained customer service representatives are available 24/7.
• You can invest in Wells Fargo mutual funds directly, independently or with the assistance of an investment professional.
• Although a somewhat safe investment, mutual funds always involve risk, including the possible loss of the principal amount you've invested.
• The past performance of any mutual fund is never a guarantee of its future performance, so research your potential investments carefully.
• Wells Fargo mutual funds are not FDIC insured, do not have a bank guarantee and may lose value.

Forex Trading: Why does the Yen Strengthen on Risk Aversion

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

My answer to a readers question on why the yen has strengthened as a result of the sub prime crisis. The yen has a very low interest rate so when times are good a...

Invest in Washington Mutual Funds

Washington Mutual, or WaMu, is a company that many people are familiar with through WaMu's customer-focused banking. The company created a customer-centered approach to help interested parties learn how to invest in Washington Mutual Funds. Washington Mutual offers several varied choices for mutual funds that are geared toward those just learning about mutual funds. Their educational component is well-developed and a good choice for those new to investing--particularly those new to mutual funds.

How to Invest in Washington Mutual Funds

Look over the Washington Mutual Financial Services website, taking note of the helpful links for further research on the general principles of mutual funds.

Contact a Washington Mutual representative through the site.

Talk to the Washington Mutual advisor about your investment goals.

Following this guidance, look up the mutual funds that he or she recommends.

Request the prospectus for each fund.

Read each prospectus, consulting the Washington Mutual advisor if you have any questions.

Make your investment directly with this advisor.

Tips & Warnings

• On the Washington Mutual website, visit the Mutual Funds page and click on 'Investment Strategies.' You'll learn about reducing risk, smart asset allocation, surviving a turbulent market, and making use of compounding interest.
• Washington Mutual offers free financial advice from their own consultants, so it doesn't hurt to take advantage of this service.
• The Washington Mutual Financial Services website also offers links to a Mutual Fund Expense Analyzer and a Mutual Fund Breakpoint Search page from NASD. Both can be helpful in determining your best bet for a Washington Mutual fund.
• It's important to devise specific goals before you invest. Examples of common goals include saving for a child's educational fund, purchasing a home, starting a business or achieving early retirement.
• You'll also want to determine your comfort level in terms of risk. The WaMu website provides a Risk Assessment tool. A general rule of thumb is that the younger you are, the more risk you can withstand.
• It's wise to remember that mutual funds, even when sponsored by a bank, are not insured by the FDIC or any government-related entity. They are not guaranteed by the bank and are also not considered a deposit.

Invest in Vontobel Mutual Funds

Getting involved in the investment world can seem like a difficult task if you know little or nothing about finance. Mutual funds have become one of the simplest ways to obtain a diversified portfolio that lessens your risk and offers comparatively high returns. The stability of these funds has made them a popular investment option with financial novices and veterans alike.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Decide on your personal financial goals. People invest in mutual funds for a variety of reasons. They may hope to use the gains for retirement or simply want to save for a down payment on a house.

Consider the implications of making a long-term investment. Your money will be tied-up and less accessible, so it's important for you to be certain that the financial gains are worth this loss of liquidity.

Weigh the pros and cons of a short-term investment. Mutual funds are typically a low-risk investment with a steady pay-out so if you are looking for a quick gain, mutual funds may not be your best short-term bet.

Make the Investment

Log on to a computer with Internet access and go to the Vontobel Asset Management homepage. Click on "Mutual Funds."

Follow the link to request information on the available mutual funds. The prospectus for each mutual fund will be mailed to you for your perusal.

Go over each prospectus in detail. Understand the tax and fee implications of each mutual fund, and calculate the potential rates of return.

Compare the data to determine which mutual fund is the best match for your financial objectives. Remember to take into consideration all of your initial reasons for investing.

Contact a broker to set up your deal. If you don't have a personal broker, speak with your bank or a trusted fellow investor for a recommendation.

Invest in the Vontobel mutual fund that's right for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your research before you invest. Getting to know the companies that make up the Vontobel mutual funds is an excellent way for you to raise your financial awareness without becoming overwhelmed by the choices available to you.
• Understand whether you are purchasing load or no-load mutual funds. A no-load fund means that you will not be charged the fees associated with a load fund.

Forex Trading: Execution Quality as Trade Size Increases

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

My answer to a readers question about how fills are affected in the forex market when trade size increases specifically when trading news events. Today someone ask...

Invest In Vintage Mutual Funds

Building a financial portfolio can be a difficult task, but a lot of the work has already done for you when you invest in Vintage Mutual Funds. Financial experts have grouped together a portfolio of money-making investments that they believe will perform well, divided into several different categories to lower the risk. Your only job is to decide which mutual fund is right for you.

Get to Know Vintage Mutual Funds

Investigate the funds offered by Vintage, which include money market funds and bond funds. Each type of fund offers different rates and returns.

Use the resources provided by Victory to increase your knowledge prior to investing. The Vintage Mutual Funds Web site offers general information on investing, as well as more in-depth tutorials on topics such as load versus no-load funds.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Determine your reason for investing in Vintage Mutual Funds. Vintage provides options to help you meet both short- and long-term goals, so it's important to decide ahead of time what you hope to gain through your participation.

Know your limits. Although mutual funds are considered a low-risk investment, the economy is an ever-changing entity with no guarantees.

Make the Investment

Log on to the Vintage Funds homepage. Their Web site is an excellent resource to help you with your research and investment.

Register at the site to make it easier to navigate during your research phase and open an account.

Do your research. Narrow down your choices based on the information you've gathered on each individual mutual fund; then read the prospectus for your final choices.

Determine whether you are investing in a load or no-load fund. The associated fees will affect your rate of return.

Download the application form online. By completing this four-page document, you will provide all of the information necessary to invest in your chosen mutual fund.

Fill out the application form. Be certain to sign it before sending it in.

Tips & Warnings

• Decide what's best for you. Vintage Mutual Funds offers many different mutual funds and it's important to thoroughly research what's available to find the best match for your financial needs.
• Understand the tax implications behind your potential return. In order to get the most out of your mutual fund, you must calculate ahead of time how you will be taxed on your financial gains.

Invest in Victory Mutual Funds

Deciding how to invest your money can be a daunting task, but the recent popularity of mutual funds is not a coincidence. Portfolio diversification creates low-risk investments with returns that are frequently high, making mutual funds a wise choice for new investors.

Get to Know Victory

Know that Victory Capital Management has the experience to meet your investment needs. Victory has been in business for over 100 years.

Understand the available options. Victory offers over 20 different mutual funds that provide a variety of returns.

Determine whether or not Victory will charge you a fee to invest in a particular mutual fund. This information can be found in the prospectus or online at the company's Web site.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Decide on your personal financial objectives. A mutual fund designed for retirement savings is different than a fund that offers faster, higher returns with a greater risk.

Have realistic investment expectations. Although mutual funds are typically considered low-risk, no company can ever predict the actual return of the market.

Make the Investment

Log on to the homepage of Victory Capital Management. This site provides a wealth of information on the funds available as well as how you can invest.

Click on "Mutual Funds." This link will guide you to the page that provides information on the 20 funds offered by Victory.

Research the available funds by reading the each fund's overview. Once you have narrowed down your options, go on to read each prospectus. Compare fees and earning potential to decide which mutual fund matches with your financial objectives.

Decide which Victory Fund is right for you. Print out the necessary information and keep it for your records.

Download the available application to open a new account and fill it out. Include all of the necessary information and remember to sign it.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine whether the Victory mutual funds you are investing in are load or no-load. A no-load investment means that you will not acquire any fees that could take away from your performance potential.
• Do your research. It's easy to find information on mutual funds using the Internet. There are many available options available to help you determine which fund best matches your personal financial needs.

19. How toTrade Moving Averages Like a Pro Part 2

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

In our last lesson we looked at the two main types of moving averages, the simple moving average and the exponential moving average. In this lesson we are going to...

Invest in Van Wagoner Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are traditionally seen as a low-risk investment with comparatively high returns. If you are considering investing in Van Wagoner mutual funds, you should know that the company's general philosophy is based around higher expectations for fund performance. Van Wagoner Funds are perfect for the investor willing to take risks in the hope of high returns.

Get to Know Van Wagoner

Determine if your financial goals correspond with Van Wagoner's philosophy. In business since 1995, Van Wagoner invests in companies that have the potential to emerge as industry leaders.

Read the research provided. Van Wagoner prides itself on having up-to-date information available on the companies your investment will support.

Trust that Van Wagoner is on your side. All of the company's employees invest in its product, making your success a shared goal.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Decide whether you are investing for the short term or the long term and determine the objective behind your investment.

Manage your expectations. Although this company has a high-growth objective, the outcome can ultimately go in either direction.

Invest money that you will not need to access immediately. Van Wagoner offers high returns, but clearly states that you should sometimes expect significant lows as well.

Make the Investment

Find the homepage for Van Wagoner on a computer with secure Internet access.

Click on "The Funds" link to see the breakdown of the 3 available funds.

Read and take notes on the information provided for each fund.

Decide which fund will best meet your financial objectives. Consider the rates of risk and return, the companies your investment will support and how any fees will affect your earning potential.

Click on the "Open an Account" link found at the top of the page and download an application.

Fill out the application, sign it and send it to the address provided.

Tips & Warnings

• Get to know your company. Mutual funds provide a diverse portfolio of stocks to help limit the volatility of your investment. Researching the companies included in your mutual fund is an excellent way to study individual stocks without making a high-risk commitment.
• Be certain that you have all the necessary information. Capital gains are taxable and there are typically fees associated with using a broker. Be certain that your investment expenses are balanced out with your return.

Invest in Van Kampen Mutual Funds

For more than eighty years, Van Kampen has been among the financial companies that offer a variety of investment opportunities to a wide range of investors. As a company, Van Kampen is focused on thorough research, which allows them to formulate their own conclusions without being too reliant on analyst information.

How to Invest in Van Kampen Mutual Funds

Think about your investment goals and what sort of mutual fund will help to meet that goal.

Investigate the many types of Van Kampen mutual funds in order to narrow your focus. These include growth, value, blend, tax-free, capital preservation, specialty funds, asset allocation, global, fixed income and international.

Take the time to find definitions for terms you don't understand.

Request the prospectus for each Van Kampen mutual fund within your category of interest.

Read each prospectus carefully.

Finalize your investment: either contact your broker or the Van Kamper financial team directly.

Tips & Warnings

• On the Van Kampen website, you have the opportunity to download not just the prospectus for each mutual fund, but also the most recent annual report.
• Keep an open mind as you peruse the Van Kampen mutual funds. An area that might not have been familiar to you might make more investment sense once you read about it.
• It's a good idea to fully investigate the different types of mutual funds Van Kampen offers. For example, a growth fund focuses on aggressive stocks but feature a higher level of risk. A value fund focuses on the 'underdog'--stocks that are performing above expectations. Full descriptions of each type of mutual fund is available on the Van Kampen website.
• Van Kampen's tax-free mutual funds, in particular, have many restrictions on them, particularly when it comes to the investor location. Many are state-specific.
• The Van Kampen website features the NAV and other pertinent information for each of their mutual funds. Remember not to make quick judgements based on these numbers. It's always best to talk with a financial advisor to get the proper perspective for each.
• Keep in mind that Van Kampen's mutual funds are not insured by the FDIC or any other agency.

18. How to Trade Moving Averages Like a Pro Part 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The basics of trading with moving averages in two lessons for active day traders and investors in the stock market, futures market, and forex markets.

Invest in Van Eck Mutual Funds

Van Eck Global features five different mutual funds from which investors may choose. How you invest in these mutual funds is based on your ultimate goal for investment. Van Eck Global offers a wide choice of investments within the five funds, from emerging markets to gold mining companies, mid-cap companies, global 'hard assets,' as well as a 'Money Fund' based on money-market instruments, which seeks current income as a priority.

How to Invest in Van Eck Mutual Funds

Decide upon the overall point of your investment. Is it for short-term income? Is it to establish growth for a long-term payoff such as retirement? Is it somewhere in between?

Explore your options. If you have decided to use Van Eck as your investment company, speak with your broker or a VanEck financial advisor to discuss your initial choices.

Get all of the necessary background information. Once you decide on a specific mutual fund, order the prospectus online from the Van Eck website.

Read the prospectus carefully.

Make your purchase. Assuming the mutual fund still appears to be a sound choice for your needs, contact your broker or Van Eck directly to make your investment.

Tips & Warnings

• The Van Eck website has a wealth of information for the investor. Use the site to order not only your prospectus for each fund, but also fact sheets, brochures, research reports and financial reports.
• Know your initial thoughts on which mutual fund you're interested in before chatting with a Van Eck representative.
• If you want to test drive some mutual funds before you buy, you may want to check out Van Eck Associates's FastTrack Momentum Model, also known as FT4Web. This downloadable program lets you choose five funds and uses a combination of the funds' histories and speculative futures to help you determine which funds are best suited to you and when you should trade them.
• Do your own homework before you put your money anywhere.
• Some Van Eck mutual funds, such as the gold mining industry-based mutual fund, are specific in their focus. It's a good idea to know about this industry before investing in its fund.
• Be prepared to then remain knowledgeable about the focus of your chosen mutual fund so that you may continue to make smart decisions with or without the help of your broker.

Invest in Value Line Mutual Funds

Whether you're investing in the market to reach short-term or long-term financial goals, mutual funds are one of the safest high-return investments. Choosing Value Line Mutual Funds will allow you to take control of your financial future without risking all of your savings.

Get to Know Your Company

Take advantage of the available information before you invest. Value Line prides itself on having up-to-the-minute financial information available, so be sure to read the prospectus carefully.

Know your options. Value Line offers 12 different mutual funds that vary from equity to fixed income to money market funds.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Decide what you hope to gain by investing in mutual funds. Some people invest to save for the short-term goals like paying for a wedding, while others invest for a long-term purpose like retirement.

Know how much you can afford to invest. Mutual funds are considered a low-risk investment, as the financial portfolio is carefully researched and maintained to ensure diversity. However, there is always some level of risk, so only invest what you can truly afford.

Enlist the advice of a trusted accountant. Although it's a good bet to invest in no-load mutual funds on your own, it's also important to understand whether the tax implications will affect your mutual fund's overall performance.

Make the Investment

Log on to a computer with Internet access and visit Value Line's mutual funds Web page.

Read the information provided. Note the companies involved in each fund and the level of risk compared with the level of return.

Narrow down the selection of funds to those that you are interested in. Remember, you are trying to find the mutual fund that best serves your personal financial objectives.

Contact Value Line and speak with a representative about opening an account.

Use your account to invest in the mutual fund that you've chosen.

Tips & Warnings

• Get to know the companies represented in your mutual fund. When investing in a fund with a diverse portfolio (the cornerstone of lowering an investment's risk), it's important for you to know which companies your mutual fund supports.
• Consider security when submitting personal information online. If the padlock icon does not appear in the lower right-hand corner of your screen, your personal information could be viewed by another party.

17. Learn to Trade with Technical Indicators

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The first lesson in a new series on technical indicators which gives an introduction to the concept so that we can move on to learning about specific indicators and...

Invest in U.S. Global Investors Mutual Funds

Mutual funds offer investors a way to pool their financial resources and lessen the risks associated with privately investing in stocks. U.S. Global Investors offers no-load mutual funds with potentially high returns.

Get to Know Your Company

Trust the security of U.S. Global Investors, as it is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ exchange and deals with over $4.5 billion in funds.

Investigate your options. U.S. Global Investors offers 13 different no-load mutual funds.

Understand that "no-load" means you will not be charged the fees typically associated with a load fund.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Decide what you hope to gain through your investment. Saving for a down payment on a home will require a different form of commitment than planning for your retirement.

Know your financial limits. Although U.S. Global Investors mutual funds are considered a "safe" investment, the economy will always fluctuate. Only invest money you won't need to access immediately.

Make the Investment

Visit the online homepage for U.S. Global Investors.

Click on the "Forms and Prospectus" link, located at the top of the page, to research the different funds offered by U.S. Global Investors.

Scroll down to "Fund Guides" and click on the link. You will see the 13 available mutual funds.

Take notes on the funds that interest you. Remember to only choose funds that match up with your short- or long-term goals.

Decide which fund best suits your financial goals.

Download the application and complete the paperwork. Remember to sign the form and send it in.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn about the tax implications of short-term and long-term mutual fund investments. Capital gains are fair game for Uncle Sam and it's important to determine how much of your gain will be offset by taxes.
• When conducting transactions online, be certain that your computer is secure by checking for the padlock symbol in the lower right-hand corner of your computer screen. If you have any doubt, seek out a computer expert before entering your personal information.

Invest In TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds

Making an investment commitment with TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds is a breeze. A safe alternative to individual stocks, mutual funds typically provide more stability and diversity.

Get to Know Your Company

Do your research. TIAA-CREF offers 18 different types of mutual funds that are classified as "no-load," meaning that you will not be charged a fee unless you enlist the assistance of a broker.

Expect quality service. Whether or not you choose to invest with the help of a broker, you can have faith that TIAA-CREF will be there if you need help. TIAA-CREF has prided itself on quality service for over 85 years.

Know that your money is safe. Although mutual funds still carry a slight risk, TIAA-CREF handles over $380 billion dollars.

Determine Your Financial Goals

Examine your intentions before you invest. TIAA-CREF offers several mutual funds that are designed for both short-term and long-term goals, so it's important to understand what you're aiming for in order to find the right fund for you.

Understand the level of risk that you can afford to take in order to meet your goals. TIAA-CREF offers mutual funds in the more uncertain areas of international equity and real estate as well as traditional offerings, such as the stock market or fixed income.

Make the Investment

Log on to your computer and go TIAA-CREF's homepage.

Click on the "Products" bar, which will lead you the "Mutual Funds" option. On the right-hand side of the screen, click on "Get Started" under "Open an Account."

Read the prospectus offered for each mutual fund. The prospectus will give you all the information you need to determine which mutual fund will match with your financial goals.

Choose how you would like to apply: by mail or online. If by mail, print out the paper application, fill it out and send it in. To apply electronically, complete the forms provided online and hit "Submit."

Tips & Warnings

• Determine whether TIAA-CREF is taking on new clients. When their mutual funds go through changes, they sometimes limit participation to current investors. If this seems to be the case, contact them to resolve the issue.
• Use caution when entering personal information online. Be certain that your computer is secure before conducting such a transaction.

16. How to Trade Triangle Chart Patterns Like a Pro Part 2

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The second lesson on how to identify and trade triangle chart patterns in the stock market, forex market, and futures market using technical analysis.

Invest in Third Avenue Mutual Funds

Investing in Third Avenue Funds can seem like a difficult task if you've never done it before, but it's really quite easy. Third Avenue Management, which serves as the investment adviser to the funds, has been in operation for over 20 years and prides itself on a high rate of return over the long term.

Know Your Company

Get to know the company you have chosen to handle your investment. Third Avenue has been in business since 1986 and offers high-performing funds with relatively low risk.

Avoid paying broker fees when you invest. Third Avenue offers four main categories of no-load mutual funds. "No-load" basically means "no fee" if you make the investment on your own.

Define Personal Goals

Decide why you have chosen to invest. Are you saving for retirement, a house or simply putting your excess funds away until you decide what you really want to do with your money? Third Avenue mutual funds offer several different options depending on your investment needs.

Determine how much you can afford to invest. Now that you've outlined your financial goals, be certain that you're only investing an amount you can handle. Mutual funds are relatively low risk, but no financial strategy is 100% fool-proof.

Make the Investment

Visit the online homepage for Third Avenue Funds. Click on the "Mutual Funds" option.

Compare the different mutual funds available and note how they correspond with your financial goals. Look at the charts, percentages and risk factors.

Choose the fund that best fits with your financial timeline. Remember, you are also looking for a Third Avenue mutual fund with an affordable minimum investment and comfortable level of risk and rate of return.

Go to the "Invest" section on the upper right-hand corner of the homepage and click on it.

Download the new account application. This paperwork will have everything you need to request the Third Avenue Fund you've decided on.

Fill out the forms and send them to the listed address.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for help. If the information offered by Third Avenue is too complicated for you to decipher, consult a financial adviser.
• Check on your funds every month to measure their performance.
• When submitting secure information online, double-check the lower right hand corner of your computer for the lock security symbol. Do not send your private data unless your computer is secure.

Invest in the Guardian Group of Funds

The Guardian Group of Funds (GGOF) is a collection of Canadian mutual funds. GGOF was established in 1962 and is a subsidiary of the Bank of Montreal. Currently, this mutual fund group has 33 different mutual funds. Follow these steps to invest in GGOF.

Learn About the Different Types of Mutual Funds

Uncover information about the income group of mutual funds in the Guardian Group of Funds on the company's Web site (see the Resources section below). You can choose investments from 10 mutual fund units and six classic units.

Look into the equity group of mutual funds in the Guardian Group of Funds. You'll find 26 different mutual funds in this category. Most of these mutual funds are world funds.

Discover the many diversified mutual funds are available in this family. This category includes mutual fund units, classic units, mutual fund units solutions and T-Class units solutions.

Investigate the Fees on Your Investment

Be aware that funds in the GGOF family are subject to sales charges. In addition to the commission you pay to a dealer's representative each time you purchase shares, you may also incur back-end sales charges (fees charged when you sell shares).

Learn about MER, which stands for management expense ratio. MER represents the portion of the fund's total net assets the company allocates to expenses, including management fees. Management fees for GGOF funds are typically near the industry average of 1.5 percent.

Calculate the effects of fees on your investment. GGOF deducts management fees from net asset value (NAV) or the listed price per share. They do not deduct sales charges from NAV, so calculate how much of the money you invest will actually be applied toward your account.

Invest in GGOF funds by contacting your financial adviser after you have done enough initial investigation to feel comfortable with this funds family. Your financial adviser can usually provide you with more information.

Tips & Warnings

• You must use a financial adviser to invest in GGOF mutual funds. This means you will likely pay a commission on your purchase.
• GGOF mutual funds are not insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, nor are they insured by any other governmental agency.

Invest in Telecommunications Mutual Funds

If you've kept an eye on the telecommunications industry in recent years, you know that in this sector, there's never a dull moment. The scandals have been huge, but the growth has been huge as well. If you want to know how to get into the telecommunications market in the safest way possible, look to invest in telecommunications mutual funds. As part of so-called 'sector' funds, these mutual funds invest solely in telecommunications companies.

Decide on your goals for investing and re-confirm your commitment to telecommunications.

Find a good broker by asking those you trust or by researching online.

Make sure your broker has an understanding of the telecommunications industry so he or she can recommend a good fund.

Order a prospectus for the telecommunications mutual fund in which you are interested.

Read the prospectus carefully.

Finalize your decision. When you're sure about your choice, contact your broker to make your investment.

Tips & Warnings

• Your investment goals and tolerance for risk will depend on your age, your desired date of retirement and your present financial picture.
• Typically, younger investors can handle increased risk; this is because they have more time to ride out downturns in the economy.
• Investors who are closer to retirement may want to reduce their risk to safeguard their future financial solvency.
• Make sure your investment goals are shared by the fund manager. Most 'sector' mutual funds aim for growth, not necessarily for dividend income.
• It's a good idea to know the major players in the telecommunications industry and to keep an ear to the ground and an eye on the newspaper for new trends. By being proactive, you can make sure that your mutual fund is on top of the industry's changes.
• Sector funds, by nature, put all their money in one industry, which naturally limits diversification. Be aware that if the entire telecommunications industry takes a downturn, your mutual fund will follow that.
• If you're aiming for a growth and income fund, a telecommunications mutual fund may not be your perfect fit. Telecommunications mutual funds are all-stock funds that generally reinvest any income dividends.
• Don't be loyal to telecommunications simply because you may work in the industry. Make your investments based on your research and sound advice from a good broker.

15. How to Trade Triangle Chart Patterns Like a Pro Part 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The first lesson in a two part series on how to identify and trade the ascending, descending, and symmetrical triangle chart patterns using technical analysis in the...

Invest in TCW Galileo Mutual Funds

Preparing for your financial future with TCW Galileo Mutual Funds should be a moderately easy process, even if you know next to nothing about how to invest in mutual funds. With a low risk and comparatively high return, the diversity of mutual funds is ideal for a potential investor who knows little about the financial world.

Get to Know Your Company

Have faith in the stability of TCW Group. The company you've chosen to handle your investment has been active in the financial world since 1971 and isn't going to disappear anytime soon.

Get ready to have more than one option available to thanks to the diversity of the TCW Galileo Mutual Funds. TCW Group has high performing mutual funds in U.S. Equities, U.S. Fixed Income, International and Alternative options.

Define Personal Goals

Manage your expectations. Every individual has different financial goals and it's important to understand what you intend to gain through your investments to ensure that you're on the right track.

Look at your finances to decide what portion of your income you can afford to put towards your financial goal. Set this amount aside for your investment.

Make the Investment

Go to the TCW Group's homepage and follow the "Client Services" link down to "Individual Investors." This area will give you side-by-side comparisons of the mutual funds TCW has to offer.

Take into account your financial goals as you consider the available options. If you're looking for long-term security, lean towards the TCW Galileo Mutual Funds that offer a lower payout but less risk.

Click on the "Contact Us" option once you have found a mutual fund that you are interested in. You will be given direct contact numbers or the opportunity to submit an email form requesting more information.

Choose your preferred method of communication and let whomever you speak with or email know that you are interested in investing in a particular fund. A representative will help you take the final steps to purchase your investment.

Tips & Warnings

• When conducting online transactions, be certain that your computer is secure.
• Use a mutual fund cost calculator to determine how any fees or additional expenses will affect your investment over the long term.
• Make sure you know whether you are purchasing a load or no-load fund. If you are purchasing a load fund, make sure you understand all of the charges that will apply to your account.

Invest in Smith Barney Mutual Funds

Smith Barney began in the late 19th century in Philadelphia as a meeting of the minds between a young broker and a young investment banker. Today, Smith Barney resides under the umbrella of CitiGroup and can claim over eight million client accounts. When deciding how to invest in Smith Barney mutual funds, you need to do your homework. With such a wide variety of mutual fund choices, it's important to know what you're after.

Decide how much you plan to invest and why. Mutual funds are good for mid- to long-range goals such as college funds and retirement accounts. Short-term goals are better served by CDs and even more liquid accounts.

Get on the Smith Barney website and register as a guest. Select "Register for Smith Barney access" from the blue Get Started menu in the center of the screen.

Look up the Smith Barney mutual funds that match your goals as an investor. Click the "Research & Commentaries"; tab, and then look under "Research Tools"; for "Mutual Fund Search". This search tool allows you to sort funds by recent return percentages or length of investment you desire.

Order a prospectus for each Smith Barney mutual fund you're interested in.

Read each prospectus carefully.

Check your prospective fund's risk rating at the Morningstar Web site.

Contact a Smith Barney advisor by phone or through the Web site to initiate your investment.

Use your local paper or the Internet to track the NAV (net asset value) of the mutual fund you've chosen.

Tips & Warnings

• Decide what your investment goals are before talking to a Smith Barney financial advisor. You'll feel more confident from the start if you can bring that to the table.
• Contact your Smith Barney advisor if you have questions about the nature of the fund or anything on your monthly statement.
• Be aware that you're in it for the long haul. Dips in value are natural in the investment world.
• Smith Barney is an enormous company. Don't look for hand-holding from your advisor. Be proactive about seeking help from him or her.
• Use the investment resources offered on the Smith Barney website, but not to the exclusion of more objective sources.

14. How to Trade the Flag/Pennant Patterns Like a Pro Part2

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The second lesson in a two part series on trading strategies for trading the flag and pennant chart patterns using technical analysis for day traders and investors...

Invest in Scudder Mutual Funds

DWS Scudder, a division of Deutsche Bank, offers a wide variety of mutual funds that span the globe. Follow these steps to invest in them.

Invest in Scudder Mutual Funds

Review the investment basics. DWS Scudder offers access to Morningstar's glossary of investment terms on its Web site (see the Resources section below). This glossary will help keep you sharp and informed.

Enroll in a class. Scudder also offers access to Morningstar's Investing Classroom, which hosts brief online courses for investors on every level.

Know your goals. Not all mutual fund's are created equal; some funds focus on building toward retirement, whereas others are designed to generate income now. Having clear goals will help you choose the appropriate fund.

Consider risk. Scudder mutual funds vary from the secure to the adventurous. Remember, the FDIC does not insure investments in mutual funds, so you can lose any money you put into them.

Consider fees. Investors may have to pay a 2 percent early redemption fee. Be willing to let your money sit for at least 60 days.

Gain without pain. Scudder mutual funds have no loads, which means you do not have to pay commission on your gains.

Read the prospectus before you invest. This details the fund's objectives, risks and achievements. You can access all prospectuses on DWS Scudder's Web site.

Download the application to open an account. Fill it out and mail it with your initial investment to DWS Scudder.

Expect a reply with an account number from Scudder within 1 business day of receiving your investment. Use this number to register your account online.

Monitor your fund's performance. DWS Scudder posts daily performances on its Web site. This will help you manage your account.

Ask questions. If anything is unclear or if your fund's performance is bothersome, call the DWS Scudder hotline at (800) 728-3337 for free financial assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• The minimum initial investment is no less than $1,000. Minimums change over time, so visit the DWS Scudder Web site for current information.

Invest in Schwab Mutual Funds

For over 30 years, the Charles Schwab Corporation has been a company that particularly targets small investors. Follow these steps to invest in Schwab mutual funds.

Invest in Schwab Mutual Funds

Know your ABCs. Before you invest in any mutual fund, acquire a general knowledge of investing. Read about mutual funds on an online learning center, such as The Investment FAQ (see the Resources section below).

Take caution. Mutual funds are relatively safe investments due to their diversity. However, they are subject to risk. Schwab mutual funds are not guaranteed to earn profits and you can lose your investment.

Determine your "Investor Profile" on the Schwab Web site (see Resources below). Here, you can view conservative to aggressive funds. The easy-to-read pie charts break down the percentages of a fund's stock, bond and cash allocations.

Determine your goals. Mutual funds are usually long-term investments. If you want quick cash, you may want to invest elsewhere.

Find out if you must pay to play. Since teams of skilled professionals manage mutual funds, investors may have to pay fees and costs. Charles Schwab offers many no-load funds, but not all are free.

Get the prospectus, which outlines a fund's goals, risks and performances. The Schwab prospectuses are available on the Web site.

Do your research to pick the fund that is right for you. Research the fund's past performances, and view the annual and biannual reports on the company's Web site.

Contact Charles Schwab to open a Schwab One Account. This is a necessary first step for making a Charles Schwab investment.

Pay attention to the details. Once you've invested, monitor your portfolio. You can access Schwab 24 hours a day via telephone or the Internet.

Relax. Mutual funds are not constant, so don't let market fluctuations stress you. This a long-term investment, so remember the big picture.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest wisely--choose a fund that fits your goals.
• Beware of added costs. Depending on your investment, you may have to pay handling fees.
• Visit the Schwab Web site for the most recent information on minimums.

13. How to Trade the Flag/Pennant Patterns Like a Pro Part 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

In this lesson we learn about what flag and pennant patterns are in technical analysis and how to identify them on charts in the stock market, futures market, and...

Invest in Rydex Mutual Funds

Rydex Investments manages more than $14 billion in assets and places its focus on anticipating both the ever-changing demands of the market and the needs of their investors. Rydex launched the industry's first fixed-income mutual funds, the first public leveraged benchmark mutual fund and intraday pricing.

Learn the basics before deciding where, how or how much to invest. Many Web sites, such as The Investment FAQ, listed in Resources below, spell out in simple terms the many complexities of investing.

Determine the size of your investment. Almost all mutual funds have a minimum requirement to get started, although direct deposit funds do not. Consider seeing a financial planner for assistance.

Request prospectuses for the funds you are considerng and read them carefully, as they contain information about the risks, fees and expenses associated with mutual funds. For instance, some may be load funds, which charge a fee to purchase shares.

Speak with a Rydex customer service representative or your own financial planner to discuss your investment objectives.

Complete an application. You can fill one out online (you'll need to sign it with an electronic signature), download one and fill it out on the computer or by hand or request to have an application sent to you via mail.

Return your application with your investment. You may send your investment by check or you may wire it to Rydex.

Tips & Warnings

• You can request applications and forms by mail or download them directly to your computer.
• The various fund cut-off times for both phone and Web trading are conveniently posted online.
• You can view daily as well as historical prices of more than 60 financial products, and download them in a CSV (comma separated values) format for later study.
• Investing in mutual funds always involves risk, including the possible loss of the principal amount you've invested.
• The past performance of any mutual fund is not a guarantee of its future performance.
• Shares of Rydex mutual funds are not deposits of any financial institution and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) or any other agency.

Invest in Royce Mutual Funds

Royce mutual funds invest in micro- and small-cap companies, which can be so new, unstable or small that they fall under the radar of the SEC and the Nasdaq, making them hard to research and track efficiently. It's no surprise, then, that these volatile companies are risky investments requiring a mutual funds manager who specializes in them.

Learn the basics. Visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Web site, listed in Resources below, for definitions on micro- and small-cap companies, the backbone of Royce mutual fund portfolios.

Understand the inherent risks involved in investing in these and other "penny stocks," stocks whose total market capitalization is less than $50 million.

Visit the Royce Funds Web site and explore their mutual funds investment options. (Their site is very thorough and includes interviews with their portfolio manager, recent awards and plenty of background information, too.)

Register for a financial advisor for financial services, tools and Royce Funds literature.

Discuss, with your own broker or a Royce representative, the options available to you and that fit within your budget.

Ask for a prospectus for each Royce mutual fund in which you're planning to invest.

Read each prospectus carefully before committing to a mutual fund (or mutual funds).

Contact your broker or Royce Funds financial advisor to make your investment.

Tips & Warnings

• Eliminate risk by investing in mutual funds that focus on reducing volatility rather than those that make big up and down swings.
• Look for growing businesses that have a strong balance sheet, a record of success and lots of potential. Or find a fund manager that looks for these qualities in businesses or in funds that include those businesses.
• Research companies that are trading below their estimated current worth.
• Due to their relative small size, lack of a proven track record and general inexperience in the marketplace, micro- and small-cap stocks are some of the riskiest investments for inexperienced investors.
• Microcap stocks are subject to large price fluctuations because of their small volume; this also subjects them to price manipulation and other volatile behavior.
• Because small companies do not have to register with the SEC, getting accurate information about particular companies, including their products, services and finances, can be difficult.

12. How to Trade the Wedge Chart Pattern Like a Pro Part 2

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The 6th lesson in a series on technical analysis and chart patterns which looks at strategies for trading the rising and falling wedge patterns in the stock market...

Invest in Royal Bank of Canada Mutual Funds

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) offers a wide assortment of mutual funds for investors who live in Canada. To put your money in the fund, follow these steps..

Learn About and Invest in RBC Mutual Funds

Determine your objectives. Investing in retirement is different than investing in a BMW. A clear financial objective will help you choose an appropriate RBC mutual fund.

Assess your risk factor. The Royal Bank of Canada offers various mutual funds, ranging from very conservative to very aggressive.

Determine how much money to invest. The minimum investment for the Royal Bank of Canada is $500. However, this is subject to change from fund to fund.

Consider your financial comfort. Early withdrawal from some investment accounts (such as a registered retirement savings plan) can cost you hundreds in taxes and fees.

Contact the Royal Bank of Canada. After you complete Steps 1 to 4, you're ready to open an investment account. Register an account at any Royal Bank, via telephone or at the RBC Asset Management Web site (see the Resources section below).

Monitor your portfolio. Once you've chosen a mutual fund, you can follow the progress of your portfolio online. The Royal Bank of Canada has highly detailed, user-friendly graphs and analyses on their Web site.

Continuously update. As your investment goals change, so should your portfolio. A Royal Bank representative will work with you to annually adjust your investments to reflect your objectives.

Review the basics of investing by visiting a financial Web site such as The Investment FAQ (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a registered RSP (retirement savings plan) for a long-term investment. All money invested in a registered RSP is tax-deferred until withdrawn.
• Invest in a non-registered RSP if you plan on short-term investing. You'll be able to withdraw money from your account without tax penalties.
• Invest sensibly. Mutual funds fluctuate with the market.
• You must live in Canada to invest with the Royal Bank of Canada.
• RBC requires your signature in their files. If you've never had an account with RBC, you cannot open an investment account online. However, you can download an application from their Web site and mail it to them, or open an account at any RBC branch.

Invest in Roulston Mutual Funds

Canada's Bradley Roulston Financial Group offers a variety of investment options. If you reside or work in Canada and want to invest in the company's mutual fund, follow these steps.

Learn About and Invest in Roulston Mutual Funds

Start with an open mind: a mutual fund is just one of your many investment options. The Investment FAQ Web site can help you weigh mutual funds against stocks, bonds or other options (see the Resources section below).

Determine your objectives. The company manages both personal and corporate investments (such as employee retirement plans), but it typically requires an investment of $100,000 or more. Learn more at the Roulston Financial Group Web site (see Resources below).

Do not feel deterred if you don't have that kind of cash. The Bradley Roulston Financial Group is happy to work with clients of different incomes, particularly up-and-coming investors.

Order a prospectus. Determining if the Roulston mutual fund is right for you begins with a careful analysis of the fund's goals and performance.

Review the past performance of the mutual fund. Not all mutual funds are created equal. Make sure the Roulston mutual fund is not too aggressive for you.

Research fees. Most mutual funds have handling fees, and some also charge penalties for early withdrawals. Before you invest, read the fine print.

Hear the manager speak in person. Bradley Roulston lectures at universities and businesses across Ontario and British Columbia. He focuses on smart financial planning and investing in mutual funds.

Once you invest, monitor your portfolio and stay in touch with the Roulston Financial Group.

Keep cool. Mutual funds are long-term investments and the market will fluctuate; don't panic with every dip.

Tips & Warnings

• The Roulston Financial Group requires a large initial investment compared with other mutual funds. Review the current minimums at the fund's Web site before you invest.

11. How to Trade the Wedge Chart Pattern Like a Pro Part 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The 5th lesson in a series on charting patterns which goes over the rising and falling wedge patterns for traders of the forex market, stock market, and futures market.

Invest in RiverSource (Formerly IDS) Mutual Funds

RiverSource Investments, owned by Ameriprise Financial, manages the family of mutual funds formerly known as IDS. Follow these steps to investigate the mutual funds that this company offers.

Learn About RiverSource Mutual Funds (Formerly IDS)

Go to the RiverSource Investments Web site (see the Resources section below) for the most up-to-date information on these funds.

Peruse the list of funds in the family, which contains about 75 different funds to choose from.

Download a sample fact sheet for a fund. The fact sheet will give you important summary information.

Look at a prospectus. You should never invest in a mutual fund without reading the prospectus. Download a sample prospectus from the RiverSource Web site to discover what a typical prospectus contains.

Review a sample fund's quarterly performance to learn how the fund has performed recently. Compare its performance with benchmark indicators such as an index or to other funds in its class.

Study a recent semiannual report. These often contain analysis or comments from a fund's manager that may offer insight into a fund. For example, the semiannual report from the RiverSource Aggressive Growth Fund (known as "AXP Partners Aggressive Growth Fund" under IDS) contains comments from the fund's chairman.

Examine a fund's holdings to see what kind of stocks or bonds the fund manager invests in. Information on a fund's holdings tells you exactly where your money is.

Invest in RiverSource Mutual Funds (Formerly IDS)

Purchase funds through a dealer or broker.

Invest in RiverSource mutual funds through your 401(k) or other plan. If you're self-employed, you can include these funds in your plan.

Ask your bank, credit union or another financial institution if you can purchase RiverSource mutual funds through them.

Tips & Warnings

• Note the name changes of many funds in the family since the switch to RiverSource. Specifically, funds whose names began with the designation "AXP" have changed to names that begin with "RiverSource."
• Watch out for fees. RiverSource mutual funds are most commonly sold through representatives, such as brokers, who may charge you fees for services above the fees charged by the mutual fund itself.
• Information on IDS mutual funds that you may find on a financial Web site is likely to be outdated unless it specifically notes the name change from IDS to RiverSource.

Invest in Prudential Mutual Funds

Prudential Financial companies have more than half a trillion dollars in total assets, making them one of the largest financial service firms in the United States. With more than 130 years of experience, they are the Rock and offer a number of products to grow and protect your wealth, including a wide range of mutual funds.

Get a solid background before jumping in. Visit Investment FAQ, listed in Resources below, or similar financial Web sites to learn the basics about investing. It's a complicated industry with its own risks, rewards and vocabulary, and it can be daunting.

Visit the Prudential Web site, listed in Resources below, and browse their mutual fund programs. There are many funds from which to choose, each with its own investment strategies and success rates.

Determine why you are investing. Different financial plans require different approaches; long-term growth for retirement is different than raising money quickly to start a business. Consider consulting a financial specialist to help with this step.

Determine how you will invest. Each investor works differently, based on their finances, goals and timetables. For example, your investment can be transferred directly from a bank account on a regular basis or you may prefer to add to your fund on your own schedule.

Request a prospectus for the funds in which you're interested, and read it very carefully. All risks and charges associated with a mutual fund are covered in the prospectus.

Contact a Prudential Financial professional when you're ready to invest.

Tips & Warnings

• Investing in mutual funds is one of the safest and easiest ways to get into the market.
• Prudential offers two distinct mutual fund families as well as a comprehensive investment program to help you tailor your financial goals.
• Even though mutual funds represent one of the safest market investments, there are a number of risks involved.
• The past performance of any given mutual fund is no predictor of its future performance.
• Making long-term financial plans, such as choosing the right mutual fund, is time-consuming and may require professional assistance.
• Prudential mutual funds are not FDIC insured, have no bank guarantee and may lose value like any other investment.

10. How to Trade the Head and Shoulders Pattern Part 2

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The 4th lesson in a series on charting patterns which looks at how to trade the head and shoulders pattern and the reverse had and shoulders pattern for daytraders i...

Invest in Pioneer Mutual Funds

Since 1928, Pioneer Investments has been dedicated to offering investment solutions to individuals on a global basis. By partnering with financial companies and professionals around the globe, Pioneer has been able to deliver innovative investment services to clients far and wide. In addition to a range of other products and services, Pioneer offers equity, international, fixed-income and asset allocation mutual funds in which you can invest.

Get to Know the Pioneer Investment Approach

Understand that Pioneer's investment process relies on intensive research. Pioneer has teams of analysts located around the world, providing unique insight into a variety of markets and businesses.

Know that Pioneer values consistency in investing, maintaining and nurturing its approach and working to manage risk.

Recognize that Pioneer makes professional fund management a priority, striving to ensure that its financial professionals are both experienced and knowledgeable.

Types of Pioneer Mutual Funds

Know that Pioneer offers equity funds. These funds invest primarily in common stocks.

Recognize that Pioneer offers international and global funds. Global funds are an option for you if you want to invest in both the United States and foreign markets; international funds target foreign markets only.

Know that Pioneer fixed-income funds invest in fixed income securities, such as bonds and preferred stocks.

Understand that asset allocation funds provide an already diversified portfolio of investments. These funds may invest in a wide range of asset classes to meet investment goals.

Know that Pioneer also offers a range of closed-end funds. Though these funds are not open to new investors, shares can be purchased on the stock market.

Choose a Fund

Visit PioneerInvestments.com.

Click the "Literature & Forms" link.

Select the "Download Literature" link.

Use the drop-down box to select the mutual funds that interest you.

Click the link for the fund's prospectus and download it using Adobe Acrobat Reader. Choose the prospectus that corresponds to the share class you prefer.

Determine the funds that best suit your needs.

Download a mutual fund application. Complete it and mail it to Pioneer, along with your minimum investment.

Tips & Warnings

• You may be able to qualify for a reduced sales charge if you commit to investing at least $50,000 in a Pioneer equity fund in a 13-month period. If you are investing in bond funds, you'll need to invest $100,000 to enjoy this benefit.

Invest in Phoenix Duff Mutual Funds

Phoenix Companies, Inc. provides a selection of asset management products and services, including mutual funds. The company focuses primarily on meeting the needs of high-net-worth investors on both an individual and institutional level. Its mutual funds are offered by Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, a subsidiary of Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. The company also offers closed-end mutual funds from Duff & Phelps, a wholly owned subsidiary of Phoenix Investment Partners.

Phoenix Duff Closed-End Mutual Funds

Get to know the Phoenix Duff DNP Select Income Fund.

Understand that the DNP Select Income Fund Inc. is a management investment firm. Its stock symbol is DNP and it is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Know that the fund's objectives are primarily to invest to provide current income as well as capital appreciation over time.

Understand that the fund's main investments are equity and fixed income securities. Most of these securities are issued by public utility related companies.

Visit DNPSelectIncome.com. You'll find contact information, the latest fact sheet, financial reports and holding information on this site.

Learn about the Phoenix Duff DTF Tax-Free Income Inc. Fund

Know that this fund is actually a closed-end investment company. It seeks current, federal tax-exempt income, as well as capital protection.

Understand the fund's investments. A minimum of 65 percent of this fund's assets is in utility bonds.

Recognize that the fund pays dividends monthly. The fund offers an optional plan for reinvesting dividends and capital gains.

Visit PhoenixInvestments.com and click the "Closed-End Funds" link on the left to view available information and find contact details for the Phoenix Duff DTF Tax-Free Income Inc. Fund.

Purchasing Funds

Understand that closed-end funds often have lower fees than open-end funds.

Understand that Phoenix Duff closed-end mutual funds are not offered in the same manner as mutual funds. You must purchase shares via the stock exchange.

Review your investment objectives and determine whether a Phoenix Duff closed-end mutual fund will meet your needs.

With the help of your financial advisor or broker, determine how much to invest in Phoenix Duff closed-end mutual funds and purchase shares.

Tips & Warnings

• Often, closed-end mutual funds use leverage to garner higher returns. Leveraging involves borrowing money and reinvesting it into long-term securities that offer more attractive returns.

Subprime US Banking Financial Crisis Explained Part 3

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The 3rd and final lesson in a series on the subprime mortgage US Banking financial crisis explained.

Invest in Oberweis Mutual Funds

With a focus on small and mid-sized growth stock, Oberweis Asset Management employs unique (but well-planned and -researched) investment strategies and styles. The company targets small, yet fast-growing companies that have adequate valuations. Though Oberweis Asset Management mutual funds invest in a portion of the market that is considered volatile, the company works hard to construct portfolios in a way that effectively controls risk.

Oberweis Mutual Funds

Know that Oberweis offers four different mutual funds, allowing you to choose a fund that meets your investment objectives. They are all no-load funds.

Understand that the Emerging Growth Fund invests most of its assets in companies with market capitalizations below $1 billion. This fund is designed to allow investors to take advantage of the growth of small but rapidly-growing small-cap companies.

Recognize that the Oberweis Micro-Cap Fund invests in companies with market capitalizations of less than $250 million, offering investors the opportunity to profit on the growth of companies in their earliest stages of development. This fund is closed to new investors.

Know that the Oberweis Mid-Cap Fund focuses on mid-cap companies with market capitilizations in the $500 million to $8 billion range. The intent of this fund is to capitalize on the growth of companies that are still expanding at a rapid pace.

Understand that the China Opportunities Fund focuses primarily on Chinese securities. This fund invests 80 percent of its assets in Chinese company equity securities, as well as equity securities from businesses with no less than 50 percent of their assets in China. Also included are companies that enjoy a minimum of 50 percent of their revenues from China.

Choosing a Fund

Visit OberweisFunds.com and review portfolio manager and holding information for the funds that interest you.

Click the links provided beneath each fund's description to view fund performance information, investment growth charts and fee and expense details.

Download fund fact sheets and an Oberweis mutual fund prospectus. You'll need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view these documents.

Decide how much you'd like to invest in Oberweis mutual funds and select the funds that suit your needs. The minimum investment for an Oberweis fund is $1,000 or $100 if you choose an automatic investment plan.

Download, print and mail a complete account application to Oberweis Funds. Be sure to enclose your minimum investment by check.

Invest in No-Load Mutual Funds

Why pay more than you have to? No-load mutual funds allow you to invest without incurring up-front sales charges. No-load mutual funds are just like other funds; you can choose them using the same strategies. In the end, however, you get to walk away without paying for the opportunity to invest. There are, however, other fees and charges to watch for with no-load funds.

Understand that no-load funds may offer higher returns. Since you do not pay sales charges with no-load funds, it is possible to earn more because you do not have to subtract sales charges from your total return.

Recognize that most load funds are sold through financial advisors, brokers and other types of financial representatives. Your loads go straight to them. In exchange, you are able to obtain investment advice, guidance and assistance with your mutual fund purchases.

Visit FundAdvice.com to find a long list of the largest load funds. On this site, you'll be able to find large load funds and compare them to no-load alternatives.

Visit MorningStar.com and use the tools provided to research and compare no-load funds.

Request prospectuses for funds that interest you or download them from fund Web sites. Review prospectuses carefully.

Consider fund objectives, performance and risk levels. Select the funds that best suit your needs.

Pay close attention to fees and expenses, as no-load funds are not completely cost-free.

Determine the amount you want to invest. Mutual funds have varied minimum investment amounts, ranging from the low hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Contact these funds directly to purchase shares. Many mutual funds will allow you to download a mutual fund account application and submit it by mail.

Tips & Warnings

• Many investment experts agree that load funds, in general, do not perform better or worse than no-load funds.
• If you don't have much money to invest, consider enrolling in an automatic investment program. You can start with a low minimum investment, often $50 or less, and have your monthly investment automatically withdrawn from your bank account. You may even be able to arrange to take advantage of automatic investing via payroll deduction.
• There is no advantage to selling a load fund in which you've already invested. Since you've already paid an up-front sales charge, there is no benefit in switching.

9. How to Trade the Head and Shoulders Pattern Part 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The 3rd lesson in a series on charting patterns which looks at the head and shoulders pattern and how traders use this in the stock market, forex market, and futures...

Invest in Nanotech Mutual Funds

The future is here in the form of nanotechnology, the science of molecular-sized robots and micromachines that can work in zero-gravity environments or within the living cells of a human. Revenue from the development, manufacture and application of nano-scaled products will reach more than $2.6 billion by 2014, according to Lux Research, a consulting company focused on nanotechnology. Nanotech mutual funds are ripe for investment.

Research the emerging nanotech industry at Forbes, BusinessWeek (see links to these publications in the Resources section below) or any other accredited financial site, and decide if nanotechnology is the type of investment that interests you.

Calculate the amount of money you'd like to invest in nanotech mutual funds, realizing the associated risks and other factors. If you don't have a lot of investment experience, you may want to speak with a broker or financial planner.

Select (or have a broker select for you) some mutual fund opportunities with a nanotech emphasis. These are becoming more available as the market grows, and can be found easily online.

Order a prospectus for each fund in which you're considering investing.

Read each prospectus carefully, and take notes.

Ask questions to decide in which fund or funds you'll invest. Ask trusted friends, your broker or representatives from those funds.

Make certain you understand the differences, however great or small, between your potential investments, and pick a fund (or funds) that meets your needs and requirements.

Invest in the mutual funds on which you've decided, or contact your broker to make your investment.

Tips & Warnings

• The semi-conductor, life sciences and energy industries will be the first to see the benefits of nanotech advancements.
• Established blue chip firms that apply nanotechnology to their existing product lines make a safer investment than start-up companies without a track record.
• Investing in mutual funds allows you to limit your risks by spreading them out over a number of companies.
• Nanotech breakthroughs may start in universities, as they have the proper research and financial machinery already in place.
• Mutual funds, like all speculative investments, involve risk.
• Nanotech could experience a boom-and-bust effect like the dot-com craze; avoid investing in companies without a strong technical and scientific background.
• Even with technological advancements, it still takes about seven years for products to get from the drawing board to store shelves.

Invest in Money Market using PayPal

Do you use PayPal for just about anything like selling on eBay or depositing your Google money or other get paid to write sites online? So what did you do with your cash after deposited to your PayPal account? Alright, I am not trying to intervene your expenses or mishandling of your money but if you are curious on how you can earn money in investing online like Money Market Fund, then you might want to try to sign up for PayPal Money Market account. This is the way that you can invest in Money Market without any fees in your part or balance requirements to open a Money Market Fund with PayPal. So if your cash just sitting around in your PayPal account for months then why not multiply it by opening your PayPal Money Market Fund at your PayPal account page. Your PayPal won't change if you apply for Money Market, and besides you can spend the money without any penalties from your PayPal Money Market account. But remember also that you could lose your cash balance value if the market is so bad but you will usually earn because the PayPal Money Market Fund is managed by a trillion worth company called Barclays Global Investors. I invested my eHow money myself and I did not lose money yet from this PayPal Money Market Fund but you will decide. Just take a look and see, it's free! It's possible to lose your money in investing Money Market but if you are a risk taker then try it.

Open your free PayPal account and sign up for free PayPal Money Market Fund. You only need a dollar to open at least and that's it. So if you think that you have some cash balance in your PayPal account that you are willing to risk in the Money Market then you might have a chance to add more cash in your account. Right now, you will be earning just 2.29% of whatever cash balance you have in your PayPal account and your Dividend will directly deposited into your PayPal account twice a month.

You can get your PayPal Money Market as just like you are spending your PayPal cash balance. Nothing really much change, it's just differ when you earn or lose but the spending of your money the same as usual. My Dividend is directly deposited to my PayPal account balance also, I got one in August 1 and then I got another Dividend in August 30, it's like you invest and then get the Dividend right away go back to your account.

Fund your PayPal account more and then you will earn more. That's how investments works but if not lucky just like our economy today then you might just stick to what you can afford to lose in the market in terms of investing. This PayPal Money Market account is not FDIC insured but if you read who managed your money then it will help you get an idea where to stand or sit.

You can also invest in any Money Market Fund besides PayPal like HSBC Direct and ING Direct or Savings and many others. Just be aware of the risks in investing.

Subprime US Banking Financial Crisis Explained Simply Part 2

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The 2nd lesson in a 3 part series examining the sub prime mortgage US Banking crisis and how this has affected the economy and different financial institutions arou...

Invest in Money Market Funds

When you invest in a money market, you are investing in a unique type of mutual fund. Money market mutual funds are designed to yield modest returns while preserving principal. These funds focus on maintaining net asset values (NAVs) of $1.00. Essentially, money market mutual funds are considered, by some, to be along the same lines as high-yield bank accounts. Unlike bank accounts, however, they are not insured against loss.

Understand the Primary Types of Money Market Funds

Understand that prime money market funds invest in commercial paper and Eurodollar deposits, as well as certificates of deposit (CDs). As the performance of these funds is dependent upon their underlying securities, it is imperative to pay attention to their ratings.

Know that government money market funds invest in United States Treasuries or government-agency securities. Interest paid on these funds is exempt from state taxes.

Recognize that tax-exempt money market funds hold national or state municipal bonds. National money market funds are exempt from federal taxes and state funds are exempt from state taxes, as long as you live in the state in question.

Choosing an Investment

Understand that money market funds invest in short-duration instruments. Typically, maturity is reached within a period of 60 days or less. This may vary, but never exceeds 180 days.

Step2

Recognize that money market funds offer check-writing privileges, providing for easy liquidity.

Consider the role money market funds may play in your investment plans. Generally, they are used for putting aside emergency money, saving for shorter-term goals and diversifying more conservative investment portfolios.

Keep in mind that you can lose money with a money market fund in the event that poor interest rate and securities choices are made and the NAV falls below $1.00.

Realize that money market funds can quickly add money in the event of a fall in the NAV. This ability reduces some of the already small risk of losing the money you invest.

Invest in a money market fund through your broker or financial adviser or contact the fund of your choice directly.

Tips & Warnings

• Investors who are required to pay federal alternative minimum taxes may be required to pay taxes on a portion of their tax-exempt money market income.
• Be wary of money market funds that are offering much higher yields than other funds with the same or similar holdings. These funds may waive operating costs temporarily, attempting to attract investors. Eventually, this may stop, leading to lower yields.

Invest in Midas Mutual Funds

Want the Midas touch? You can get it with Midas Funds. Midas offers three different mutual funds: Midas Dollar Reserves, the Midas Fund and the Midas Special Fund. The company even offers The Midas Touch account access, allowing investors to access their accounts from just about any location, using the telephone or the Internet. Through The Midas Touch, you can invest and view your updated account information at any time.

Get to Know the Midas Funds

Know that the Midas Fund invests in gold. Intermediate gold companies are chosen for this fund, based largely on their potential for production growth.

Understand that the Midas Special Fund targets capital appreciation. This fund invests in financially strong companies and seeks to utilize flexible strategies and timing to meet its objectives.

Recognize that the Midas Dollar Reserves is a type of money market fund that invests in United States government money market securities. It strives to maximize income and maintain liquidity while protecting capital.

Know that Winmill & Co. Incorporated is the firm responsible for managing Midas funds.

Choosing a Fund

Visit MidasFunds.com for in-depth information regarding the various funds available.

Consider your investment objectives. Determine which Midas fund or funds might best help you to meet your objectives.

Click the "Daily Prices" link, on the left side of the page, to view daily prices for the funds that interest you. This link takes you to NASDAQ.com.

Select "Midas Funds Top Ten" to view the top ten holdings of each fund.

Click the "Fund Strategies" link to view the listed strategies for each Midas fund.

Select "Shareholder Reports & Quarterly Portfolios" to find semi-annual and annual shareholder reports, as well as quarterly portfolio holdings. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these reports.

Click on the "Prospectus, SAI & Retirement Plan Statements" link to find and review fund prospectuses and statements of additional information.

Choose the Midas mutual funds that interest you and decide how much to invest. The minimum investment for Midas mutual funds is $1.000; it's $100 if you opt for an automatic investment plan.

Download, print and mail a completed Midas account application along with your opening investment or invest through a broker or financial professional.

Tips & Warnings

• When you open an account with Midas, the company will verify and record information pertaining to your identity. This is done to assist in guarding against the funding of terrorism, as well as to prevent money laundering.

8. How to Trade Double Tops Like a Pro

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The 2nd lesson in a series on charting patterns for traders and investors in which goes into specific strategies which can be used to trade double tops and double bo...

Invest in MFS Mutual Funds

MFS has considerable experience in the field of money management. In fact, they introduced the very first mutual fund to the United States in 1924, putting the American stock market within reach of ordinary individuals. Today MFS offers a wide variety of mutual funds in which you can invest, spanning seven different fund categories.

Visit MFS.com to learn about the various mutual funds offered.

Select "Products & Performance" from the menu at the top of the page, followed by the "Mutual Funds" link.

Choose an MFS mutual fund to review and click its link. They are not sorted by category.

Use the drop-down menu to select the share class you prefer.

Review the fund's profile, performance, management, dividend and capital gains information. Read and discover the fund's price history and daily net asset value (NAV).

Click the link under the share class menu to view the fund's fact sheet.

Select "Statement of Additional Information (SAI)" to view the latest SAI for the fund you are reviewing.

Click the "Fund Reports/Prospectus" link to view the fund's prospectus, semiannual and annual reports and holding reports online. You'll need an Adobe Acrobat Reader plugin to view these reports.

Choose a fund or funds and determine the amount you want to invest in MFS mutual funds. MFS requires a $1.000 minimum investment or $50 if you are enrolling in an automatic investment plan.

Open an MFS mutual fund investment account by downloading, completing and mailing an application form, along with your minimum investment. Alternatively, you may choose to invest through a financial adviser or broker.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer, you may download it for free by visiting Adobe.com.
• Review the available share classes before you invest. These classes determine when, how and how much you will pay in sales charges. Share class may influence other fee amounts as well.
• If you'd like to receive periodic payments from your mutual fund account, consider enrolling in a systematic withdrawal plan. With this plan, the automatic redemption of Class B or C shares is handled for you. In any given year, the amount you can withdraw through this plan is limited to 10 percent or less of your account's value.

Invest in Kobren Mutual Funds

The Kobren Growth Fund is a mutual fund that invests in other mutual funds. The idea is that investors gain the benefits of a diversified portfolio of mutual funds without having to pick the individual funds themselves. The fund's investment adviser is E*Trade Asset Management, Inc., but the fund has hired Eric Kobren and Kobren Insight Management, Inc., to manage the fund. Follow these steps to invest.

Learn About the Kobren Growth Fund

Learn about the "fund of funds" concept, in which a mutual fund invests in other mutual funds. Because each mutual fund charges certain fees, when you invest in a fund of funds, you are essentially paying more fees than if you invest in mutual funds separately.

Remember that although the Kobren Growth Fund does not charge sales loads, it may invest in funds that do.

Evaluate your primary objectives. The objectives of the Kobren Growth Fund are diversification and long-term capital appreciation. The fund is intended for investors with a relatively long-term investment horizon (5 years or more) and not for investors who must maximize current income.

Invest in the Kobren Growth Fund

Download a prospectus from the Kobren Home Page (see the Resources section below), or call (800) 4KOBREN to request one. You can also request a prospectus be sent by mail using the online request form on the Web site.

Get the necessary applications. Unless you are opening an IRA account, you can download an application from the Kobren Web site. Individuals opening traditional IRA or Roth IRA accounts must download or request additional applications.

Complete your applications and send them by mail to E*Trade Securities. Look for the mailing address in the prospectus. Include a check for at least the minimum investment amount.

Open an account by wire. Call (800) 895-9936 for specific instructions, and complete and mail in an account application.

Open an account through a broker or dealer. You can also use the services of a mutual funds supermarket like TD Waterhouse Securities, Fidelity Investments or E*Trade securities to purchase shares.

Tips & Warnings

• You can arrange to have your initial investment debited from your bank account if you prefer not to send a check through the mail. Call the customer service number at (800) 895-9936 for more information.

Subprime US Banking Financial Crisis Explained Part 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

A 3 lesson series on the background of the subprime US Banking Financial Crisis market and how the problems we are experiencing today arose. Relevant to traders and...

Invest in Kinetics Mutual Funds

The Kinetics family of mutual funds currently consists of a dozen funds managed by Kinetics Asset Management, Inc. The company's investment strategy is to put money in undervalued businesses. Follow these steps to invest in Kinetics Mutual Funds.

Read the Prospectus

Download a prospectus from the Kinetics Mutual Funds Web site (see the Resources section below).

Send a request for a prospectus to Kinetics Mutual Funds, c/o U.S. BancorpFund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53201-0701. You can also submit a request through the Kinetics Web site.

Call the company at (800) 930-3828 and request it send you a prospectus through the postal mail.

Get to Know the Kinetics Approach to Investing

Kinetics uses proprietary research to choose the stocks it invests in. It evaluates potential investments according to five criteria enumerated on its Web site. Read this company information to determine if you are comfortable with the approach.

Kinetics is primarily interested in long-term returns. It also discloses its investment holdings in terms of how much of a company it owns. For example, if a Kinetics fund holds a certain number of shares in a company that equals a 3 percent equity stake, Kinetics reports the investment in terms of the percentage owned.

Get Performance Data

Find performance data on the different Kinetics mutual funds on the company's Web site (see Resources below). You can also use ticker symbols to research performance data at other Web sites. Finally, you can use a newspaper to track performance; look for the title "Kinetics Funds."

Compare the performance data of the Kinetics mutual funds you want to invest in to benchmark data. That is, compare a fund's performance relative to indexes or other funds in that category. You can find relative performance information at financial research Web sites.

Invest in Kinetics Mutual Funds

Follow the instructions in the prospectus to mail your initial investment to the company. The Kinetics Web site lists their mailing address.

Invest in Kinetics mutual funds through a broker. On its Web site, the company maintains a list of brokerage firms that sell its funds.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the company by phone at (800) 930-3828. You can request information about any of the Kinetics funds, and you do not have to be a current investor.
• Email the company at info@kineticsfunds.com to get answers to your questions before you invest.

Invest in Jamestown Mutual Funds

The employee-owned firm of Lowe, Brockenbrough & Company, Inc., located in the southeastern United States, acts as the adviser for the four mutual funds in the Jamestown family of mutual funds. Follow these steps to purchase these funds.

Choose a Jamestown Mutual Fund

Choose from among four different funds: the Jamestown Balanced Fund, the Jamestown Equity Fund, the Jamestown International Equity Fund and the Jamestown Tax-Exempt Virginia Fund.

Choose the Jamestown Balanced Fund if you want to invest in a fund with a relatively conservative strategy that combines capital appreciation with income by investing in stocks and fixed income instruments.

Choose the Jamestown Equity Fund to invest in a fund of almost exclusively large-cap growth stocks.

Choose the Jamestown International Equity Fund to diversify your investments with a fund that invests overseas. This fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.

Choose the Jamestown Tax-Exempt Virginia Fund to invest in a Virginia-based municipal fund. Income from this fund is not subject to federal taxation. Residents of Virginia also do not have to pay state income taxes on the income from this fund.

Gather Information on Jamestown Mutual Funds

Visit a financial Web site (such as Morningstar) for performance data on Jamestown mutual funds. Use the following financial ticker symbols to look up data: JAMBX (Jamestown Balanced Fund), JAMEX (Jamestown Equity Fund), JAMIX (Jamestown International Equity Fund) and JTEVX (Jamestown Tax-Exempt Virginia Fund).

Compare Jamestown mutual funds with their peers. Some financial Web sites list peer averages for items like expense ratios, average annual return and total return. A fund may compare favorably with its peers, for example, on expense ratios, but unfavorably on performance measures.

Visit the Jamestown Family of Funds Web site to obtain performance data and commentary directly from the funds' management company (see the Resources section below).

Invest in Jamestown Mutual Funds

Download a prospectus from the Jamestown Family of Funds Web site (see Resources below), or call (800) 787-7414 to request a prospectus.

Fill out and mail an account application to the Jamestown Funds. You can find an account application on the Web site or in your prospectus. Call (866) 738-1126 for assistance in opening an account.

You also can invest in Jamestown mutual funds through a broker-d

Tips & Warnings

• Only U.S. investors can purchase Jamestown mutual funds.

7. Day Trading and Investing: Charting Patterns Lesson 1

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The first lesson in a series on chart patterns for traders and investors in the stock market, futures market, and forex market.

Invest in ICON Mutual Funds

ICON Advisers, Inc., offers a family of mutual funds managed according to ICON's specific quantitative and value-based system of investment selection. Although the company manages the funds using the same investment philosophy, each fund targets a different market sector.

Understand the ICON Investment Approach

ICON uses a proprietary methodology for making stock selections that relies almost exclusively on quantitative analysis. The company downplays the subjective factors that go into stock-picking and touts an approach it describes as more disciplined.

Understand that the investment strategy of the ICON family of mutual funds is to look for underpriced stocks. ICON looks for industries in each of nine identified market sectors that the company believes have strength and leadership potential.

Research ICON Mutual Funds

Visit the ICON Advisers Web site to read information about the investment team behind ICON's mutual funds (see the Resources section below). Although ICON relies almost exclusively on a companywide approach to investing, you should become familiar with the qualifications of the company's management team.

Find helpful summary information on the various funds in the family on the ICON Advisers Web site. The Web site provides information on the sectors the funds invest in as well as a chart that compares certain aspects of the various funds.

Get a prospectus. Once you've digested some background information on ICON mutual funds, read the company's prospectus to get detailed information on each fund. You can view a prospectus on the ICON Advisers Web site.

Invest in ICON Mutual Funds

Choose the ICON fund or funds you want to invest in.

Open an account through a financial adviser or firm. This is the only way to open an ICON Allocation Portfolio or Separate Account Portfolio.

Print and fill out one of the account applications available on the ICON Web site, then mail it to ICON. Call (800) 764-0442 during business hours (Central time) if you have any questions about the application or about opening an account.

Invest in ICAP Mutual Funds

ICAP (the Institutional Capital Corporation) merged with New York Life Investment Management in 2006. MainStay Investments co-manages all of its mutual funds. Follow these steps to invest in the three MainStay ICAP mutual funds.

Learn About ICAP Mutual Funds

Call (800) MAINSTAY to get prospectuses for MainStay ICAP mutual funds. Read the prospectuses carefully to make sure you understand the particular risks of investing in these funds before you open an account. You can also obtain a prospectus from the MainStay Funds Web site (see the Resources section below).

Learn about ICAP's background. Morningstar (an investment rating company) has recognized ICAP for its success as a manager of international and domestic stock funds. Learn more about the ICAP approach and philosophy on the MainStay Investments Web site.

Understand that the MainStay ICAP fund managers are not afraid to engage in risky investment strategies. Depending on the fund, these strategies may include investing in emerging foreign markets, investing in derivatives, turning over large numbers of shares in a portfolio or concentrating on particular stocks and sectors.

Questions Before You Invest

Choose from six different share classes of MainStay ICAP funds. Sales charges and expenses vary from class to class, so read the prospectus carefully to decide which share class meets your needs.

Pay attention to the effect of sales charges and fees charged by MainStay ICAP mutual funds. Calculate the effect of these charges on a hypothetical series of investments before you decide which funds to invest in.

Invest in MainStay ICAP Mutual Funds

Invest through a third party. You can purchase shares through a broker-dealer or a firm authorized to accept orders on behalf of the funds. Third parties may charge additional fees, and they may be authorized to make certain changes to fund policies on things like minimum investment amounts.

Buy shares directly from MainStay. Fill out an account application and mail it (along with a check for the amount of your investment) to MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts, 02266-8401.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with a financial adviser to help you decide whether MainStay ICAP mutual funds are compatible with your overall investment strategies.

6. Day Trading Lesson 6: Multi Time Frame Analysis

This is a video I found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information I provide will be useful to everyone.

The sixth lesson in a series on technical analysis for active traders of the forex market, futures market, and stock market. We should now have a good understanding...

Invest in Huntington Mutual Funds

The Huntington Funds family of mutual funds is associated with Huntington Bank, a regional bank with central offices in Columbus, Ohio. Follow these steps to invest in Huntington mutual funds.

Invest in Huntington Mutual Funds

Talk to a Huntington investment representative who can sell you shares in the company's mutual funds. Huntington recommends that you meet with a representative at a Huntington office in your area. Call (800) 322-4600 to make an appointment. Press 1 when prompted.

Call Huntington at (877) 480-7384, and then press 1 to request a free Personalized Financial Analysis. The analysis can help you decide whether any Huntington mutual funds will fit your investment strategy.

Call (800) 253-0412 to request a prospectus or download one from the Huntington Web site (see the Resources section below).

Download an account application from the company's Web site after you have read the prospectus. You can also call (800) 253-0412 for more information on opening an account.

Evaluate Huntington Mutual Funds

Understand Huntington's overall investment strategy, which is to choose sectors to invest in based on big-picture factors that affect the overall economy. The company also evaluates big-picture factors to choose bonds with favorable maturity dates.

Know that Huntington offers funds in a variety of different categories. The company offers equity (stock) funds, fixed income funds, tax-free fixed income funds and money market accounts.

Compare your investment style to the company's. Huntington places an emphasis on the services of its trained financial advisers. If you prefer a more independent approach or don't like interacting with investment salespeople, you may prefer to invest in a different fund family.

Consider how much you want to invest. Huntington offers investment programs that allow investors to add to their accounts in small, regular increments. This program may be attractive to investors who don't have large amounts to invest or who want to develop a disciplined investing program. It's also ideal for those who want to sample some results before plunging in.

Tips & Warnings

• Huntington mutual funds are not available to investors outside the United States, and the company does not guarantee that all of its funds will be available to investors in all states. Call Huntington for more information at (800) 253-0412.

Invest in Hennessy Mutual Funds

The Hennessy Funds offers a family of no-load mutual funds managed by Neil Hennessy, one of the industry's leading money managers. The company touts its stock selection expertise, a conservative investing strategy and a disciplined approach to executing it.

Invest in Hennessy Mutual Funds

Study the prospectus for each fund you want to invest in. You can download the prospectus from the company's Web site (see the Resources section below). Always make sure you have the latest prospectus before investing.

Obtain an application and open an account. You can open a standard account, an IRA account, a gift-to-minor account or a trust, corporate or partnership account.

Learn About the Mutual Funds Offered by Hennessy Funds

Consider the Hennessy Balanced Fund, which favors conservative investment strategies that focus on dividends and capital appreciation.

Investigate the Hennessy Total Return Fund if you can tolerate more market volatility than the Balanced Fund experiences. This fund concentrates on income via dividend-paying stocks but also invests in short-term U.S. Treasury securities.

Learn more about the Hennessy Cornerstone Value Fund if you want a long-term approach to maximizing capital appreciation while enjoying current income. This fund uses a specific stock selection strategy that is outlined on the Hennessy Web site.

Look at the Hennessy Focus 30 Fund, which invests in 30 mid-cap stocks according to the specified selection criteria outlined on the company's Web site. The objective is capital growth over the course of 5 or more years.

Consider the Hennessy Cornerstone Growth Fund, which invests only in companies with a market capitalization of $175 million or more. The manager selects only 50 stocks per year for the fund, according to certain standards (found on the company's Web site or in the fund prospectus).

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the Hennessy Funds Web site for more detailed information about any of the funds before you obtain a prospectus.
• Call the Hennessy Funds' toll-free number at (800) 966-4354, or email the company with specific questions about its funds.

5. Day Trading Lesson 5: Support and Resistance

This is a video i found on YouTube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information i provide will be useful to everyone.

The fifth lesson in a series on technical analysis for active traders of the forex, futures, and stock markets. Just as anything where market forces are at play...

Invest in Health Savings Accounts Mutual Funds

In response to the high cost of health insurance, Health Savings Accounts (HSA) were introduced in 2005 and combine a high-deductible health insurance policy with a tax-free investment account. You are able to draw money from these mutual funds or let them accumulate until retirement. As a new financial vehicle, HSA mutual fund investment options were very limited and slightly expensive, but are now more common and affordable.

Do your homework. As a fairly new investment option, HSA mutual funds are still coming into their own. Visit the HSA Insider Web site, listed in Resources below, to learn more about the financial and insurance aspects of HSA investments.

Research HSA insurance first. You can't sign up for HSA mutual funds until you have HSA-eligible health insurance and meet all the necessary requirements.

Get quotes. Visit the eHealthInsurance Web site, listed in Resources below, to get quotations for the appropriate health insurance if you don't already qualify.

Compare plans. Just like investing, choosing insurance requires time, research and patience. Compare the various plans, making sure the one you choose allows for HSA investments. In most cases you can then apply online.

Find an HSA mutual funds provider. The list of financial institutions that carry HSA mutual funds is growing quickly; one of the best collections of HSA providers is on the HSA Insider Web site, which can be found in the Resources section below.

Ask questions. Choosing a long-term investment plan can be very confusing, so don't be afraid to ask your financial institution for advice. Consider the size, duration and type of investment you'd like to make.

Fill out an application. In most cases, you have to send a check with your completed application.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase your HSA-eligible health insurance before you get your HSA mutual funds.
• The sooner you sign up, the more you are allowed to deduct; your maximum deduction is reduced by a twelfth for each month you wait after January.
• Your health insurance coverage must carry a $1,000 deductible to qualify for an HSA mutual fund.
• HSAs are not available for anyone 65 or older or for those who do not have a high-deductible health insurance policy.
• HSAs are a special provision of law, similar to IRAs, and cannot be opened by individuals. However, it's becoming easier for individuals to research and find banks and trustees to help in this process.

Invest in Growth Funds

Growth mutual funds invest in companies that are expected to experience high growth in the near future (rather than incremental growth over a longer term). Many different mutual funds fall under this category. Follow these steps to choose and invest in a growth fund.

Choose a Growth Fund

Choose by fund family. There are several large fund families managed by well-respected names in the mutual funds industry. One way to get started investing in growth funds is to stick with a fund family that you like and invest in the family's growth funds.

Invest in a sector. At any given time, certain market sectors experience faster growth than others. You can watch the market for hot sectors and move your investments to funds heavily weighted toward stock sectors that are experiencing rapid growth.

Choose funds by the types of stocks they invest in. Growth funds often invest in small-cap companies (companies with a relatively small market capitalization) because these companies typically grow faster than larger companies.

Compare and Invest in Growth Funds

Look for no-load funds. Financial experts generally agree that no-load funds offer a better deal to investors.

Read a prospectus. Investors should always read the prospectus for any fund they consider. Reading the prospectus will help you compare a fund with other growth funds.

Look at Morningstar ratings, which indicate how a particular fund compares to other growth funds. You can find Morningstar ratings on the Morningstar Web site (see the Resources section below).

Assess various factors, such as total expense ratio, length of time in operation and minimum investments required.

Open an account. Many fund companies have toll-free numbers that provide detailed information on how to start an account. This information is also often available in a fund's prospectus.

Tips & Warnings

• Decide if you want to invest in funds that concentrate on international stocks. International stocks may offer a higher growth rate than U.S. stocks, and investing in international funds will diversify your portfolio. Be aware that international stocks have particular risks, including currency fluctuations.
• You often can download a prospectus from a fund company's Web site.

4. Day Trading Lesson 4: The Basics of Charts

This is another video i found on youtube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information i provide will be useful to everyone.

The fourth lesson in a series on technical analysis for day traders of the forex, futures, and stock markets. The tool of the day trader when analyzing the forex...

Invest in Green Century Mutual Funds

Green Century offers two mutual funds, the Green Century Balanced Fund (GCBLX) and the Green Century Equity Fund (GCEQX). These funds focus on environmentally sound investments that reflect Green Century's socially responsible investment principles. Follow these steps to learn more.

Invest in Green Century Mutual Funds

Download the prospectus (it covers both funds in the family) from the Green Century Funds Web site (see the Resources section below).

Use the online form on the Web site to ask the company to mail a prospectus, or call (800) 93-GREEN (934-7336).

Fill out the account registration form, which comes with the prospectus. Specify the type of account you want to open (for example, a standard account or an IRA account).

Mail your registration form and a check to the address you'll find on the Green Century Web site (on the "Download Prospectus" page). In general, you must invest at least $1,000 to open an account.

Use your own brokerage account to invest in Green Century mutual funds. Contact your investment adviser for assistance. You can also contact Green Century by e-mail or phone for assistance.

Manage Your Account

Manage your account online at the Green Century Web site. You need a PIN to do so, and you cannot access the company's online account services until you are officially a shareholder.

Learn about environmentally friendly business initiatives. Investors in Green Century mutual funds typically invest because they have a keen interest in promoting environmentally responsible business practices. Sign up for Green Century's e-mail newsletter to stay current on the efforts of Green Century and others to improve the environment.

Tips & Warnings

• You can invest in Green Century mutual funds through Charles Schwab, Fidelity and FundsNetwork.
• You can obtain a copy of the latest annual and semi-annual reports from Green Century at the company's Web site.
• The Green Century Funds are not open for investment to non-U.S. citizens or residents.

Invest in Gabelli Mutual Funds

With its research-driven, value-oriented philosophy, GAMCO Investors, Inc. is an asset management company, offering a range of investment products, including mutual funds that are managed by Gabelli Funds. GAMCO strives to provide high-level risk-adjusted returns over time, with a focus on investing in companies that are undervalued, yet have a good chance of reaching their value potentials. Though GAMCO does have a commitment to its value-oriented strategies, the company offers diversified investment opportunities.

Visit Gabelli.com and review the available mutual funds. GAMCO offers both open-end and closed-end mutual funds in which you can invest.

Review online fund information for Gabelli's domestic equity, global/ international equity and specialty equity funds. Consider which of these mutual funds falls in line with your investment objectives.

Realize that while equity funds typically focus primarily on capital appreciation, each Gabelli mutual fund has specific objectives and investment strategies.

Consider a Gabelli fixed income fund for high current income. The Gabelli U.S. Treasury Money Market Fund consists solely of United States Treasury securities and seeks income, while preserving capital and offering liquidity.

Learn about Gabelli variable annuities. Variable annuities are tax-deferred investments that offer long-term, guaranteed income. There is no initial sales charge for a Gabelli variable annuity.

Understand that Gabelli offers mutual funds that seek to provide high returns while preserving capital.

Use an independent research website, like MorningStar.com or LipperWeb.com, to compare the Gabelli funds that interest you with similar funds offered by other firms.

Contact Gabelli for prospectuses for the mutual funds in which you'd like to invest. Review the prospectuses, paying close attention to objectives, strategies and expenses.

Determine whether or not Gabelli mutual funds match your investment objectives.

Complete, print and mail an application form to open a Gabelli investment account or contact your broker or financial adviser to purchase mutual fund shares. Invest according to your investment goals and budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that you can earn or lose money when you invest in mutual funds. Mutual fund shares can rise or fall in value. As such, it is possible for mutual fund shares to be worth less at redemption than what they were worth at the time of purchase. This could cause you to lose money.

Forex, Futures, and Stock Market Open Report

This is another video i found on youtube by InformedTrades.com. Hopefully the information i provide will be useful to everyone.

Our daily report on all the happenings overnight and data that you need to know to begin you trading day in the forex, futures, and stock markets.