I've taken a loan to invest in ASB. Is this a good move?

QUESTION: I've taken a loan to invest in ASB. Is this a good move?

ANSWER: In theory, it is good. However, you would have been better off just investing directly without taking the loan.

Still, doing so is certainly better than blowing your money on some crap. Just make sure that you do NOT withdraw the dividends and the capital. The way to build wealth is to let compound interest work for you.

M-Planet Aziz Ali

Do you think that I should invest now

QUESTION: Do you think that I should invest now? It is safe? I want to invest but I'm scared of losing my money. Do you think I should wait until the dust has settled first before making my move?


ANSWER: If you wait until the dust has settled, that what you will get - dust. Also, once the dust has settled, you will not be the only one to notice it - so will thousands of others. Some of them will come with vacuum cleaners!

So if you have holding power, consider of investing now, and wait for the world to recover - it always does.

Overwhelmed With Your Budget? Think Small!

Overwhelmed With Your Budget? Think Small!

Humans tend to stubbornly resist change. Changes in the workplace, relationships, physical surroundings, and in money matters are rarely accepted easily. So why should anyone be expected to make sweeping changes to his or her budget in one large step?

In order to really accomplish major budget alterations, you've got to start small. There are two ways to accomplish this. You can select one area of your budget (clothing, for example) and begin to change the way that you manage your expenditures in this area. After you've made the changes you desire in your spending habits in that area, move on to another area, and so forth. Another way to "think small" when adapting your budget is to make small changes to several areas at one time. These changes won't be as large as you'd like to ultimately achieve, but will represent a movement in the direction that you want to go. As you become comfortable with these changes, increase the amount of change g! radually until you reach your goals.

Most importantly, don't let the size of the task influence your decision to get started. Once you've seen the benefits that come with budget management, you'll become addicted to the process!

- Rick Fields

Living On Less Means Living On A Budget

Living On Less Means Living On A Budget

There's that dirty word again -- budget! But while it may not be your favorite topic, decreasing the cost of your lifestyle is dependent on your budget focus.

Many individuals and couples assume that they can simply cut back on expenses and thereby eliminate the need for a budget. Not so. Without a budget, you have no yardstick to measure your success. Accordingly, you don't know whether you've been successful in reducing your cost of living. Your chances for success in long term cost reduction are slim under these circumstances.

So, whether by computer or manually, create a list of what you believe you spend each month. Then you can begin to really cut back -- and even know that you've done so!

- Rick Fields

Self Employment -- Can You Handle It?

Self Employment -- Can You Handle It?

Many individuals leaving employment decide to start their own company as an alternative to finding another job. While there is a significant amount of culture shock that goes with becoming your own company, one factor stands out more than the others.

When you're employed by someone else, the basic structure of your activities is established by the company for which you work. When to begin work each day and what to do while you're working is most likely in an established pattern. In contrast, the business owner frequently faces a large number of tasks which need to be accomplished with virtually no structural constraints on how to do so.

Bottom line -- self employment requires self discipline. This work environment is not a fit for everyone. Make certain that you can live with the amount of flexibility that comes with owning your own company before making a move in that direction.

- Rick Fields

Prepare for your insurance interview

Below is a list of some common questions that cyber insurance calculators will ask you when you are filling out their quiz to determine your life insurance needs. The more you research your answers, the more valuable the calculator's results will be. Before you go on-line, have answers to the following questions ready:

What's your expectation for the future inflation rate?
What's your estimate for your kid's college education (remember to include tuition, room, board, books and fees)?
What's your annual living expense?
Will any of the people who now depend on your support go to work in the event of your death? If so, how much will they earn?
Do you expect any inheritances?
Do you have insurance coverage through your employer? If so, how much?
What's the current value of your liquid assets, including bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds?