Scams target used car shoppers online
It’s another case of “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”The FBI is warning online auto shoppers to watch out for deals that offer cars at very low prices, then direct unwitting buyers to phony websites designed to separate victims from their money. The agency says more than $44.5 million was stolen through such scams from 2008 to 2010.The agency said there... READ MORE
Cut cable connection to watch TV for less
Thanks to new offerings via the Internet, viewers are increasingly catching their favorite shows free or for a fraction of what their cable company charges. And going online to view TV shows doesn’t mean you’re stuck watching programs on your computer or tablet screen. The Apple TV box ($99), for example, streams iTunes, Netflix, YouTube and some sports programming to your TV. Or you ... READ MORE
Income for life with longevity insurance
Odds are growing that you’ll live past 85. But will your money last that long? And what if you make it to 95 or 100?With life spans lengthening, those nearing retirement may want to consider financial protection to guard against the possibility of outliving their money.It’s now increasingly available in the form of longevity insurance, which usually involves giving a sum of... READ MORE
A good time to invest in discount stores
The economic news is gloomy, and the stock market is a roller coaster.So where are mutual fund managers finding real values, aside from bargain-hunting among stocks with depressed prices?Top fund manager Chuck Akre sees lasting value in the stocks of three discount retailers, each with a gain of more than 20 percent this year. They’re among the top holdings in the Akre Focus Fund.The... READ MORE
Avoid scams by checking on businesses
Q. It seems that every day I hear about someone being ripped off. Are there some good resources to help protect myself against scam artists?A. Although scam artists have been especially busy taking advantage of the economic downturn, there are resources to help you check out a company or an adviser before you become a victim — and help you file a complaint if you have a problem.Start... READ MORE
The best options for stashing your cash
Cash is king again for many unsettled investors.The crisis in confidence that has spooked investors this summer is prompting many to pull their money from the stock market, with others poised to follow.The problem is, where to park it?Here’s a look at the safest options and what you can earn on your cash.If you’re primarily concerned about limiting your risk, you’ll want... READ MORE
Cash-rich stocks to consider purchasing
Is cash king, or is cash trash? If you’re an investor, the question has never been so pertinent or pervasive.Dozens of major corporations reacted to the recession the same way consumers did. They started paying off debts and building up cash reserves.The industrial companies in Standard & Poor’s 500-stock index are now sitting on a record stockpile, estimated at $959... READ MORE
Consider mutual funds that limit volatility
The best move for an investor suffering from stock shock might be to stick with the market. But do it in a way that takes some of the edge off its ups and downs.If you want smoother investment returns, put your money in a bond mutual fund. But don’t forego stock funds whose managers strive to reduce volatility.A few have consistently delivered on that difficult-to-achieve goal. And... READ MORE
Will uncertainty affect healthcare stocks?
Healthcare stocks historically provide a relatively safe haven in roiling markets. They’re less tethered to the economy’s every movement than other stocks and tend to be less volatile.Anxious investors might be considering putting money in the sector, but the current outlook is complicated by uncertainty over the government’s changing involvement in healthcare. The wild... READ MORE
Retirement account loans get a bum rap
According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, the percentage of individuals borrowing from their 401(k) accounts has increased dramatically the last few years.Some members of Congress feel that this is a dangerous trend, and they are proposing legislation to make it more difficult for individuals to take out these loans. They apparently feel that people who take them are... READ MORE
