Financial Rebel : Financial Investing Blog

I’ve decided to start a whole series on the world of mutual fund investing. I see many people there asking how to invest in mutual funds, so here’s the first part in a series to answer that question. Today, we’ll start at square one by looking at the basics of what a mutual fund actually is.

While there are many sites out there that spout out information about investing, I’m finding a disturbing increasing amount of sites that are spreading incorrect and potentially financially hazardous “tips” out there like the gospel. It’s my goal to teach you about mutual fund investing throughout this series. I hope you enjoy it and find it a worthwhile venture.

By the way, I’d encourage to join the revised Financial Rebel newsletter feed. You’ll get quick updates when we add something important to the site and you’ll get commentary and information that might not be published.

It’s been a roller coaster. Most people are selling off on fear and some are buying on fear. Yesterday, the DOW lost 777 points, which was its biggest single-day points loss in history.

No surprise to most, the DOW rebounded today and scooped back 485 points. Expect more up and down action as many feel the market hasn’t hit the bottom yet.

And our politicians can’t seem to stop playing politics for two minutes and actually work on the issues at hand.

Anyone that has ever looked into taking out a loan will know that there are many different loan types available to suit different needs and circumstances, which means that you need to consider the facts carefully before you make a decision on your loan. It is important to ensure that you get the right loan for your needs, and in order to do this you need to learn about the different loan options and types so that you can make the right decision.

First of all you need to remember that all loans come under one of two categories, and these are secured loans and unsecured loans. In order to take out a secured loan you need to be a homeowner usually with some level of equity in your home. In order to take out an unsecured loan you do not have to be a homeowner but you will need to have good credit. With both loan types you will need to meet all the other eligibility requirements as set by each individual lenders, such as credit status, income levels, employment and financial status, age requirements, and others.

Below are some of the popular loan types that may suit your needs:

Is there an end in sight? Today, a government report from the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight was released that said home prices in May declined by 4.8 percent over the past year. Are we getting near the point when prices are more appetizing for real estate investors again or do we have a long way to go?

The Pacific Division, see states it encompasses below, actually showed a price increase, which was the first since March 2007.

Also, from April 08 – May 08 the Middle Atlantic and East North Central Division showed a 0.1% increase and the West North Central Division stopped losses to remain even at 0.0%.

It’s the calm before the fury. Next week will be huge for the market as many big companies are reporting earnings.

Will we see forward momentum due to good earnings surprises or will we hit a brick wall? One thing is for sure; next week is shaping up to be very entertaining and pivotal.

Take a partial look at the slew of companies reporting earnings next week:

Back in November we talked about Carl Ichan boosting his share in Blockbuster (NYSE: BBI) and how it might be a sign of good things to come.

At that time, Blockbuster was trading at $3.88. Today, it closed at $2.42. Not exactly going the right way.

So what’s wrong with this stock? Is there any hope?

If you own Ruth’s Hospitality Group (NasdaqGS: RUTH) stock and purchased anywhere close to one year ago or later, you’re in a world of hurt.

About one year ago this stock started stuttering and when it fell, it fell hard.

On July 18. 2007—one year ago from this writing—RUTH closed at $17.53, which was down a little from it’s $20ish highs a couple months prior. The next trading day is closed up 4 cents higher and that would be the end of RUTH.

From there it’s been a rollercoaster right down—August 07 $16s, September 07 $15s, October 07 $14s, November 07 $12s, and so forth.

One aspect of life that’s often overlooked is insurance—car, health, life, etc. Being smart fiscally isn’t just about owning some stocks or real estate; it’s about having your entire life portfolio in order.

In America, we’re greatly underinsured. One stat that’s floating out there says that only 47% of U.S. households own any individual life insurance. Are you one of the uninsured? Most people rely on their employer to provide their insurance needs. What about the self-employed?

Recently, I embarked on a journey to teach children about the importance of understanding money. I think it’s important to get them started young. One idea I had was to have them purchase one share of Disney stock and frame it.

As it turns out, some adults were asking me how they could do this as well.

Last year I started looking into whether or not Yahoo (Symbol: YHOO) might rebound. I determined that if they did, it would be quite some time. And it looks like I was right.

This month has been particularly hard for Yahoo stockholders. Just one month ago Yahoo’s stock was at $23.80. Today, it fell to $19.18—a 24% decline. So we’ve got to ask the question. Just where is the bottom for Yahoo?