Archive for the ‘investments’ Category

All About Accounts Receivable Financing Programs

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Accounts receivable financing industry has become a billion dollar industry. The advent of the accounts receivable financing firms into the small-scale industry has perhaps increased its popularity among the corporate world. These financing companies offer you the with many accounts receivable financing programs, you can easily choose one that is the most beneficial to your business practices. These programs provide and maintain the necessary momentum to the working capital requirements of the firm to augment the daily operational requirements.

These types of accounts receivable financing programs may turn out to be a boon to the small scale or emerging companies, as they are more vulnerable to cash flow challenges. Most businesses work on the credit facilities, that is you render a service or sell a product to your client and bill him. This bill is usually held up to a period of about one or two months or more, so this bill becomes the accounts receivable for the company. The financing company buys these accounts receivables.

Depending on the various programs offered by the financing companies, they provide funding or ready cash to the company for a fee. The programs may offer funds that range from 60% to even 95% of the total face value of the receivable. A nominal fee of 1% to 6% may be charged as processing fee. The remaining amount of the value of the accounts receivable that you have sold out to the factoring firm is paid up after your client has cleared the amount.

Through these financing programs you can transfer the collection responsibilities of your accounts receivables to the financing company and concentrate on the business growth and development activities. This also helps you to capitalize on the opportunities of enhancing the business with the timely financial resources. This method of financing is easier and quicker than securing a loan from the bank as it does not require any or fewer collaterals and the process is not too time consuming nor requiring cumbersome paperwork.

The financing companies finish the process and release the funds in about 24 to 48 hours. Using this form of financing program, does not create an issue in the balance sheet, as there is no loan so no debt issues, hence the financial position on your debt sheet is strengthened.

However before taking the plunge into the accounts receivable finance programs, it is important to keep a few things in mind like whether the finance program is offering recourse funding or non-recourse funding. While recourse funding attracts a lesser fee, the risk is higher as in case the receivables do not materialize or are not paid up then you owe the money back to the financing firm. However if you opt for non-recourse funding programs the fee is higher but the risk of collection is borne by the financing firm. The creditworthiness and repayment history of the customers as well as the age of the accounts receivable are also considered, by the accounts receivable financing firms while providing the necessary cash flow.

Hence accounts receivable financing is a good option for revenue generation. However, it is advisable to weigh all the pros and cons while choosing the right accounts receivable program for your working capital needs.

Balanced Investment Strategy for Portfolio Management

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Balanced investment strategy is perhaps the most followed and successful investment strategy for portfolio management. Its primary aim is to keep a balance between investment risk and return. A balanced investment strategy combines the merit of aggressive and defensive investing strategies.

Aggressive investment strategy involves investing in high return high risk investments with the sole purpose of maximizing return from investments. It involves allocating major portion of portfolio capital to invest in equities, equity based funds and highly volatile markets. Investors following aggressive investment strategy often look for comparatively short-term profiting and wish to invest more in growth stocks, and small caps and mid cap stocks. Advantages of aggressive investing include quick profit, high return over investment and no need of large portfolio capital. It can work really well for experienced investors and investors who are very strict in their money management. Disadvantages include high risk, high volatility in total portfolio value and no surety of profit. It less supports novice investors and investor looking for monthly earnings or living costs.

Defensive investment strategy is just opposite of aggressive investment; it’s purpose is to preserve the capital and ensure some return from investments. It involves investing in low profit low risk investments like bonds, money market funds, treasury notes, and equities with minimum price volatility and good dividends. Defensive investors look for long-term profits and/or monthly earnings. Advantages of defensive investment strategy include reduced risk, predictable income, better investment planning and diversification of portfolio. This strategy mainly suits beginners. Disadvantages include low return from investments and requirement of high capital investments.

In balanced investment strategy, the investor tries to keep a balance between his aggressive and defensive behaviors. It involves balancing of both return and risk by diversifying investments in both high return high risk and low return low risk investments. Balanced investors often follow a portfolio capital allocation rule telling how much to invest in equities and bonds and how much to invest in treasury notes, precious metals and funds. Usually one portion of portfolio is actively managed and other portion is left to grow automatically. Balanced investment strategy can be slightly aggressive or slightly defensive with respect to investments made.

The greatest advantage of balanced investment strategy is the diversification of portfolio and hedging against high total portfolio value volatility. It is good for investors looking for medium-term (3 to 5 years) profits. Other advantages include flexibility in portfolio management, better results with better capital investments, (almost) predictable income and manageable portfolio risk. Balanced investment strategy support both beginners and experienced investors and can be an option for monthly earnings for living.

Business Finance and Business Loans Versus Residential Loans

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

More residential real estate investors are exploring commercial real estate and business loan alternatives as a result of the increasingly chaotic investment environment for residential financing. In these circumstances prospective commercial property owners, business investors and business owners should educate themselves about choices for the business opportunity financing and commercial loan climate that currently prevails throughout the United States.

Environmental requirements for business finance will be a complex issue for numerous business investments. Environmental issues involved in a business loan will primarily depend upon the commercial lender as well as the type of business. More extensive requirements can impact both the cost and timing for a commercial mortgage loan.

Tax returns and financial statements for a business loan are likely to be a concern for all commercial borrowers. Whereas residential mortgage financing is likely to involve only personal tax returns, most business financing will include a review of business tax returns as well. Business financial statements and personal financial statements will be required for certain kinds of business opportunity financing and commercial real estate financing.

Secondary financing will often be a means of acquiring desired commercial loans. The use of seller financing or secondary financing is a prudent business financing strategy to reduce capital requirements for the borrower. Secondary financing will not be accepted by all commercial lenders.

An unexpected requirement for many commercial loans involves sourcing and seasoning of funds. When purchasing a business, some lenders will require that borrowers document where the down payment is coming from (sourcing) and how long the funds have been in that location (seasoning). If a borrower cannot adequately provide this documentation, the choice of commercial lenders will be more restricted.

Collateral and cross-collateralization for business loans will be an insurmountable obstacle for some commercial borrowers. Collateral requirements for business financing will depend on many factors such as down payment, type of business, credit scores and the type of financing needed. Cross-collateralization refers to lender requirements involving personal collateral such as a home used as collateral for a business loan.

Any requirement for a business plan when obtaining commercial mortgages is likely to be expensive and time-consuming. A business plan is not always required for a business loan, but when one is required this will add significantly to the cost and length of the loan process.

An increasing problem for commercial borrowers seeking refinancing is an unreasonable limitation for getting cash out of the new loan. Commercial lenders differ significantly regarding restrictions imposed on the amount of cash out to the borrower when refinancing. Some lenders will not permit any cash out whatsoever while others will limit cash received by the borrower to a particular amount. The preferred approach is to use a lender that will allow cash to be paid out up to an agreed loan-to-value (frequently 75%).

It is important to to thoroughly analyze business financing lockout penalties. A lockout penalty is much more severe than a prepayment penalty in that such penalties can effectively prevent a commercial borrower from selling or refinancing during a prescribed period (often two to five years).

In addition to the issues noted above, numerous other key business finance and real estate mortgage issues will also be important to evaluate. Commercial mortgage requirements are very different from residential financing requirements in the United States. We have prepared several other business finance overviews addressing additional factors that will be significant for most commercial borrowers. Separate report topics include SBA loan refinancing, business opportunity financing, stated income business loans and commercial appraisals..

Availability Of Personal Financing

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Some banking institutions will limit the amount of money that is available for personal loans. Some borrower’s think that this ceiling on lending is a hindrance but to get the money they need, very few people would argue the point with the banker. Some people want to use personal financing opportunities with a banking institution for opening a business but the interest rates on business loans are very unappealing. Even with the ceiling limit set in stone, an entrepreneur can open a business with simple personal financing loans and avoid small business loan rates.

Some people will turn to banking institutions to ask about debt consolidation loans. The banker is likely to review the amount of debt as an indicator that any monies loan would not be repaid, and any payments that were made would probably not be on time. Personal financing for consolidation of debt shows other lenders that the borrower is trying to correct a problem, and personal financing is always available to people with good business sense. Lenders consider every personal financing opportunity presented as an opportunity for their business to grow.

Instead of offering to make a personal loan available to repair an outdated automobile, many lending institutions will present the owner with a personal financing option to purchase a new car instead. The lending institution is simply drumming up business for a longer period of time, and car owners will usually be denied funds if they decide not to take advantage of that personal loan option. Personal loans can be for any amount and people borrow what they need to be free of the emergent need and to spend money responsibly.

The high interest rates on personal loans at a finance company might get people to thinking about personal finances. To avoid paying unnecessary expenses, many people will reconsider the availability of funds in the budget to be set aside for use only for emergencies. Personal financing with personal loans in small amounts can usually be achieved with a signature on a contract. High interest rates will not apply on these unsecured loans and balances can be paid off quickly.

People feel more in control of their finances when short-term loans are used. Those that do not consider present debt totals are the people who remain in debt indefinitely. Debt consolidation loans are a method of personal financing that allows people to turn over a new lease in life. The availability of personal financing options for debt consolidation might require securing the loan amount with personal property. Borrowers view this type of personal financing as a way to reestablish their credit worthiness especially when they repay those loans on time.

A borrower will need to verify the availability of personal financing with every lender on a list. Some will require securing the loan with property and other lenders will charge higher interest rates than others do. Money is available for the emergent needs that occur in life and personal financing can be obtained for new appliances, car repairs, medical bills and home improvements. Some of these methods of personal financing could be tax deductible and borrower’s should ask that question to every lender they go to for a personal loan.

Different types of investments to consider in building your financial portfolio

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Investment

Investment or investing is a term with several closely-related meanings in business management, finance and economics, related to saving or deferring consumption. In hopes of getting a future return or interest from bank, we purchase asset and deposit made in a bank.

Types of investment

Economists refer to a real investment (such as a machine or a house), while financial economists refer to a financial asset, such as money that is put into a bank or the market, which may then be used to buy a real asset. This is the difference in the use of the term investment between the economics field and the finance field.

Business Management

The investment decision (also known as capital budgeting) is one of the fundamental decisions of business management: managers determine the assets that the business enterprise obtains; these assets may be physical (e.g. buildings or machinery), intangible or financial. The manager must assess whether value of the investment to the enterprise is positive or is calculated using the enterprise’s marginal cost of capital.

Economics

In Economics, investment means the purchase (and thus the production) of capital goods which are not consumed but instead used in future production which include building a railroad, or a factory. Investment is also a component of GDP given in the formula GDP = C + I + G + NX. The investment function in that aspect is divided into non-residential investment and residential investment.

Investment is often modeled as a function of income and interest rates, given by the relation I = (Y, I). You encourage the investment when you find increase in income but discourage investment as it becomes costlier to borrow.

Finance

In finance, investment is buying securities or other monetary or paper (financial) assets in the money markets or capital markets, or in fairly liquid real assets, such as gold as an investment, real estate, or collectibles.

The financial investments types include shares or other equity investment, and bonds (including bonds denominated in foreign currencies). The investment assets are expected to provide income or cash flows but may result in gain or loss for the investor.

Trades in contingent claims or derivative securities do not necessarily have future positive expected cash flows – so are not considered to be assets, or strictly speaking, securities or investments. Since their cash flows are closely related to those of specific

Is Auto Financing a better option than outright purchase?

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

Acquiring ones own vehicle is a prestige issue with some people, while with others it may be a necessity and a means of easier traveling. While the rich and well off can afford to purchase vehicles of their choice with cash, the middle class and working class have to consider their financial situation and plan accordingly. This does not mean that vehicles are only for the rich, ordinary salaried employees and small businessmen too can afford vehicles. If they cannot afford to purchase the vehicle outright with cash, they can always opt for Auto Financing and Car Loans.

A few decades ago it was more difficult to get Car Loans or approach a bank for Auto Financing, but times have changed. Car companies have built up huge manufacturing facilities and manufacture hundreds of thousands of vehicles every month. They need to sell these vehicles and reduce inventory every month. Car companies realize that not everybody can purchase a vehicle with outright cash and this is where Banks, Auto Financing Companies step in. Banks and Auto Financing Companies collaborate with Vehicle Dealerships to provide Car Loans at an affordable rate to enable the salaried employee and middle class individual to own a vehicle.
The past few decades has seen the emergence of new car companies with newer models and latest and advanced technology and fuel efficiency. Every body would like to drive a new model and fuel-efficient vehicle and Auto Financing and Car Loan Companies are ever obliging and easily provide the required finance for new vehicles. The urge to acquire new customers and increase sales has also seen a war of sorts between different Car Loan Companies and many of them offer excellent rates of interest along with other benefits to entice a new client.

Auto Financing Companies also understand that it is not only beneficial to acquire new customers on a regular basis, but it is also essential to retain existing customers with excellent service. A happy and satisfied customer will always return if they need another vehicle and will also advise their friends and family to deal with a particular Auto Financing Company. As such they strive to reduce not only the paper work required, but they also give out gifts and incentives to entice the new customer to deal with their company.

Opting for Auto Financing is not a bad deal as interest rates are low and it also makes sense not to purchase a vehicle with full cash payment and thus reduce your bank balance. The money in your bank, which has been saved by opting for Car Loans, can be better utilized elsewhere, and in any case can serve as a safety net in bad times and financial emergencies. Once you have decided on Auto Financing your vehicle, you should first select the vehicle and then look around for a good Auto Financing company. Many vehicle dealerships have tie-ups with Car Loan companies and Banks and will provide assistance in selecting an Auto Financing company.

But you must still weigh the benefits and incentives offered by the different finance companies. Some of these companies also provide a Second chance at Auto Financing even if the customer has a previous bad credit record. Of course this will require more paper work and may even cost a bit more. But a Second credit chance at a Car Loan even with higher interest rate is better than no Car Loans.

Cheap Used Car Finance – Buying Cars can’t be Cheaper

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Convenience and affordability go hand in hand. All one looks for in life is an affordable convenience to meet every problem he faces in the course of life. If standing in queues to reach your office every morning or lack of freedom of quick mobility around the city happens to be your problem, here is a quick-fix solution you have been looking for. The Cheap Used Car Finance will provide you an affordable and convenient way out, helping you improve the way you commuted.
Why Cheap Used Car Finance?
The main advantage of Cheap used car finance is that car loans are available at cheap interest rates. The borrower is charged a low interest rate against the loan amount he applies for. The loan amount approved as cheap used car finance ranges with the borrower’s repayment ability, his credit status, credit history, lender’s policies and market policies.
The variants
Cheap used car finance is available as secured and unsecured type. Secured form of loan requires borrower to place assets as security against the loan amount. The maximum loan amount approved is usually around £20,000. In unsecured form of this finance borrower is free from keeping any security. This enables all tenants and non homeowners to avail this loan facility.
An amount approved will depend on equity in the property placed as collateral (in case of secured genre). Your current repaying capacity also plays a role in determining the loan amount. Since you are buying a used car, lender will approve the finance for short repayment duration of few years. You can avail cheap used car finance without collateral and in that case the interest rate will be comparatively lower only when your credit score is good.
Cheap used car finance is better options compared to other mode of car finance. But the way of availing the right deal may be tricky. So the borrower is advised to search for the best suited deal of all. But with cheap used car finance, one thing is for sure – buying cars can’t be cheaper.
Summary
Cheap used car finance suffices you with adequate money to buy a second hand or used car. There is minimal processing and upfront fee associated with these loans and also the rates are lower compared to others. There are tow modes of financing i.e. secured and unsecured and you as a borrower are free to choose the one which suits you.

Accounts Receivable Financing- Don’t Worry, be Happy

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

There is a reason why accounts receivable financing is a four thousand year old financing technique: it works. Accounts receivable financing, factoring, and asset based financing all mean the same thing as related to asset based lending- invoices are sold or pledged to a third party, usually a commercial finance company (sometimes a bank) to accelerate cash flow.

In simple terms, the process follows these steps. A business sells and delivers a product or service to another business. The customer receives an invoice. The business requests funding from the financing entity and a percentage of the invoice (usually 80% to 90%) is transferred to the business by the financing entity. The customer pays the invoice directly to the financing entity. The agreed upon fees are deducted and the remainder is rebated to the business by the financing entity.

How does the customer know to pay the financing entity instead of the business they are receiving goods or services from? The legal term is called “notification”. The financing entity informs the customer in writing of the financing agreement and the customer must agree in writing to this arrangement. In general, if the customer refuses to agree in writing to pay the lender instead of the business providing the goods or services, the financing entity will decline to advance funds.

Why? The main security for the financing entity to be repaid is the creditworthiness of the customer paying the invoice. Before funds are advanced to the business there is a second step called “verification”. The finance entity verifies with the customer that the goods have been received or the services were performed satisfactorily. There being no dispute, it is reasonable for the financing entity to assume that the invoice will be paid; therefore funds are advanced. This is a general view of how the accounts receivable financing process works.

Non-notification accounts receivable financing is a type of confidential factoring where the customers are not notified of the business’ financing arrangement with the financing entity. One typical situation involves a business that sells inexpensive items to thousands of customers; the cost of notification and verification is excessive compared to the risk of nonpayment by an individual customer. It simply may not make economic sense for the financing entity to have several employees contacting hundreds of customers for one financing customer’s transactions on a daily basis.

Non-notification factoring may require additional collateral requirements such as real estate; superior credit of the borrowing business may also be required with personal guarantees from the owners. It is more difficult to obtain non-notification factoring than the normal accounts receivable financing with notification and verification provisions.

Some businesses worry that if their customers learn that a commercial financing entity is factoring their receivables it may hurt their relationship with their customer; perhaps they may loose the customer’s business. What is this worry, why does it exist and is it justified?

The MSN Encarta Dictionary defines the word worry as:

“Worry

verb (past and past participle wor•ried, present participle wor•ry•ing, 3rd person present singular wor•ries)Definition: 1. transitive and intransitive verb be or make anxious: to feel anxious about something unpleasant that may have happened or may happen, or make somebody do this

2. transitive verb annoy somebody: to annoy somebody by making insistent demands or complaints

3. transitive verb try to bite animal: to try to wound or kill an animal by biting it

a dog suspected of worrying sheep

4. transitive verb

Same as worry at

5. intransitive verb proceed despite problems: to proceed persistently despite problems or obstacles

6. transitive verb touch something repeatedly: to touch, move, or interfere with something repeatedly

Stop worrying that button or it’ll come off.

noun (plural wor•ries)Definition: 1. anxiousness: a troubled unsettled feeling

2. cause of anxiety: something that causes anxiety or concern

3. period of anxiety: a period spent feeling anxious or concerned…”

The opposite is:

”not to worry used to tell somebody that something is not important and need not be a cause of concern (informal)

Not to worry. We’ll do better next time.

no worries U.K. Australia New Zealand used to say that something is no trouble or is not worth mentioning (informal)”.

Query: if a business is financing their invoices with accounts receivable financing, is this an indication of financial strength or weakness? Query: from the point of view of the customer, if you are buying goods or services from a business that is factoring their receivables, should you be concerned? Query: is there one answer to these questions that fits all situations?

The answer is it’s a paradox. A paradox is a statement, proposition, or situation that seems to be absurd or contradictory, but in fact is or may be true.

Accounts receivable financing is both a sign of weakness with regard to cash flow and a sign of strength with respect to cash flow. It is a weakness because, prior to financing, funds are not available to provide cash flow to pay for materials, salaries, etc. and it is an indication of strength because, subsequent to funding cash is available to facilitate a business’ needs for cash to grow. It is a paradox. When properly structured as a financing tool for growth at a reasonable cost, it is a beneficial solution to cash flow shortages.

If your entire business depended on one supplier, and you were notified that your supplier was factoring their receivables, you might have a justifiable concern. If your only supplier went out of business, your business could be severely compromised. But this is also true whether or not the supplier is utilizing accounts receivable financing. It’s a paradox. This involves matters of perception, ego and character of the personalities in charge of the business and the supplier.

Every day, every month thousands of customers accept millions of dollars of goods and services in contracts that involve notification, verification and the factoring of receivables. For most customers, “notification” of accounts receivable financing is a non-issue: it is merely a change of the name or addresses of the payee on a check. This is a job for a person in the accounts payable department to make a minor clerical change. It is a mainstream business practice.

Bobby McFerrin wrote and performed a song called “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” for the movie “Cocktails” starring Tom Cruise. The song was a number one U.S. pop hit in 1988 and won the Grammy for Best Song of the Year. Here are the lyrics:

”Here is a little song I wrote

You might want to sing it note for note

Don’t worry be happy

In every life we have some trouble

When you worry you make it double

Don’t worry, be happy……

Ain’t got no place to lay your head

Somebody came and took your bed

Don’t worry, be happy

The land lord say your rent is late

He may have to litigate

Don’t worry, be happy

Look at me I am happy

Don’t worry, be happy

Here I give you my phone number

When you worry call me

I make you happy

Don’t worry, be happy

Ain’t got no cash, ain’t got no style

Ain’t got not girl to make you smile

But don’t worry be happy

Cause when you worry

Your face will frown

And that will bring everybody down

So don’t worry, be happy (now)…..

There is this little song I wrote

I hope you learn it note for note

Like good little children

Don’t worry, be happy

Listen to what I say

In your life expect some trouble

But when you worry

You make it double

Don’t worry, be happy……

Don’t worry don’t do it, be happy

Put a smile on your face

Don’t bring everybody down like this

Don’t worry, it will soon past

Whatever it is

Don’t worry, be happy”

The bottom line: “notification” should not be an issue in most situations involving accounts receivable financing; non-notification factoring is another option that is available for businesses concerned with confidentiality that meet minimum credit standards for asset based lending. Bobby McFerrin was right: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.

Copyright © 2007 Gregg Financial Services

www.greggfinancialservices.com

Wpi Investment Property Club: Offering not Just Investment Property But Well Selected Overseas Property as Well

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Property investment have becomes one of the popular ways to gain wealth in many nations in the UK. Usually, the first investment property is the home. While others may consider investing in stocks and other assets, some find it wiser to get another property for business reasons. One of the benefits of getting another property is that it serves as a self-financing investment through rentals. Though investors don’t personally use the property they can offer is for rental and therefore earn considerable amount of income. Another major benefit for buying investment property is the fact that while other investment asset can be volatile, properties can be stable and strong. Simply put, investment property increases value in time.

Rental investment property can be a good way to start out for investment property. Many investors are actually considering this trend, buying a rental investment property. The income derived from that rental can even help out in the mortgage of the home. In some cases, some investors buy rental property from overseas because of lower capital requirement. For example, investors in UK may choose to buy overseas property in places where their currency has high value. Their earning from overseas property may lead to high capital gain.

Overseas property has become popular spots for investments because there are many countries that offer tax incentives to foreign-owned properties. The incentives are usually offered to encourage tourism. With the keen spot on countries that offer these incentives, one can surely gain considerable amount of capital growth from the overseas property purchased.

In investment property, the more opportunity, the better way of choosing which among the properties provides the wisest investment. All it takes an expert eye on investment opportunities so it is necessary that you get professional networks on this matter. One network in UK that provides service on investment property is WPI Investment Property Club. They do not only provide you with local property but also overseas. This way, you will find more opportunities in overseas property for higher capital growth and huge tax incentives.

WPI Investment Property Club accepts membership from investors on properties. With the simple amount for finder’s fees, you can get a number of properties both local and overseas, for investment.

Investment property entails due diligence against fraud and fake contracts so you need experts on the field, searching for properties that are worth the investment. WPI Investment Property Club ensures that you get what you need for investment property. Their experienced and professional agents are always on a lookout for both overseas property and local property that meet the standard of a wise investor.

WPI Investment Property Club understands that price matters for investors. What they do is to offer discounted investment property. They professionally negotiated with property owners for discounted properties through bulk buying scheme. They deliver the number of properties available to their members. These properties are available with discounts. All you have to do is to choose which property to buy and you sill surely get the capital growth that you desire from the investment.

The importance of diversification in building an investment portfolio

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Diversification is essential in your investment program, and must consider your risk level and your age. Younger investors can ride out downturns in the investment cycles because they have more time to make it up, and still reach their investment goals. Diversification is investing in different investment vehicles such as: 33% in stocks, 33% in bonds, and 34% in foreign stocks. It may be possible for stocks to go down during a financial cycle, but possible for the bonds and foreign stocks to hold up to balance your investments. I will offer you a few tips to help you develop a diversification program that will meet your needs and build your retirement nest egg. Tip One: Focus on what meets your needs for your age, and your investments right now. Can you sleep at night-or are you so worried about your investment going down, that you toss and turn all night long? Choose investments which may not return as much money yearly,as possible, but return enough for you, and leaves much less worried. If you are young, 20-30’s range, you can keep contributing into your 40lK with stocks, and foreign stocks, and accept any losses, because time is on your side. On the other hand, if you are 55-65 when you incur losses, it may take a number of years to make it back, so many investors in this age bracket move into a more conservative investment portfolio. You make the choice. Tip Two: You need to review your investments regularly, by avoiding the three month, six month, or yearly review, you might miss the opportunity to make needed changes to keep investments working for you. Check your 40lk plans, IRAs, Savings accounts, and any other investment programs to see if they are on schedule for your retirement number. Sometimes it means increasing the yearly investment dollars into them to help you reach you number. Tip Three: Consider investments in cash reserves accounts, or CD’s (cash deposit certificate) with a bank or financial investment company which can pay 5-6% and the length of 3,6,l2,24,26,48,60 months. This is a stable investment and many people like them because the stable interest rate, and it can be for a short or longer term depending on your needs. Tip Four: Diversification of your investment portfolio is important, and personal, so this is your main job as an investor, choose the best investments for you, and for your longterm investment needs. The longer you invest, the greater chance you have to examine and understand what risks you need, to succeed, and can tolerate, and how long you need to reach your investment goals. Good Luck