Investing in Alternative Energy Stocks

Alternative energy stock portfolios are a great part of a modern investor's financial plan, due to the fac that there is so much upward potential. These make excellent long term growth investment vehicles, and the money put into them by you, the investor, serves to further the cause of implementing the alternative energy power sources that we need as we sail into the 21st century and beyond.

Analysts predict that by 2013, the alternative energy industry will be a $13 billion dollar industry in today's dollars. This figure bespeaks an enormous return on investment. Indeed, if you were to invest in a start-up alternative energy company, you might find yourself having invested in the next Microsoft in terms of return on investment. People are fed up with the rising costs of gasoline—while this alone is not sufficient understanding of the need for developing alternative energy sources, it is a factor which can act as a market maker—meaning for you that investments in alternative energy companies makes a lot of financial sense.

However, this does not mean that you don't first want to do some careful research into alternative energy stocks, perhaps with the help of a financial planner. “A few alternative-energy companies are going after the right markets but that doesn't mean you should go buy every name in the sector. Investors need to be cautious about chasing the stocks,” says Sanjay Shrestha, who is an analyst at First Albany Capital. And if you are an investor, then you know that the problem in this sector is that nearly every single one of the major players in the alternative energy for profit game are start-ups or in the very early stages of growth. This means for you that they have relatively minuscule (even if rapidly growing) sales, and no expected profitability in the near term or history of earnings for you to be able to research. This can lead to some bubbling, as with what happened to the dot-com industry at the turn of the 21st century. Bubbling in the stock market is not a good thing for investors.

Ananlysts and financial planners can play a crucial role in helping you get it right with alternative energy investing. “We don't play around in the tiny cap stocks that have technology and not much revenue—the 'hope' stocks. We invest in companies with clear cash-generation plans in place,” are the words of Ben walker, who is a senior portfolio manager at the Gartmore Global Utilities fund out of London.

Still, the outlook is very positive overall—and healthy. “It is good to see that the number of renewable energy funds and the amount of money flowing into these funds is increasing,” according to chief executive of UK alternative elecricity supplier Good Energy Juliet Davenport. “The renewable generation market is at an important stage in its development; it needs the continued support of the consumer, investor and government to ensure that it reaches its potential and really starts to make a difference to climate change.”

Title:

Investing Without Brakes Is Hazardous To Your Portfolio

Word Count:

435

Summary:

Many investors do not have a contingency plan on what to do when their investments fall sharply, and can lose it all on one bad trade.

Keywords:

investing,personal finance,stock trading

Article Body:

The business of investing in stocks is an inventory “buying & selling” business. Naturally, the companies that sell stock to the public want you to buy and hold it forever in order to maintain its value. But if you are buying without any selling, you are literally driving without any brakes. That is a horrifyingly unsafe position for your principal. The most effective defensive brake system for your money is a stop-loss order on your stocks.

A stop-loss order is an order you give your broker to sell your shares if a stock falls below a certain price. You can select a stop-loss price for your stock based upon chart patterns or a percentage drop from your purchase price. And some brokers automatically move them as a stock moves up in price to lock-in profits for you.

The first time I learned this lesson (not the last unfortunately), I was just 18 years old. One of my early stock purchases, recommended by a stockbroker from a famous brokerage firm, was stock in a famous airline – just before it trailed off into bankruptcy. Had I read this article before the airlines’ financial calamity, I would have rescued most of my $5,000 and prevented my own financial calamity.

But you cry, “The greatest investor Warren Buffett is a buy & hold investor!” No, I’m afraid he is not. Mr. Buffett mainly buys whole companies or controlling interest in a company. He buys control so that if there are problems with the company, he can hire/fire/make changes. If there are critical problems with the company whose stock you own, the only control you have to protect your principal is to sell.

When a public company goes bankrupt, 70% of the time the shareholders receive no money at all. How many stocks do you want in your portfolio worth $0? I know exactly how many that I want, and I know that stop-loss orders prevent it from happening.

There are a few “loss-recovery” methods, but you’ll never sell enough covered calls to recover from a stock trading under $5, or be able to buy puts on a stock that has been de-listed from an exchange. But the nearly certain protection is to place a stop-loss order on the stocks you own. You can choose any percentage loss amount (5%-25%) based on your experience, but you must have a stop-loss order in place to protect your capital.

There a zillions of old stock market sayings. Here is one of them for those of you who are still skeptical, “If the smart-money has sold and moved on, what type of money still own the stock?”

Basic Private Investigation Techniques

We often see and hear of private investigators doing romantic and risky jobs in various forms of media. Well, nothing is far from the truth. In fact, their works are really risky and should be taken as a serious one. When have you heard of a humorous private investigation case anyway?

Central to this issue is the actual personality of the private investigation. There may be innate characteristics that are largely involved yet this does not negate the fact that training, classes and programs for developing private investigators play varied roles in the field of study.

Private investigators should have a blend of creativity and excellent logic. This is rare though since most people who are creative don’t normally have efficient logic. After all, these functions come from the different hemispheres of the brain.

Private investigation uses various techniques that concern wide spectrum of methods to solve cases of cheating husbands to finding missing individuals. To accomplish their investigations, they make use of techniques that would not only unbundled cues but would also resolve the case.

From verifying calls to interviewing and tracking their subjects, private investigators have a technique or two in store.

One common technique in investigation is physical surveillance. This normally involves the actuality of being in the very spot where people and events that might lead to the solution of the case move. Say, a persons' home or a specific spot in the city.

And obviously, this is done secretly and out of anybody's observance. This may be a classic private investigation technique but as it is, it still works well.

However, this also covers other techniques that can maximize the surveillance procedure. Investigators normally use devices such as binoculars, cell phones, video recorders, cameras and voice recorder, practically, everything that would preserve evidences.

Surveillance can go on for several days or even weeks, until enough substantial evidences are gathered to support the case.

Another commonly practiced technique in the trade is the use of computer searches via databases. However, with investigators who have lower proficiency in the field, they normally partner with firms that specialize in this area.

Obviously, computers aid in the accumulation of details and information that could lead to the eventual solution of the specific case. Normally, vital information on the person's life is needed in investigations. Central to these are civil legal judgments, previous arrests and convictions, club memberships, telephone numbers and a number of other details. Basically, if it’s an investigation on public record, any private investigator can surely obtain them.

One main question with this job deals on its being exceptionally dangerous.

Well, this doesn't normally have to be dangerous yet as we know it, danger can come in moments when we are not aware of. There are of course cases that are more dangerous than others like bounty hunting and similar stuffs. In general though, private investigation is not as dangerous as we were made to believe. Certainly, things happen that could bring scare to anyone yet such occasions are rare. Like most stories we hear of, the well-attended to are those that are more like fictions than truth.

Remember that with private investigation techniques, safety is the forefront principle. Many can be caught into trouble but it must be understood that it is trouble that is basically dealt with in here. Nevertheless, any trained private investigation knows this one core fact.

Title:

Investing in a Franchise And the American Dream

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311

Summary:

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts Chris McIntyre, Jeff Brown and Peter Wurmer always dreamt of touring the world on motorcycles.

Keywords:

Investing in a Franchise And the American Dream

Article Body:

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts Chris McIntyre, Jeff Brown and Peter Wurmer always dreamt of touring the world on motorcycles.

Their dream is now a reality for them and the tens of thousands of customers who rent motorcycles, ATVs and watercraft from EagleRider franchise locations in the United States, Mexico, France and Spain.

McIntyre, Brown and Wurmer started EagleRider as one shop in Los Angeles in 1993, catering to adventure-seeking professionals and tourists. It has since become the largest motorcycle rental and tour franchise company in the United States and Europe.

While the three EagleRider founders have been able to see their business grow and prosper over the years, they understand that starting up a business can be a risky endeavor. To help other entrepreneurs who are interested in investing in the growing motorcycle-rental industry, they have turned EagleRider into a franchise opportunity

Simply put, franchising is a way of distributing products or services that have instant name recognition. According to statistics from the Small Business Administration and Department of Commerce, the failure rate for franchised businesses is significantly lower than for other start-up businesses.

One reason franchises are more sustainable is that they give entrepreneurs easy access to established products and proven business models, reducing some of the risks associated with starting up a business.

And as an added incentive, opening a franchise gives an entrepreneur the opportunity to operate independently while tapping into the experience and expertise of the franchiser's organization.

Like any other investment, entrepreneurs need to do plenty of research before selecting a franchise opportunity. Consider the demand for the product or service, the franchiser's background, the level of support you will receive and who your competition will be.

Whether you want to feed the masses with a fast-food franchise or take part in the exciting and adventurous world of motorcycle rentals, the list of franchise opportunities goes on and on.

Title:

Investing In Equestrian?

Word Count:

302

Summary:

The majority of us regular Joes wish we had more money, but it seems the only way to make more money, is to actually have money in the first place, i.e. to invest.

This is not strictly true. There are many ways of investing small amounts of money, some of them you would not necessarily class as “investing” but investing by definition means - laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit.

Now take betting on a horse for example, I’m sure you...

Keywords:

investing,investments,finance

Article Body:

The majority of us regular Joes wish we had more money, but it seems the only way to make more money, is to actually have money in the first place, i.e. to invest.

This is not strictly true. There are many ways of investing small amounts of money, some of them you would not necessarily class as “investing” but investing by definition means - laying out money or capital in an enterprise with the expectation of profit.

Now take betting on a horse for example, I’m sure your significant other isn’t going to buy into it when you tell them that you are investing, but by definition, you are. Every investment has an element of risk to it, betting on a horse of course, has a little more!

The other kinds of investing “Alternative Investments” are usually the area of collectors and hobbyists, but these can also generate a decent return on your money. This includes everything from art, antique furniture and wine to vintage cars, stamps and toys.

When it comes to wine, there is a convincing argument that as an investment, it produces returns comparable to equities and the cost of fine wines will keep on rising.

There are many other avenues to pursue when you are not wealthy enough already to invest your money into property and real estate. Taking a look in your attic to see what delights you may find could be a start.

The internet holds lots of information in regards to ideas for investing, there are bonds to consider, stocks and shares, gold or silver, even currency! Investing need not be for the privileged people, even us, the average Joes can start investing somewhere along the spectrum. Remember you have to start somewhere, and take your first little steps, but always think BIG.

Title:

Investing in a Long-Term Strategy means Long-Term Fortune

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417

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An Investing Strategy that the most succesful investors use is one that makes time work for them by compounding everything, over and over again. If you're confounded by compounding - this example will help you understand the true value.

Keywords:

investing strategy, long term investing,

Article Body:

Investors Benjamin Graham and Warren Buffett have made unbelievable fortunes through long-term, value investing.

Making money in the stock market can be dependent on your willingness to invest in long-term investments or buying only undervalued stocks. With a margin of safety on these stocks you will have a little peace of mind and if you are like Warren Buffett, you too may well be able to enjoy an average 22% annual gain. Even more enticing if you know that that's his record over the last 39 years!

Tremendous results like this are not easily duplicated in the short term or without great experience. With some work and time being on your side it is possible to be the next Warren, but even more possible and likely is for you to become a major player on the investment scene.

No seriously, you can.

The S&P 500’s average long term result is a return of about 11%. Now if you aimed to beat that consistently, that would mean that you are doing very well indeed, almost well enough to live a very comfortable, relaxed existence.

For example - you have $3,000 a year that you can invest purely for your future retirement.

Why are you screaming at $3,000 a year? That's only $250.00 a month! Come on - you want to retire, don't you?

Well, invest that in a tax-efficient retirement account that compounds interest, hitting the average 11% at least. Now have a look at your account in twenty years time and you'll find that you have an extra $178,000, thanks to compound interest - a total of $238,000.

The key to the game is not so much the size of the financial investment that you are making as it is the way that you use it.

Starting young and using the power of compound interest can make you a retirement millionaire in less time than you could ever have imagined. Some investors will lovingly call using compound interest simply using the “force” while others simply call you an idiot for not using it. If you are one of the one’s with the foresight to start investing now, you will be one of the one’s with the ability to brag about the general comfort of your retirement.

Warren Buffett and Benjamin Graham aren’t geniuses or once-in-a-lifetime lucky dogs; they are a few guys who used their money to make money. By putting in everything later in life you may make a solid return, by putting in a solid amount early in life, you may make everything.

Basic Information on Los Angeles Private Investigation

Private investigation is said to be one of the boomers in the next five years within America. Meaning, it is being forecasted that in the following years, there may either be too much budding of agencies that could provide this service or that there would be quite many individuals who would channel their expertise to private investigation.

Usually though, private investigators are retired police officers. There is not much problem on this except on the proficiency that is needed to accomplish each case.

Private investigation is now largely becoming a new option for people who cannot seem to take the monotony of corporate living. This is also a good option for those who continuously seek adventure and thrill. This way, they do not only have a high-paying job but they are also likely to find the adventures that they have always dreamed of.

Don’t be fooled though with the normal perception that people get with private investigation lifestyle. While it is true that they are in for danger, this still doesn’t mean that they are always at the verge of death or something harmful.

Remember that the case they are resolving goes anywhere from divorce and other related incidences like infidelity or cheating husbands and wives to stalkers, investigation on financial concerns, personal background checks, and identity theft. Thus, they are not only bounded on government issues that we normally witness in films. In fact, it is rare that the government hires private investigators to do works for them. It has large resources enough to train and produce exceptional investigators that would help them with their own issues. If you are lucky (or unlucky) enough, you might find yourself dealing with dangerous matters that would really test the limits of your private investigation prowess.

Los Angeles seems to have made itself into a popular city where various people encounter to bring business or to serve in business. Like most places, when one becomes a pool of various concerns, it is easier to find conflict than not.

But don’t think as if it has already transformed itself into a "sin city" where private investigation on crimes and the likes is the most lucrative business.

Besides, private investigation is not exactly the very thing that most films made us believe in. While investigators are paid for their services, it is rare that they get millions of cash or bulks of jewels as reward or payment for their accomplished works. Anyone, so long as he or she is willing and has enough resources, can pay you according to the deal. Gathering large sum rarely happens but is not impossible.

Thus, the services of a Los Angeles private investigation team are very much in demand. And with the convergence of money-centered people and lucrative opportunities, various dilemmas in the city occur.

If you happen to have found yourself into some sort of trouble, there will always be a private investigation unit in Los Angeles that could back you up with specific assistance.

Contrary to what is popularly believed into, private investigation requires some formal training. In fact, there are multiple requirements that must first be passed before one can become a private investigator in Los Angeles.

A normal practice though so that one could get around the process of undergoing formal training is to open a franchise wherein you are provided with all the needs you are required to present.

Investing Basics – What Are Your Investment Goals

When it comes to investing, many first time investors want to jump right in with both feet. Unfortunately, very few of those investors are successful. Investing in anything requires some degree of skill. It is important to remember that few investments are a sure thing – there is the risk of losing your money!

Before you jump right in, it is better to not only find out more about investing and how it all works, but also to determine what your goals are. What do you hope to achieve with your investments? Will you be funding a college education? Buying a home? Retiring? Before you invest a single penny, really think about what you hope to achieve with that investment. Knowing what your goal is will help you make smarter investment decisions along the way!

Too often, people invest money with dreams of becoming rich overnight. This is possible – but it is also rare. It is usually a very bad idea to start investing with hopes of becoming rich overnight. It is safer to invest your money in such a way that it will grow slowly over time, and be used for retirement or a child’s education. However, if your investment goal is to get rich quick, you should learn as much about high-yield, short term investing as you possibly can before you invest.

You should strongly consider talking to a financial planner before making any investments. Your financial planner can help you determine what type of investing you must do to reach the financial goals that you have set. He or she can give you realistic information as to what kind of returns you can expect and how long it will take to reach your specific goals.

Again, remember that investing requires more than calling a broker and telling them that you want to buy stocks or bonds. It takes a certain amount of research and knowledge about the market if you hope to invest successfully.

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Title:

Stock Investing Tip

Word Count:

508

Summary:

This is the best Stock Investing Tip you will ever receive.

Keywords:

stock trading,stock investing,stock market,stocks,trading,investing

Article Body:

If you are looking for a Stock Investing Tip you have come to the right place. Investing tips come from everywhere and from all sources. From strangers you over hear talking in the store to the gurus on the television.

When we are in a strong bull market, and it seems like the market will not go down no matter what, you can get a great stock investing tip just from throwing a dart at the list of stocks in Investors Business Daily, and come out with a winner.

An Investing Tip can come from an article you read in the newspaper or a magazine. Usually the time you read about it, the stock has already made it's big move. That is when the smart money starts taking their profits and sells to the dump money.

Sometimes investing tips come as a pump and dump. With the smaller priced stocks it does not take much money to buy alot of shares. They will then start talking about, or writing newsletters about how good (pump) the company is just to get people to start buying the stock, and at the same time they are selling (dump) their shares.

If you are getting into the market because of a tip you got, you are bound to lose your hard earned money. Sure you might get lucky a few times, like in a strong bull market, but in the long run you will eventually lose all your money that you set aside for investing.

The best stock investing tip you will ever receive is going to be right here. Do not buy any stock on any tip that you here!!! Do not put your hard earned money in any investment blindly, do your homework. Many beginners in the stock market will feel that they have to jump in on the tip they have gotten in order to make the big buck. They are afraid the train is going to leave without them. They don't want to be left out of the big move.

There is no reason to be jumping into any stock right away. There are thousands of stocks to invest in. Let the stock price come to you, do not go chasing a stock.

Learning how to invest in stocks is not difficult, but it does take time, just like learning anything in live. Take the time to learn, there are many books to read that will get you going in the right direction. Read them, study them, study the market, practice trading on paper. Take the time to learn how to invest, you will not regret it. The stock market is not going anywhere, it's been here for a long time, and will continue to be here for a long time to come.

Soon the only stock investing tip you will be listening to will be coming from the knowledge that you have learned, and that is the best investing tip that you can get. Then your friends and family will be coming to you for investing tips.

Title:

Investing Tips For Beginners

Word Count:

338

Summary:

Investing can be confusing, especially for the beginner. Getting some basic tips can help a beginning investor to make informed choices that fit their needs. Each person has a different goal when investing and that plays a big impact on how you invest. The following list explains some things beginners should know before investing.

1. Understand that there are no set rules for investing. There are no guarantees and no perfect way to invest.

2. Make informed choices. Befo...

Keywords:

investing

Article Body:

Investing can be confusing, especially for the beginner. Getting some basic tips can help a beginning investor to make informed choices that fit their needs. Each person has a different goal when investing and that plays a big impact on how you invest. The following list explains some things beginners should know before investing.

1. Understand that there are no set rules for investing. There are no guarantees and no perfect way to invest.

2. Make informed choices. Before investing in any way you should completely understand how your investment will work and all of the details of the transaction.

3. Make a simple plan to determine your goals and needs. This will help you to determine what investments to make and how much money to invest.

These three tips are great for general investing, but many people are looking to invest in the fast paced world of the stock market. The above tips are a good beginning, but the following tips will further help those interested in investing in stocks.

1. Look at the value of the stock instead of the price. Low cost stocks may be low for a reason. Look at the whole picture. See why the price is low and if there is a possibility it may rise.

2. Check the companies return on net worth. This is the profit after taxes divided by the net worth. It is important to see a trend of growing return on net worth.

3. Spread out your risk. You should not put all your money in high risk stocks. Try some lower risks and some higher risks. This is the best way to protect your money.

4. Understand the basics of stock prices. Prices move up or down depending on future projections.

These four tips can help a beginning investor start investing in the stock market.

No matter what type of investment you are looking into, knowledge will be the key to success. These short tip lists are just the beginning to understanding investing and how to maximize your return. Keep learning and trying.