Debt can easily take control of your finances, but it is important to make sure that your debts don’t take control of your life.

While last year saw dividends decrease more than 20%, dividend-paying stocks are looking far better in 2009.  The S&P predicts dividends increasing 6% in the Benchmark 500 index, giving investors the possible chance to reap the benefits of higher dividend yield in 2010.  Where to go for dividends, of course, remains the fodder of message [...]

Writing covered calls is a low-risk and rather simple options strategy—but for all that, it tends to be misunderstood.  If you’re using the internet to get a handle on the covered call (or “buy write”), you’ll likely find one of two scenarios.  The first, frustrating for the new investor, is a variety of articles that [...]

On Monday, ExxonMobil (XOM) announced a $41 billion merger with XTO Energy (XOM), the Texas-based Fortune 500 energies company known for its stake in natural gas.

On November 4, 2009, the senate voted to renew the federal tax credit available to first time homebuyers. The credit was instituted to encourage a struggling real estate market to grow, and to help deal with the tumbling property values and declining demand for both new and existing homes following the mortgage crisis in 2007 [...]

It’s never too early to begin thinking about tax season, especially for investors.  However, many investors find that tax season is the furthest thing from their minds until it’s too late to make much of a difference.  Last year, Jim Crimmins wrote an article (http://community.tradeking.com/members/tk-all-star/blogs/15924-resolved-smarter-on-taxes-when-trading) about ringing in the New Year with just a few [...]

When the holiday weekend brought news that Dubai would be postponing debt payments to the tune of $59 billion, the global market reacted with a dip. A number of perspectives seem to be prevailing, each at odds with the next, although the overwhelming sentiment is that “it’s not as bad as we thought.” Worry seemed to dissipate as investors’ concerns over Black Friday turnout began to ease early in the week.

There are a few things to remember this holiday season. Stocks may cool off substantially after Black Friday, which is to be expected. But that doesn’t mean that the market won’t play the comeback kid in the form of web purchases.

Let’s talk recovery.  Over a week ago, Alan Brochstein recommended a list of ten stocks that he felt were rebound bets gaining momentum following the earnings reports in October.  As we all know, Alan Brochstein is a guy to be trusted!  However, there are some near-misses in his report that may be eschewed for some [...]

Warren Buffet’s deal to purchase Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNI) was the biggest he’s ever made—and everyone’s got something to say about it.  The $44 billion transaction has prompted responses from investors and strategists from every walk: some gushing about his tenacity even at 79, others decrying a bearish bet, and still others (a minority [...]