US Economic Stimulus Plan – Or How Much is $850,000,000,000.00?

First, the InvestmentBuddy thinks that the US should pass a simple law to keep everything in perspective.  Call things like you see them.  We should take the words “billions” and “trillions” out of the dictionary.  Most Americans have a concept of what a million dollars is.  Your can relate it to a very large home.  [...]

It’s A Boy! – Start That UGTMA Account

When is the right time to start investing in your child’s college education?  You can wait until you get home from the hospital.  After all, there are more important things to do then.  But don’t wait too long.  There are many important things you should do for your infant when  he or she is young.  [...]

College Cost – Ouch!

As your family navigates through the road of life there are few expenses that are as great as college costs.  If you are a business owner, development of your business may cost more.  If a family member has a life threatening medical condition, such as cancer or heart condition, that could cost in the hundreds [...]

The Value of Involuntary Investing (Direct Deposit)

Much can be said for frequent, standardized, involuntary savings.  You probably know it as direct deposit, or automatic contribution.
Many employees participate in this type of plan through their employer.  They can usual either deposit into a standard savings plan or into a company sponsored 401k plan.  There are many advantages of the 401k which we [...]

Ceradyne, Inc. (Nasdaq:CRDN)

Ceradyne is a diversified ceramics company that manufacures products primarily for the defense department and industrial applications. Like so many other equities, it has been slaughtered in mid 2008. Why? We could find no good reason, other than global sentiment. The order was entered to “bottom fish this equity if it reached a [...]

SmartBuy or SmartLease – Is There a Difference?

General Motors introduced the SmartBuy Plan several years ago. There were only two incorrect syllables in the name.
1. The plan was not smart.  See below.
2. The plan was not a buy (purchase) program.  It was a lease program.
Nevertheless, GM convinced thousands of buyers to “trade-in” their existing vehicles to “SmartBuy” themselves into a new vehicle. [...]

The Value of Current Level II Data

Only a few months ago, professional traders could place trades with great confidence.  They could visually determine the market depth from their DOMs, or Depth of Market trading platforms.  Examples include Trading Technologies’ X_Trader and the built in platform of Interactive Brokers.
Recently, however, sophisticated order types have entered the stage.  These platforms allow traders, including [...]

Major Purchases

Some people clip coupons.  Some people collect coins in a jar in their bedroom at the end of the day.  But when it comes time for major family purchase, not all “penny pinching” families are wise.

A home or car is a major purchase.  It is necessary to shop wisely.  Spend the time to do the [...]

The Purpose of Investment Buddy

Investment Buddy is born out of wanting to help other people save, invest, spend wisely and retire comfortably. Contributors to Investment Buddy come from varying careers. Their talents are different and may sometimes provide you with more than one alternative to sound investing. They include nationally recognized syndicated speakers and authors, business and community leaders, [...]