Can someone explain this to me? I'm not very good with politics and investments.?
550307
CLEARLY it's for the rich...\n\nwhile Pancakes may have some investments, only making that much, pancakes can't afford to have many investments... the more investments, the more money you save... and the more houses you sell (rich people do it much more) the more money you save... these are clearly things rich people do MUCH more than the middle class and things poor people seldom do... \n\nI would also like to point out if pancakes is married to someone making near his/her salary, then they are in the top 20 percent of American households, according to the census... (only 20 percent of America makes over $80,000 in a household, www.census.gov)... so while pancakes may not be "rich" he/she is certainly doing better than the vast majority...\n\nThe richer you are, clearly, the happier you are with the president... I think that goes a long way in explaining people's political affiliations on here
956669
Missi, you have the wrong notion about what this area is for.  If you have a question about investing, someone here will help you out.
828629
dreaming and planning is good, but thinking about a billion or billions or even borrowing that kind of money is just out of the question.  If you had that much money or could get that much money you wouldn't be asking us how to invest it.  If you had it you would put your portfolio in mixed investments plus have trusts, lend it, put some in real estate, and give it away to the needy for tax purposes.
316544
Don't use any answer in this forum to go by.  \n\nThey don't know you & they don't know your goals. You didn't identify what your time horizon is (ie: buy a car next year or retire in 35 years).  You haven't identifed your risk tolorence. What's your investment experiance level?\n\nWithout these "basics" no one can suggest anything that's really good for you!\n\nGood luck
1076880
Nowaday's there are alot of basic how-to's on investing. I suggest taking a financial accounting course at a local college (audit it) to attaina more thorough understanding.
722297
Whoah!  Hold the bus!  The advice that includes gregarious reactionaries and traders like Cramer or commodities needs to be held off with the proverbial "ten-foot pole."\n\nGo to CNN Money, Motley Fool, MSN Money, Netscape Investing etc. which will give you a clear, comparatively safe starter advice.  Ask your broker (I recommend Scottrade, sharebuilder, or schwab) about some Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) like Diamonds or Spydrs or the like--these let you buy a cheap sampling of the Dow Jones Industrials or the Standard & Poors 500, comparatively safe but still very good, profitable companies.  They are about as sexy as steak and potatoes, but they are as substantial as steak and potatoes.  \n\nAs for individual companies, first--does it make a profit?  As for any other features, news, or events, first, does it make a profit?  Second, does it have a triple-digit price to earnings ratio?  Then there are too many people thinking it will be big and it won't likely be big enough to please them all.  If you divide the profit by number of shares (most stock sites will give this information for free, usually doing the arithmetic for you), and the result is higher than 30-something, stay away.  If the number is a negative number, go back to the other rule, first, does it make a profit.
122850
I agree with nauty_grl and bingo.  Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.  You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain!
1002924
Most stocks, but not all, under 5 bucks are not what one would call investments.  They fall under the heading speculations, especially the gold mines.  There is one medical stock that even though it is a speculation it has some merit.  It is not under 5 though but not too far away.  MEDX.  They have several drugs in phase 3. And S&P rates them a buy.  They are involved in the options scandle. I once owned the stock but sold it. I have been thinking of buying it back.  There is a company TINY that invests in companies that do nanotechnology. It is really speculative and I expect it to probably go under but it is selling about as low as it has sold in a year. It might go up again in the near future.  It is about $10. \n\nHere is one to look at INPC. It is a communications company trading at 6.41, close to 5. Running a deficit but projected to make money this year and more next. Analysts tend to be overly optimistic though. It popped out at the top of the list of a S&P screen of stocks under $10.  Another LIOX. Also running a deficit but expected to post a profit. $5.37.  It is sort of an internet company, but after reading its profile I am still not sure exactly what it does.  Now.  You might very well buy stock in either of these companies and make some money, but there is a whole lot of risk.  Either could double in value or could go broke. \n\nIf you sign of for an account with Fidelity you can run these screens yourself and pick your poison.
865310
My advice, be wary.  You could just be his 'off chick'.  Don't invest too much, he doesn't sound too serious.
60288
Well, "short term" is a relative term.  When will you need the money?  I'd say if it is less than a year stay out of the stock and bond markets.  They are too volatile for that short of period.  I'd invest in a savings account at            http://home.ingdirect.com/.  They have good rates, money is guaranteed safe and it will be available when you need it.
290600
Dude, you need to check out what is called an indexed mutual fund. The way it works is the company guarantees your full invested capital; so you can't lose that. The money that they make is added to the value of your fund, but you have to lock it in for a minimum amount of time; can be as long as ten years. This is a good place to start out. If your feeling more daring invest in silver or mining companies like Pan American Silver trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker PAA. This baby is on rails right now, you can check them out on their web site and research their history. Hey your the blunt guy aren't you? Well good luck towards your first million and keep living the American dream.
311274
U won the lotery?? Good for you! Go around the wourld buy a big house and a nice car, invest about 500,000 that way if the investment doesn't pay off you'll still have some money, don't spend TOO much on the house though, remeber there will still be water electric gas and security bills, not to mention the dreaded council tax! Give a million to charity, but don't go too wild with your money or before you know it it'll be gone and you will still need to pay out on your other bills! Good luck on your spending! Enjoy yourself! But don't go too mad!
516270
I like this question and feel stupid that I don't know the answer. I should have taken that class on Central Banks. My guess is that it is a combination of the money supply, interest rates and government assets held (tresuries) by other countries.
716874
Call 0191 5679455 and ask for Alan Wier, he is an AXA investment specialist and one of the best one's around. His advice is free. It is a funny question and you may get the wrong advice so talk to an expert! xx
463506
commodity is risky.  \n\ndepending on your investment goals, I would talk to a financial advisor.  Usually your bank will have people you can talk to for free.\n\ngood luck.
456214
I'll give you what you need to know to make smart buys. The best way to go is a mutual fund. There are many companies who do this just find one and put money into it. Then you set what you want to invest in...what companies that is. The best way to go for sure profit is large corporations...don't worry about which ones...that's what the mutual fund is for...the accountant deals in what. He makes a small commission so you doing well is in his best interest. At the great depression...the average was still 3% gains. Today it's realistically 10%. Small corporations have a much higher percentage of increase in value because they start so low. Putting a quarter to a third of your mutual fund towards smaller companies wouldnt be a bad idea. If you have any other questions just email me...nbrikha@yahoo.com
717476
i would invest in something else entirely...something more stable...these days its really easy to get on a bandwagon and have it fall through, i would be more careful with my money