The Basics: How To Buy Stocks

Article originally published on NYSE Euronext
01/06/2012

Buying stocks is a simple process that can be completed with or without the assistance of a licensed stockbroker. Once you have money in a brokerage account, buying shares of stock is as simple as making a phone call or clicking a button on your computer. However, actually choosing suitable stocks — those with the highest potential for an increase in value — is an extremely challenging task, one that requires extensive time and research.

Open an Online Brokerage Account

Article originally published on NYSE Euronext
12/29/2011

Modern technology has created an opportunity for consumers to try their hand at investing in the stock market without the need for industry representative involvement. Internet-based brokerage accounts are available from a number of reputable investment firms, allowing the do-it-yourselfers to buy and sell stocks, bonds and other securities at will, often for a fraction of the cost usually associated with traditional investment accounts. Opening an online brokerage account takes minutes, and the process is streamlined to be efficient and easy enough for even the most unsophisticated consumers.

The History of Online Savings Rates

Countless financial institutions offer consumers access to online savings accounts. These accounts are geared toward the younger, more sophisticated mobile crowd and offer features most likely perceived by that demographic as advantageous. While many aspects of banking exclusively online can be beneficial, disadvantages do exist. The historical interest rates of these accounts has fluctuated in correlation with the federal funds rate and the state of the nation's economy.

Differences Between Asset Targets & Production Targets for a Broker

Insurance brokers and financial advisors commonly work as independent contractors and rely heavily on their ability to generate new business and acquire new clients. A steady flow of qualified prospects is essential for a broker's success.

Additionally, selling insurance to new clients and opening new investment accounts is typically the only activity that results in compensation for brokers. Production and asset targets are fixed figures set by insurance carriers and investment firms, each one directly affecting a broker's earnings.

How to Calculate Interest Credit on an Equity Index Annuity

Annuities are retirement investment vehicles managed and maintained by life insurance companies that provide you with an income stream. Equity indexed annuities are a specific type of annuity product that contain features of both fixed and variable products, and link your account value to a stock market index. Calculating the interest credited to your equity indexed annuity is relatively simple, but the complexity of your particular contract ultimately determines the difficulty of the task.

Taxes on Shares Sold on Life Insurance

Article originally published on The Motley Fool
09/23/2011

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How to Buy a Silver Stock Direct Investment

Article originally published on The Motley Fool (09/21/2011)