Investment Support

Knowing what your risk tolerance and investment style are will help you choose investments more wisely. While there are many different types of investments that one can make, there are really only three specific investment styles and those three styles tie in with your risk tolerance. The three investment styles are conservative, moderate, and aggressive.

Naturally, if you find that you have a low tolerance for risk, your investment style will most likely be conservative or moderate at best. If you have a high tolerance for risk, you will most likely be a moderate or aggressive investor. At the same time, your financial goals will also determine what style of investing you use.

If you are saving for retirement in your early twenties, you should use a conservative or moderate style of investing but if you are trying to get together the funds to buy a home in the next year or two, you would want to use an aggressive style.

Conservative investors want to maintain their initial investment. In other words, if they invest $5000 they want to be sure that they will get their initial $5000 back. This type of investor usually invests in common stocks and bonds and short term money market accounts.

An interest earning savings account is very common for conservative investors.
A moderate investor usually invests much like a conservative investor, but will use a portion of their investment funds for higher risk investments. Many moderate investors invest 50% of their investment funds in safe or conservative investments, and invest the remainder in riskier investments.

An aggressive investor is willing to take risks that other investors wont take. They invest higher amounts of money in riskier ventures in the hopes of achieving larger returns either over time or in a short amount of time. Aggressive investors often have all or most of their investment funds tied up in the stock market.

Again, determining what style of investing you will use will be determined by your financial goals and your risk tolerance. No matter what type of investing you do, however, you should carefully research that investment. Never invest without having all of the facts!

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You can practice your investment skills with a stock market simulation game. This is the best way to gain basic skill from this game before you actually investing real money in the stock market. Simulation games are usually played on the internet, where people can experience the thrill of investing in the stock market without any risks, costs or any fear of losing money when and if they make a poor investment decision.

This game is very useful. Many teachers and professors of banking and finance are now using stock market simulation games to teach their students about the rudiments of investing in stocks. Most stock market simulation games come with a fee to get started, but there are some that are free of any charge. One does not need have prior knowledge about the stock market to join.

You may wonder how this game is about. This is how stock market simulation games usually work:

First, players must register. After registration, players are given an initial sum of “virtual” money to invest in companies of their choice. Players build a portfolio of stocks by buying and selling shares in companies. Most stock market simulation games use real-time market data.

The objective of most stock market simulation games is to increase the value of your portfolio of stocks so that it is greater than that of the other game players.

Below are some tips on choosing a stock market simulation game:
Choose a stock market simulation game that is used and recommended by reputable colleges, high schools, middle school, investment clubs, brokers in training, corporate education courses and any other group of individuals studying markets in the U.S. and worldwide.

Choose a stock market simulation game that is comprehensive and easy to implement in any Finance, Economics, or Investments class. A good stock market simulation game should feature trading of stocks, options, futures, mutual funds, bonds from the U.S. and many of the world’s major markets.

Choose a stock market simulation game that provides a valuable, reliable, and realistic trading simulation at a reasonable price to members and other individuals who are interested in learning more about investing and trading. The simulation game should also have some capability for testing a variety for investment strategies.

Choose a stock market simulation game that has a toll-free customer service phone number and excellent e-mail support for members. The support function should be able to quickly answer any questions that members/players may have.

Choose a stock market simulation game that is easy to use and easy to teach even to those who have never had any real hands-on investment experience.

There is a simple money saving exercise that everyone should do at least once in their lives. It is ultimately one of the best ways to save money, because it is not about pinching pennies, but about discovering what you really want and getting it. It is so simple you may hesitate to try it. Just try it. Here it is:

List everything that you have spent money on, are currently spending money on, or might spend money on.

Don’t just read this and think of a few things. Take the time to actually write it all down. Review your bank statements if you have to, in order to remember and include everything.

Now go through the list, and carefully consider each item. Take the most time on the big items – past, present and future possibilities. If your timeshare on the beach is worth half what you paid, costs $1,000 per year in expenses, and is rarely used, you need to learn from that – not to punish yourself, but to have a richer life.

If you think honestly about the number of times you will use that Recreational Vehicle, and the cost, it may be $250 for each day of use. That’s okay if that is worth it to you, but maybe you really would enjoy $100 hotels more. Or maybe you can rent an RV for less overall cost, thus freeing up money for other important goals.

You see, saving money isn’t about sacrifice. We all are aware of the scrooges in life that pinch their pennies, bank the savings, and then do nothing with it. The point should be to save money in one area of life so you can use it in ways that make your whole life richer.

Suppose you notice you’re spending $8 per month on subscriptions to magazine you don’t read, or on insurance for a motorcycle you almost never ride? Cancel the subscriptions or sell the
motorcycle, and what have you lost? Is it a big deal? What will that $8 get you instead?

- Bank it for ten years, and use the $1200 to take a second honeymoon.

- Use it to pay for a day off work once a year, to spend with the kids.

- Invest it, to have an extra $50 per month during your retirement years.

- Buy six good books a year, to learn something new.

- Make banana splits for the family once a month.

- Give $100 per year to a worthy cause.

$8 per month can do a lot if used wisely. Imagine what you could do if you stopped wasting $200 per month. That’s why it is so important to discover what you really want – and what you don’t want. This is one of the most intelligent ways to save money.

If you are ready to invest money for a future event, such as retirement or a childs college education, you have several options. You do not have to invest in risky stocks or ventures. You can easily invest your money in ways that are very safe, which will show a decent return over a long period of time.

First consider bonds. There are various types of bonds that you can purchase. Bonds are similar to Certificates of Deposit. Instead of being issued by banks, however, bonds are issued by the Government. Depending on the type of bonds that you buy, your initial investment may double over a specific period of time.

Mutual funds are also relatively safe. Mutual funds exist when a group of investors put their money together to buy stocks, bonds, or other investments. A fund manager typically decides how the money will be invested. All you need to do is find a reputable, qualified broker who handles mutual funds, and he or she will invest your money, along with other clients money. Mutual funds are a bit riskier than bonds.

Stocks are another vehicle for long term investments. Shares of stocks are essentially shares of ownership in the company you are investing in. When the company does well financially, the value of your stock rises. However, if a company is doing poorly, your stock value drops. Stocks, of course, are even riskier than Mutual funds. Even though there is a greater amount of risk, you can still purchase stock in sound companies, such as G & E Electric, and sleep at night knowing that your money is relatively safe.

The important thing is to do your research before investing your money for long term gain. When purchasing stocks you should choose stocks that are well established. When you look for a mutual fund to invest in, choose a broker that is well established and has a proven track record. If you arent quite ready to take the risks involved with mutual funds or stocks, at the very least invest in bonds that are guaranteed by the Government.

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A Good Mix of Fun & Financial Benefits
By Theresa Souers, president South Tahoe Association of Realtors

Lake Tahoe: A Unique Location
Lake Tahoe is perfectly situated just a few hours drive from the sophistication of San Francisco and just over the mountains from the sparkle of Reno, Nevada. Nestled in amongst spectacular mountains with breathtaking panoramic views and crystal clear fresh water lakes, the Lake Tahoe area is rich in both natural beauty and solid investment opportunities.

Over two million visitors a year come to Lake Tahoe to enjoy snow and sun alike. During the ski season people from all over the world, flock to the slopes for some of the best skiing in the United States. First class resorts such as Heavenly, Squaw, and Kirkwood are a popular draw for the recreation minded. And, the hot tourist market doesnt cool down when the snow melts. Summer brings a whole different crowdone looking for warm, sunny days full of boating, biking, hiking, camping, and of course, golf. There are nineteen golf courses in and around the Lake Tahoe area including the two world-renowned courses at Incline Village framed by a stunning mountain backdrop.

Gambling Attractions Add Attractiveness
As if these attractions werent enough, for those who prefer their entertainment indoors, Lake Tahoes casinos add to its reputation as an all-season, world-class vacation destination. Popular events such as the Summer Outdoor Concert Series, the Shakespeare Festival and the Renaissance Fair do their share to draw in visitors. After all, half of Lake Tahoe is in Nevada, and South Lake Tahoe is centered about Stateline (the California-Nevada state border) where the areas largest casinos are located.

The question is, what do all these visitors have in common? The answer: they all need somewhere to stay when they come to play.

Getting Investment Returns from Rental Properties
Throughout the decades, the value of Lake Tahoe rental properties have consistently grown at a rate higher than the state and national averages. Every indication is that Lake Tahoe real estate values will continue to climb in the coming years. One reason is whats known in the real estate business as the rolling boomone of the strongest indicators of a particular area’s investment potential. This is when an area grows due to its affordability as compared with its more pricey neighbors. In the case of Lake Tahoe, it sits squarely centered among major real estate hot spots predicted to have solid growth. Consider these statistics:
The population of Nevada is growing four times faster than that of the United States and is predicted to double by the year 2023.
Reno, Nevada is currently rated toward the top of the Metro Growth list.
The San Francisco Bay Area has developed affordability challenges where the average price of a home exceeds the average homebuyers’ budget.
Other economic factors indicate that rental properties may make a solid investment. The following have a direct affect on the real estate market: the U.S. gross domestic product, unemployment, consumer price indexes and interest rates. According to the National Association of Realtors, the U.S. gross domestic product should increase from 3.7% in 2005 to 4.1 % in 2006. The Consumer Price Index is projected to rise 2.9% and inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is forecast to increase 4.5% in 2006. And finally, despite recent modest increases, interest rates remain at record lows.

With the recent pause in rapid price increases, this may well be the best time to enter the revenue producing rental home market. In fact, the second/vacation home market is the fastest growing segment of real estate investments today. Lake Tahoeas an international recreation destination with a bright demographic futureis one of the top recommended investment areas. When considering Lake Tahoe vacation properties for income purposes, an investor has two options, both of which can produce great results: a vacation or a full time rental.

Vacation Rentals vs Full Time Rental Properties
The advantage of a full time rental lies in the consistent income the owner collects, while the tenant pays most of the utility bills. Currently, there is a shortage of full time rentals in the South Lake Tahoe area resulting in a vacancy factor of almost zero, with the average rental bringing in close to $400 – $500 per bedroom.

While the income from a vacation rental may not be as consistent, the potential for income can be much greater and has the added benefit of allowing personal use for the investor. In fact, there are very few opportunities today that offer rental properties that Pay for Play. With Lake Tahoe real estate, baby boomers can spend their vacations at their own rental property and have the confidence and security that they have also made a wise investment. For example, if a home with a purchase price of $500,000 were to increase an average of 7% in value annuallynot the 20 – 30% seen in the past two yearsan investor could still see the following:
$35,000 in equity appreciation per year
A potential of $25,000 in rental income per year
Significant tax benefits
A whole lot of fun in the snow, under the sun and/or at the casinos

There is no one right strategy.

Real Estate Investment Strategies
The important questions to consider in choosing a real estate investment strategy include:

Can I afford to carry the mortgage, property taxes and other real estate expenses in the months when the property may not rent or rents lightly?
What is the likelihood that my family will use the property enough to add significant value to this investment?
Which is more important to me at this time, the certainty of a full time renter or the pleasure of a vacation home?

Nevada Real Estate vs. California Real Estate
Lastly, there is always the California or Nevada question to be decided when purchasing real estate in the Lake Tahoe area. Is it better to buy on the California or the Nevada side of the state line? Both offer distinct advantages. Bottom line, full time residents of Nevada enjoy the benefit of living in a state with no personal income taxes. On the other hand, real estate located on the California side is as much as 50% less expensive between the South Lake Tahoe shore in California and the North Shore of Nevada.

Whichever way an investor chooses to go, California or Nevada, full time or vacation rental, Lake Tahoe offers many kinds of attractions as well as investment attractiveness. From my own personal experience, Lake Tahoe real estate is a great investment opportunity whether your investment goals are income, equity growth, tax leverage, or just plain old vacation fun.

In the Philippines it’s not just that condos are comparatively cheaper and relatively more easy to maintain than a single-family home. In recent years, they’ve become the prime residential real estate investment and the best may be yet to come says Beth Collingz, International Sales Director, PLC International, the lead marketing partners for Pacific Concord Properties Inc’s Lancaster Brand of Condo Hotels.

Collingz said according to her research into Philippine property values, since 2000, mid market condos in Metro Manila have increased in value 120 percent, at an annual rate of 17.14 percent compared to new homes rising some 25 percent since 2000 or 3.57 percent a year and resale homes rising 20 percent since 2000 or 2.85 percent a year. The median price for an existing studio type condo in Metro Manila is around $53,000 for 2007, up some 55 percent from $34,000 in 2005 whilst mid range housing prices in the $90,000 range for 2007 are only up some 8 percent from $84,000 in 2005.

Rising demand for condos, hotels, short and medium term rental accommodation, offices and shopping malls in the Philippines, home to a population of almost 80 million and with a significant number of the more than 10 million returning overseas Filipino Baby Boomers, is also fueling rents. Residential rents in Metro Manila rose 26 percent in the three months to March 2007, their highest quarter-on-quarter increase in more than a decade, as more and more IT companies set up shop in the Philippines. Companies like Texas Instruments are investing $1B in expanded operations in the Philippines. High-end rents rose some 13 percent from a year earlier, said Collingz.

Collingz projects that Rents in the region are set to effectively jump up by at least 8.7 percent per annum over the next five years, compared with 3.3 percent in the United States and 3.7 percent in Europe. Yields from 8 percent to as high as 14-16 percent ROI on rental income property contrast with the 4 percent to 5 percent that private equity firms get in the United States and Europe.

These facts gives significant rise to the value of making Condotel investments in the Philippines says Collingz. People are in general looking to shift fund flows relatively towards Asia, Collingz said. It already has had a profound impact in markets where there’s a lot of this money chasing the same assets. In Singapore, the region’s second- biggest market after Japan, investments by private real estate funds accounted for seven of the 19 office blocks, worth 6.7 billion dollars, sold since September 2005. REITs bought six. A Goldman Sachs fund paid 690 million dollars for two buildings last November that house the headquarters of DBS Group Holdings. In Hong Kong, property funds of Morgan Stanley and Macquarie Bank paid a total of 7.9 billion Hong Kong dollars, or $1.02 billion, for four office blocks from March to May, according a recent article published by CB Richard Ellis.

As the Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong markets become saturated, the Philippines will be the next real estate market to attract substantial overseas investments. Lower prices and retirees spending money are also directing foreign attention to residential condominium hotels in the Philippines, which in turn is driving up more construction. A lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices here compared to Europe especially UK housing prices and the easy payment options available for condominium hotel developments, Collingz said. The buyers gain rental incomes that on todays purchase prices give a projected ROI of some 8 percent to 14-16 percent depending on the mode of payment for the unit she said.

Metro Manila remains a popular choice with international buyers and institutional investors. Collingz says clients tell her that it makes more sense to buy in a year-round vacation destinations and business centers. Lancaster – The Atrium Condotel developments by Pacific Concord Properties located in Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila – fits the bill with all it offers to International buyers.

Accessibility is also a factor. Flights from London to Manila, for example, average just 16 hours, add to that the many airline specials and its easy to see why this area is becoming an international community. Unlike other offshore rental properties, where the rental market is largely seasonal, in the Philippines there is a strong market for rental properties year round. This gives buyers greater flexibility in choosing when to use and when to rent their property. The strong rental/second home market also has resulted in a proliferation of professional property managers and rental agents, making property ownership and rental easy. Pacific Concord Properties Inc with its flagship Lancaster Condo Hotel Developments fits the bill.

Lancaster Manila Atrium Tower A, Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila, Philippines is a Full Service Condominium Hotel [Condotel] offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower II will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units through Condo Hotel Management.

Combined with rising condo prices, a general shortage of reasonable rental property and substantial increases in short and long-term rental rates, this makes Lancaster Suites Manila, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines said Collingz.

Beth Collingz
PLC International Marketing Networks

Sometimes you need extra money for unexpected expenses like car repairs, unexpected bills, health expenses, school expenses, or a myriad of other reasons. Where do you go to get money for these unplanned expenses? Personal loans are available from many different companies and lenders for consumers today whether you have good or bad credit.

Your first place to try to get a personal loan is from a bank or credit union. Many times, they can offer you a loan based on your credit record. Personal loans from a bank or credit union usually do not have collateral attached to them and they are loans based on your name and credit record. Banks and credit unions are a great place to go for a personal loan if you have comparatively good credit.

Another place that you can get a personal loan is from a personal loan company. There are many of these places that will give you a loan. They usually need you to list some sort of collateral, but if you have a job and a consistent home, then they will normally approve you. This is a good option if you cannot get a loan at a bank or credit union but you need to be a smart consumer and ask questions before signing any loan papers. You need to know the interest rate, the length of the loan, and the monthly or weekly payment amount. Make sure that you can meet the requirements of the loan or you will end up in a worsened financial situation.

There are other options available if the above two choice do not work out. You can take items from your home to a pawnshop to get a loan. This will be a higher interest rate, but if you do not have any other options, this is a good choice. A car title loan is an option, but you need to keep in mind that you will lose your car if you do not make timely payments. A payday loan company is also an option but you need to be sure that you understand the terms of the loan. You need to understand the terms of any loan that you take out to make sure that you can make the payments and pay the loan off. Some of these options are a last resort, but if you need the money for a necessity, it may be your only choice. Just be sure that you go into the loan process knowledgeable about the details of the loan.

There are times in your life that you will need extra money for unexpected or unplanned expenses. It is always best to plan ahead and have a savings account for these expenses, but sometimes it is just not possible. If you do not have any other options, then you may have to take out a loan to cover these expenses. Getting a personal loan can be stressful and difficult at times, but if you do your research and know what you are getting into, then you are sure to be satisfied with the result!

Investors look at Philippine Condo Hotel or Condotel Property Investments

PLC International Marketing Networks has revealed that some institutional investors are trying to diversify their property portfolios through areas like Southeast Asia, China and beyond – with the Philippines heading the list, then Thailand, Japan, China, and Singapore property investments featuring in some portfolios.

In the UK, “Investors are moving to new areas to find value” said Beth Collingz, Global Marketing Director of PLC International Marketing Networks based in Metro Manila and Cebu in the Philippines. “More and more of clients for Condotel Investments are coming from the UK. There has been a distinct market shift from US based clients over the past few months and we see that trend continuing over the winter months of 2006 and on into 2007 has Sterling continues its increase in value over the US Dollar.

A lot of this interest is being driven by the relatively cheap market prices in the Philippines compared to Europe, specially UK Housing prices, and the easy payment options available for our Condotel Developments, but there are other factors, too. Offshore Property Investors, Foreign baby boomers as well as overseas Filipinos, are looking for ways to maximize their return on investments as they approach retirement, and so are purchasing second homes, particularly Condotel Investments where they can use the Condo for vacations and rent it out through our In-House Condotel Management when they are not using the unit thereby gaining rental incomes that on todays purchase prices, give a projected ROI on their investments of some 12-16% depending upon the mode of payment for the unit

Metro Manila remains a popular choice with international buyers and institutional investors. Collingz says clients tell her that it makes more sense to buy in a year-round vacation destinations and business centers. Lancaster – The Atrium Condotel developments by Pacific Concord Properties located in Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila – fits the bill with all it offers to International buyers.

Accessibility is also a factor. Flights from London to Manila, for example, average just 16 hours, add to that the many airline specials and its easy to see why this area is becoming an international community. Unlike other offshore rental properties, where the rental market is largely seasonal, in the Philippines there is a strong market for rental properties year round. This gives buyers greater flexibility in choosing when to use and when to rent their property. The strong rental/second home market also has resulted in a proliferation of professional property managers and rental agents, making property ownership and rental easy. Pacific Concord Properties Inc with its flagship Lancaster Condotel Developments fits the bill

Lancaster Manila Atrium Tower A, Shaw Boulevard, Metro Manila, Philippines is a “Full Service” Condominium Hotel ["Condotel"] offering Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Suites for sale. To be completed and ready for turnover from December 2010, the Lancaster Suites Manila Atrium Tower II will provide unit owners with premier residential condo units with the option of enrolling their units in the Lancaster Condotel Rental Pool and earn Rental Incomes as Owner Non-Residents when not using their units through Condotel Management and reciprocal arrangement with Lancaster Cebu Resort Residences. This makes Lancaster Suites Manila, one of the Hottest Investment Opportunities in the Philippines said Collingz.

For further info regarding Lancaster Philippines Condo Hotel Investments please do not hesitate to contact us….

Beth Collingz
PLC International Marketing Networks
Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Manila Head Office
Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City. Metro Manila. Philippines
Phone: Manila [632] 717 1958
Fax: Manila [632] 718 1828

Pacific Concord Properties Inc., Cebu Office
Lapu-Lapu City, Mactan. Cebu. Philippines
Phone: Cebu [6332] 340 0721
Fax: [6332] 495 4938
EMail: plcsales@pldtdsl.net
Web: http://www.lancastersuites.com

Because investing is not a sure thing in most cases, it is much like a game you dont know the outcome until the game has been played and a winner has been declared. Anytime you play almost any type of game, you have a strategy. Investing isnt any different you need an investment strategy.

An investment strategy is basically a plan for investing your money in various types of investments that will help you meet your financial goals in a specific amount of time. Each type of investment contains individual investments that you must choose from. A clothing store sells clothes but those clothes consist of shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, undergarments, etc. The stock market is a type of investment, but it contains different types of stocks, which all contain different companies that you can invest in.

If you havent done your research, it can quickly become very confusing simply because there are so many different types of investments and individual investments to choose from. This is where your strategy, combined with your risk tolerance and investment style all come into play.

If you are new to investments, work closely with a financial planner before making any investments. They will help you develop an investment strategy that will not only fall within the bounds of your risk tolerance and your investment style, but will also help you achieve your financial goals.

Never invest money without having a goal and a strategy for reaching that goal! This is essential. Nobody hands their money over to anyone without knowing what that money is being used for and when they will get it back! If you dont have a goal, a plan, or a strategy, that is essentially what you are doing! Always start with a goal and a strategy for reaching that goal!

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Overall, there are three different kinds of investments. These include stocks, bonds, and cash. Sounds simple, right? Well, unfortunately, it gets very complicated from there. You see, each type of investment has numerous types of investments that fall under it.

There is quite a bit to learn about each different investment type. The stock market can be a big scary place for those who know little or nothing about investing. Fortunately, the amount of information that you need to learn has a direct relation to the type of investor that you are. There are also three types of investors: conservative, moderate, and aggressive. The different types of investments also cater to the two levels of risk tolerance: high risk and low risk.

Conservative investors often invest in cash. This means that they put their money in interest bearing savings accounts, money market accounts, mutual funds, US Treasury bills, and Certificates of Deposit. These are very safe investments that grow over a long period of time. These are also low risk investments.

Moderate investors often invest in cash and bonds, and may dabble in the stock market. Moderate investing may be low or moderate risks. Moderate investors often also invest in real estate, providing that it is low risk real estate.

Aggressive investors commonly do most of their investing in the stock market, which is higher risk. They also tend to invest in business ventures as well as higher risk real estate. For instance, if an aggressive investor puts his or her money into an older apartment building, then invests more money renovating the property, they are running a risk. They expect to be able to rent the apartments out for more money than the apartments are currently worth or to sell the entire property for a profit on their initial investments. In some cases, this works out just fine, and in other cases, it doesnt. Its a risk.

Before you start investing, it is very important that you learn about the different types of investments, and what those investments can do for you. Understand the risks involved, and pay attention to past trends as well. History does indeed repeat itself, and investors know this first hand!

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