Category Archives: Investments

How do the Morningstar Star Ratings Work? Are Morningstar Ratings Accurate?

morningstar

I have discussed how I use the Free Morningstar Instant X-Ray tool, but Morningstar is more known for its mutual fund rating system.  Who hasn’t heard the terms, “5 Star Fund, 4 Star Fund, etc.” but what does that actually mean? How does Morningstar calculate the Star Rating System? Russel Kinnel, Morningstar’s Director of Mutual…

WSJ Teaches YOU how to Become A Billionaire; Hint: Ignore All “Normal” Advice

billionaire

Gregory Zuckerman wrote an Article in the WSJ titled, “Greatest Trade: How Can you Make $20 Billion” which provides 8 easy steps to become a Billionaire.  Where did these steps come? Mr. Zuckerman follows two years of John Paulson’s work. The article is entertaining, but I’d love to read an autobiography if ever produces it…

My Journey to Millions Reallocates his 401(k) After Analyzing his Portfolio

Asset_allocation

Last week I reviewed Morningstar’s Free X-Ray Tool using my own 401(k).  I believe that most people should leave their retirement accounts alone, both in terms of invading it and asset allocation within the account.  I personally take a very balanced, hands off approach to my 401(k), choosing to look at my 401(k), as I…

Using Morningstar’s FREE Instant X-Ray Tool to Evaluate your Portfolio

morningstar

Despite having my Series 6 and 63, I am not an investment expert, by any means, nor do I pretend to be.  Luckily, there are free tools out there for people like me to allow me (and maybe you lol) to analyze your portfolio and investments. I personally use Morningstar X-Ray Tool* What is Morningstar?…

Sweet Prosper is Back!

Being that I am in debt elimination mode I haven’t talked about my investments that much.  But on February 15, 2007, I was intrigued by the idea of Prosper and have since built a very very small portfolio. As the P2P Lending market grew so did the competition and Prosper and LendingClub both went into…

Financial Loss Syndrome Doesn’t Just Affect the Wealthy

tandE Magazine

I was reading the June Edition of Trusts and Estates Magazine, my favorite magazine, and found a very interesting article which is aimed at advisors and attorneys for very wealthy individuals; however it applicable to everyone during these turmoil times.  Trusts and Estates Magazine is an industry standard for those in estate planning – each…