What's Your Investment Iq?

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

Many of the things you think you know about investing are part of a mythology designed to make you bounce around between investment products. Modern day “conventional wisdom” just isn’t all that its cracked up to be. Concepts you worship are inaccurate; indices and averages you trust do not tell the complete story; the basic investment concepts still work — but Wall Street won’t tell you what they are.

It’s time to determine your investment IQ, here’s the deal:

Just take the True-False test below and send me an email list of the statements you feel are generally TRUE — please refrain from including any rationale or explanation. If you don’t get 80% or more correct — you should attend our FREE Web Workshop.

On April 21st, I will be hosting a FREE Workshop where my panel of experts will discuss the answers, the rationale, and the concepts in and around each of the statements. You will be able to participate, ask questions, whatever. No one will try to sell you any products.

Here we go: Generally speaking, are the following statements mostly True or mostly False? Note: you’ll do better if you research terms that you are unfamiliar with. Terms in “quotes” have very specific meanings in the Market Cycle Investment Management/Working Capital Model methodology.

1. The proper gauge of your Investment Portfolio Performance is the change in your market value vs. the S & P 500 or Dow Jones Industrial Average over the course of a calendar year.

2. Mutual Funds are a safer route to long-term investment success than trying to create your own portfolio of individual securities.

3. You really don’t need to worry about growing your “Base Income” until a year or so before you plan to retire. That’s the time to begin designing a safe income portfolio.

4. The Day-Limit Order assures you of getting your trade executed no matter what happens during the trading day.

5. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is comprised of “investment grade” companies, and generally gives a clear indication of what is going on in the Stock Market.

6. In the long run, investing in the Stock Market will assure you of keeping up with inflation.

7. Annuities are perfect investments at retirement both for people of limited resources and for the wealthy, particularly Variable Annuities.

8. Technical Analysts can predict the future movements of the economy, individual securities, and the Stock Market with a very high degree of accuracy.

9. If you were to chart them, your total “Working Capital” line will almost always exceed the portfolio Market Value line.

10. There is no such thing as a freebie on Wall Street.

11. It is important that you take your tax losses regularly, particularly if you have held the losing position for less than one year.

12. Asset Allocation is a strategy used by investors to move assets from weak markets to strong ones in order to improve the growth of the investment portfolio’s bottom line.

13. Sell your losers and let you profits run is the essence of sound Investment Management thinking.

14. Closed End Mutual Funds (CEFs) are not popular with Wall Street professionals because they are inherently more risky than normal Mutual Funds.

15. It’s smarter for income investors to buy short duration individual municipal and corporate bonds, even at a premium, because it assures them of less market value volatility in the income portion of their portfolios.

16. DRIPs and Dollar Cost Averaging are recommended strategies because they are guaranteed to enhance the long-term performance of a properly diversified portfolio.

17. There are fewer than 400 “Investment Grade Value Stocks” traded on the NYSE.

18. Closed End Muni-Bond Funds are a much maligned and little appreciated income generation machine in spite of the fact that they generally maintained their 6% or so tax free dividend yield during the recent financial crisis and outperformed the DJIA in market value growth during 2009.

19. “Smart Cash” is an integral part of any Asset Allocation formula because it allows investors to time the market successfully. Professional market timers know precisely when to move into or out of cash in anticipation of the next major directional change in the market.

20. Buy and Hold continues to be the proper investment strategy for most individual investors.

21. It is a well-known fact that there are certain Core Portfolio issues that belong in all investment portfolios if long-term success is to be expected.

22. Every properly diversified portfolio will have up to 5% in each of these areas: miscellaneous speculative opportunities, gold or other commodities, small cap stocks, and global index funds.

23. Zero Coupon Bonds are an important part of the fixed income portion of the investment portfolio, especially when retirement is contemplated within five years or so.

24. These are the FOUR most Important elements of successful long-term investing:

Diversify properly.

Establish a target for taking profits.

Buy high quality securities.

Increase annual income.

25. Greed and Fear are important performance enhancing emotions; those who sell when others are greedy, and buy when panic rules the markets have a much better chance of investing successfully.

26. The second step in every stock purchase should be the establishment of a Stop Loss Order. Such an order assures you that your losses will be limited to a specific percentage of your purchase price.

27. “Investment Grade Value Stocks” will be the next red-hot market sector.

28. Mark-to-market valuation of mortgages backed securities has proven to be good for investors.

29. Wrap Accounts provide investors with the opportunity to obtain private, personal, investment management by a well known professional at a reasonable cost.

30. The expression Managed by the Mob with regard to open-end mutual funds refers only to the direct impact of Wall Street and Washington on the movement of mutual fund prices.

Investing is as fascinating as it is frantic, as scary as it is exciting, and as intimidating as it is satisfying. But perhaps the most interesting thing about it is how educationally unprepared most individual investors are for the adventure!

The first and most important step in your investment program is a non-product biased investment education— and that goes for both part-time and full-time investors.

Thank you for participating.


Steve Selengut http://www.sancoservices.com
Professional Portfolio Management since 1979 Author of: “The Brainwashing of the American Investor: The Book that Wall Street Does Not Want YOU to Read”, and “A Millionaire’s Secret Investment Strategy”
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How To Pick A Good Debt Consolidation Company

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

When you need to sort out your debt problems, you have to be careful. Many debt consolidation companies can offer you the best solution for your problems, but service quality and dependability, will vary.

Choosing between the good companies and the bad ones, is difficult, particularly since, their initial offers sound, so good. A low interest loan is mostly offered, by most, debt consolidation companies and here follows, a few tips, on how to pick the company, that will provide you with the best gain.

1. Their reputation. A long list of successfully resolved, debt problems, doesn’t guarantee success in your personal case, but it lets you know, that the chances are high.

Finding a reputable company, is essential, especially for your peace of mind, but also for your wallet. Of course, the more experienced companies, will normally, charge a bit more, but the initial higher investment, will most likely, pay off in the long run.

Find out from the company, if they will give you permission, to contact one of their, past or present, customers, so you can ask them, to describe the service. Frequently, the customer list is private, but it is possible, to find somebody, who is prepared to share their experience and who will provide you with useful information, on the company services.

2. Stay away from, loophole loans. Also known as balloon loans, they give you the opportunity, of paying the loan back, over an extended period five years or more.

The monthly payments are very low, but, at the end of the extended loan period, you will still, have to pay most of the loan, back, because the low monthly payments, barely covered the interest fees. This is generally a very tempting offer, at the onset, but it may have disastrous consequences, in the long term.

3. Non-profit companies. Many of us see the non profit term, as an indicator, that we will be treated properly and that there are no hidden interest rates, in the loan process. Do not depend, on this entirely, as some non-profit organisations, that deal with debt consolidation, may either be unprofessional or they might even take advantage of your problems.

4. Know the payment process entirely. If a company presents you with a debt consolidation plan, make sure to examine it, yourself, before agreeing to it. If there is something, you are not sure of, then ask a company representatives, to explain it to you, until you understand, it. Even the smallest detail, in a loan agreement, may become a large obstacle in the future, if you do not understand, its meaning. It also useful, to do the maths yourself, not just to rely on what the company, has calculated, for you. It is, of course, also helpful, to get a second opinion, so ask a friend or work colleague, or even a lawyer, to look over it.

Make sure the debt consolidation company plan, is clear and precise, and decide, on them, only when you are 100% certain, of the terms.

Want more ebooks, which you can read, on the Go, with many useful titles and a Free signup, then check out this Great new membership website at ebooks4mobile.com


I have been working online for about 16 years. Have useful skills in web development and at the moment, particularly interested in ebook membership website management. Please visit ebooks4mobile.com for more details, FREE signup available. Have a good Read and stay in the Lead, cheers Don DocRabbit(ARR) :) Publishing of my articles allowed, but please include my website url, for a backlink.
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How To Locate A Debt Consolidation Service Online

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

We are usually, ignorant, to the fact that, you can consolidate your debt online and only decide on working, with counseling agencies, that are either far away or offer rates that are not very competitive.

If you need to consolidate your debt, you can do it from home! Many financial websites can lead you, to companies that specialize in debt consolidation and can also give you advice about, managing your money, creating a budget and learning to save.

Once you have selected, a debt consolidator online, your advisor, will do an assessment, of your personal financial situation and then, will show you, the best course, of action to take.

Once you have decided on which solution is the best, for your particular needs, they will help you install, your online debt consolidation plan. In order to make this possible, you will need to have your unsecured debt details, ready so that you have all of your account information and the latest, balances, easily accessible.

It is also needed, for you, to have your household income and expenditures together, so that you can create, your own personal household budget.

Once your budget is planned, you will realize, how much of your salary, can be used, in paying back, your debt. Then your debt consolidation advisor, will contact each of your creditors and negotiate with them, about how much you can spare, to pay them, monthly. Frequently, they can also help, to lower, your interest rates, late payment fees and overdraft fees.

When all this is finished, you will be able to make, just one payment each month, to the debt consolidation company and they will, on your behalf, pay each of your creditors.

In this way, your creditors, can be guaranteed, of receiving payments monthly, from you and you can relax, in knowing, that all your bills are being paid, each month.

So, how do you locate an online debt consolidation company? By using any popular search engine, you can search for the terms, “personal credit counselors”, “credit repair”,”debt management services”, “financial education services” and “debt consolidation services”.

It’s best to take care of your finances, as soon as you realize, there is a problem. The worst thing you can do is, to think that, the next month, things will only, get better and hope it goes away, because, I am sorry, to say, it won’t. Your debt problems, will get worse, until you take the initiative and do something about it. All the best and I hope, this present reccession, does not get you down, for history, has shown, it will end.

Want more ebooks, which you can read, on the Go, with many useful titles and a Free signup, then check out this Great new membership website at ebooks4mobile.com


I have been working online for about 16 years. Have useful skills in web development and at the moment, particularly interested in ebook membership website management. Please visit ebooks4mobile.com for more details, FREE signup available. Have a good Read and stay in the Lead, cheers Don DocRabbit(ARR) :) Publishing of my articles allowed, but please include my website url, for a backlink.
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How To Save Money During A Recession

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

Recession is a word that causes, fear in all of us. It’s a time we consider, bad for our financial situation, a time capable of drastically reducing, the value of the dollar, overnight. It also, quickly increases the cost of basic living. And where money is a serious consideration, people always ask, “Can I really manage, to save, during a recession?” The answer is: for sure, you can. You just need to be clever and creative, about the whole thing.

Here are some ways how:

Plan your purchases.

By planning your buying habits, you’re essentially, planning your expenses. This will help eliminate the temptation, of impulse buying and unnecessary spending. Get your priorities, right, when it comes to your basic needs.

Plan to by your groceries, on a weekly basis, for example, you’ll have an idea of which items you absolutely need (and want) and which items you do not need. To make certain, that you get the most out of, your planning efforts, consider including, items on sale, into your planning. If there are foods on sale that week, for example, why not plan your week’s menu, using what’s presently, selling, at discounted, prices?

Use the B’ word.

Budget, of course. If you want to achieve, saving money during a recession, learn to discipline yourself and your family. Using your plan, as a guide, create a weekly or monthly budget and then strictly, utilize it. If you need to make adjustments, to it, you should have a very important reason. to do so. Besides that, don’t spend.

Watch out for bargains and discounts.

Learn to observe stores, for seasonal sales. You’ll save a lot of money, by buying items on sale, than at the normal prices. In a recession, that’s known as, wise spending. Check out store or newspaper ads and don’t be embarrassed, about asking for cheaper alternatives, getting store rebates or using discount coupons. Also think about, buying at discount stores or secondhand stores, as well. Each dollar you don’t pay, is a dollar you save.

Buy in bulk.

If there are items in your house that are often in use (paper towels, canned beans, fruit juice, water, yoghurt, etc.), consider buying in bulk. Many stores offer items in multiple packs, which means you’ll save money in the long run, if you buy them instead of paying for individual items.

Put off exclusive purchases.

A good rule to follow is, if you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. If, for example, you have enough money for a deposit, on a new LCD TV, but will have to lend money, from your credit card, bank account, just to give you cover, for a couple of weeks, it would be really foolish, to make such, a purchase. Wait until you can genuinely, comfortably, afford something. The worst you can do, during a recession, besides not saving some extra money, is getting into debt.

Practice prevention, not cure.

If you examine carefully, there are many things, you do in your home, that are wasting, precious dollars, from your wallet. Easy steps, such as repairing and maintaining your home and appliances, using more effective equipment and reducing, unnecessary consumption, can really help your financial situation. And what better way to survive a recession, than to be more economical?

Earn extra money.

If, after all your endeavors, the money you have saved, is still not enough, don’t let recession get you down. There are times when your endeavors, are just not adequate, enough mainly, because you don’t earn enough. Instead of asking for a salary increase, that might never happen or waiting for a promotion to fall out of the sky, consider seeking other ways, with which to earn (and save) money.

Contemplate getting a part-time job, work overtime, sell something, on the side or offer your skills, as a freelancer. The extra income you earn, along with your recession proofed, money-saving plan, will help you make enough, until the hard times, are over.

Want more ebooks, which you can read, on the Go, with many useful titles and a Free signup, then check out this Great new membership website at ebooks4mobile.com


I have been working online for about 16 years. Have useful skills in web development and at the moment, particularly interested in ebook membership website management. Please visit ebooks4mobile.com for more details, FREE signup available. Have a good Read and stay in the Lead, cheers Don DocRabbit(ARR) :) Publishing of my articles allowed, but please include my website url, for a backlink.
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Hire A Construction Claims Consultant When You've Had A Loss At Your Worksite

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

With a construction site, loss of time and materials and even injury are commonplace which means that your company might need a construction claims consultant to look after your best interests. No one can do anything about the weather stalling or destroying a work site but construction delays due to contractor negligence or even injuries and lost materials can be prevented or resolved. Rarely does a work site run 100% smoothly so you need someone on your side fighting for your rights, ensuring all other parties operate according to their agreements.

Construction claims are commonplace, especially when you are dealing with dozens of individual parties such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters and other contractors necessary to complete a project. A construction claims consultant can represent your interests whether you need to file a claim for compensation against someone else or another party files a claim against your company. Consultants in this arena determine the validity of the claims as well as help you prepare a claim. They can file extensions and research claim options as well as defend your company. Here is a more in-depth look at some of the things these consultants do:

Investigate Delays

A construction claims consultant evaluates the cause of project delays as well as determines responsibility and the financial analysis involved in how much money the delays will cost. The consultant must be familiar with project management in the construction industry as well as scheduling techniques and the nuances of the different vendor trades involved in the project.

Evaluate and Estimate Damages

Consultants also must evaluate and estimate damages involved due to project delays, injuries, mistakes on the job and more. A delay, injury or even lost materials creates a ripple effect in any project which can mean more delays or additional costs and it is the job of the consultant to determine this.

Determine Breakdowns and Strategize Corrective Action

A consultant with construction claims experience must be able to reconstruct why a delay or other problem happened and then create a workable solution to remediate the situation. The consultant must be familiar with the current construction laws including building codes and standards as well as recognize deficiencies in design and materials. They may also provide project management experience to oversee the remediation of a project as well.

Arbitration and Litigation

A consultant with construction claims experience may also provide a professional, unbiased viewpoint should their expertise be needed for arbitration and litigation circumstances. Engineering and architectural firms may benefit from this type of consultant as can governmental agencies, contractors and construction firms. Having someone like a construction claims consultant represent your interests is a smart move, especially if you are not well-versed in the many facets of construction projects.


Learn more about available construction claim consultant services at www.rjhconsulting.co.uk.
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How To Gain The Most Out Of A Personal Debt Consolidation Loan

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

You maybe at a stage in your life, where accumulating debt, has left you, with no savings and you feel like, you have a heavy ball and chain, secured around your ankle, preventing your freedom, to think, clearly. Concerning this issue, you maybe keen, to develop, different and productive resources, that can better help and assist you, in dealing with engulfing, debt. In considering the varied resolutions, that are possible, for you today, when it comes to debt problems, you will want to purposefully, look at how a personal debt consolidation loan, might be more useful, in a more extensive, plan.

This article has been written, to provide you with, an analysis, of how you can best utilize, a personal debt consolidation loan. By contemplating the suggestions, presented to you in this article, you will be better off, to seriously pinpoint, methods that will be progressive, when it comes to managing your financial situation and reducing, your debt. In short, by considering how a personal debt consolidation loan can best be used by you, you will no longer be consumed by, the never ending, vicious circle, you can end up in, by bad debt.

When it boils down to gaining, better knowledge, on how you can make the most out of, a personal debt consolidation loan, you should be thankful, that in, the majority of cases, getting a personal debt consolidation loan, alone, will not be enough, to give you financial freedom, for the future. Instead, when considering how to get the most out of, a personal debt consolidation loan, you need to understand that, a personal debt consolidation loan, should be one aspect (and an important one at that) within a large supply of equipment, that can be used to effectively and more long term, deal with, your debt worries. Additional equipment, that you will want to decide on, when implementing, a personal debt consolidation loan, into a complete plan, concerning, your bad debt are:

– a budget

– debt consultation

– effective credit report repair

– future restrictions on additional debt

– a solid savings and investment plan

– a sensible retirement program

When it comes to studying, how to get the most out of, a personal debt consolidation loan, it is crucial, for you to fully and thoroughly, examine and outline, your particular debts, before you apply, for a personal debt consolidation loan. In many cases, a person will end up applying, for a personal debt consolidation loan, before they, really realize, what their requirements are, for this kind of, financing. To articulate it, differently, a person will usually, end up ignorantly, making an application, for a personal debt consolidation loan and end up with too much money or too little money, through a personal debt consolidation loan. In other words, the personal debt consolidation loan, ends up not effectively and suitably, covering that person’s, actual debt consolidation, requirements.

By knowing how a personal debt consolidation loan can best, be put into action, applying for a personal debt consolidation loan, will be a wise, decision for you. To repeat, once again, (and as has been noted) a personal debt consolidation loan, can turn out to be a very useful tool, in your overall debt management system.

Want more ebooks, which you can read, on the Go, with many useful titles and a Free signup, then check out this Great new membership website at ebooks4mobile.com


I have been working online for about 16 years. Have useful skills in web development and at the moment, particularly interested in ebook membership website management. Please visit ebooks4mobile.com for more details, FREE signup available. Have a good Read and stay in the Lead, cheers Don DocRabbit(ARR) :) Publishing of my articles allowed, but please include my website url, for a backlink.
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Top 10 Tips For Health Insurance As An Independent Contractor

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

Millions of Americans are now working as independent contractors. It saves companies money, and can be very rewarding for the worker. Contractors are responsible for obtaining their own health insurance, for one thing. Unfortunately, a portion of that population is incorrectly classified. How can you know the difference, and how can you find affordable health insurance if you need to? Here are 10 tips to help you:

Know how being a contractor impacts your health insurance status. The U.S. Labor Department believes that up to 30% of businesses may classify workers under the wrong category, either intentionally or accidentally. Being considered a contractor versus an employee is significant. Employers don’t have to pay unemployment or worker’s compensation taxes for contractors, unlike employees. While an employer is not required to offer health insurance to an employee, either, they are more likely to receive that benefit than a contractor.
Make sure that you are truly an independent contractor, not an employee. The main difference between an employee and a contractor centers around autonomy and control. If you must report to an office every day during specific hours and receive specific assignments, you are generally considered as an employee. If you can decide when and where to perform your work, you’re a contractor.
If you have been denied group health insurance benefits because you were falsely classified as a contractor, report it. You can file a lawsuit with the labor department against your company for the back value of lost benefits. The IRS is also stepping up enforcement, so you may want to contact them.
If you are a legitimate contractor, start looking for affordable health insurance as soon as possible. As an independent contractor, you have the freedom to pick from among the variety of health insurance plans available. The healthier and younger you are, the more options that will be available. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for a corporate open enrollment period; just buy a plan right away, and it can take effect as soon as the next day–and no later than the following month.
Try to sign up for your spouse’s health insurance, if you are married. In most cases, group health insurance tends to be cheaper than coverage for the self-employed. There is also little concern about policy exclusions. You can often qualify for health insurance through your husband or wife’s place of employment. Of course, if they are entrepreneurs or fellow independent contractors (or if you are unmarried), this route may not be open to you.
Choose a high-deductible health insurance plan. If you are in generally good health, consider buying a scaled down high-deductible individual health insurance plan. It still covers most essential health care, but normally forces you to pay a certain percentage of the cost of doctor visits and medications (as opposed to a set co-payment). As a result, the premiums are lower. It’s better to have less comprehensive coverage for awhile than to stay uninsured, especially if you later develop a pre-existing condition.
Look into any organizations you’re a member of for group deals. Many affinity groups and organizations of various sizes offer discounted health insurance to their members. These groups include fraternities, sororities, and professional associations (including the Freelancers Union).
Think about guaranteed issue health insurance if you have a pre-existing condition. When getting insurance through an employer, your health status rarely matters. On the open market, it’s the complete opposite. Most health insurers will reject you if they believe you will file too many claims. However, guaranteed issue insurance is required by law to accept all applicants. It’s slightly more expensive than regular medical insurance, but there are still affordable options available.
Shop around! Prices vary among health insurance companies. Each of the major providers (including Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield) offer different plans. One is sure to fit your needs.
Remember that you’re not alone. A quarter of the American workforce is now made up of independent contractors and other “non-traditional” workers. Almost two thirds of them don’t get health insurance from their employers. Also, stress can cause health problems!


Yamileth Medina is an up and coming expert on individual health insurance and healthcare reform. She aims to help people realize that they can find quality health insurance right now. Yamileth lives in Miami, FL.
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Get Hassle Free Financial Assistance

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

Many people don’t realize the fact that their credit rating is low. They approach car salesman’s office for buying a new brand car or contact mortgage broker to finance a new house. They approach them without knowing whether they actually qualify for availing loans or not. Finally, they get the news that either they do not qualify for the loan or even if they qualify, the interest rate is too high. In such a crucial situation, what will you do? Will you avail loan at higher interest rates in order to meet your needs and demands? Well, the best solution is to understand the importance of credit score and learn how to improve the same. Credit repair can be done but it requires your patience and right approach.

People who even know the significance of credit score may get trapped when they learn how much higher of a credit score they want today as compared to just a few years ago. To get loan approval for buying homes or vehicles, you need a higher credit score. It is awkward to find out that your credit score is low and you may not be eligible for taking loans at competitive rates. Many people take loans for the first time to meet their financial demands, but often fail to repay the loan on time. This leads to a negative credit score rating.

It is unfortunate that there are people who stay in the state of despair because they don’t find any method to improve their credit score. Well, there are several steps, which can be taken for credit repair. Depending upon the required credit solutions, individuals can improve their credit score to be eligible for availing loans. In addition, they also need some financial management tricks. What’s more — they need to take other steps for credit repair. For example, they first need to educate themselves about what credit rating means to them and how it is calculated, how much credit score they need to qualify and how to maintain their credit rating in future.

Keep an eye on your expenses and take required steps to check extra spending, if any. In addition, you also need to check out if there is any misprinting on your credit report. However, if you are not aware of the technicalities involved you can take the help of credit repair service companies. These are professionals who understand even subtle problems associated with your credit report and find the best solution to improve the same.


The author is eminent writer on credit repair. To discover low rate credit repair industry, student debt, personal debt consolidation loan you can consult him for better solution.
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What Is A Deductible In Health Insurance?

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:25
Posted in category Financial

Knowing how your medical insurance deductible works is important if you are going to select the right healthcare policy. You should understand the basic arithmetic that applies to medical insurance deductibles, how copays and coinsurance influence what you have to pay for health treatment and how your deductible affects what you will pay to your health insurance company.

The dollar amount of your healthcare insurance deductible is figure you will have to pay toward certain health care expenses before your health insurance company pays anything. This means that if you have a five thousand dollar deductible, you will have to pay at least half the cost if you have ten thousand dollars worth of costs.

(If your healthcare insurance plan has coinsurance, you may have to pay an additional amount after you have met your deductible. You may have copays as well.)

Health insurance deductibles are applied to the eligible expenses you have over the course of a year. This means that you can meet your deductible by having an MRI or several doctor’s visits. The twelve month period will probably begin on the first of January, but may begin you your contract’s anniversary date.

You do not have to pay your entire annual deductible if your expense are less. This means that if you have a one thousand dollar deductible, but have need $500 of treatment, you will only need to pay $500.

Your yearly deductible may not be the total of what you have to pay towards your health costs. You may also have co-pays and coinsurance. Unless someone else, like your employer, is paying for your policy you will also have a premium to pay.

One very crucial thing to grasp about health care insurance deductibles is that they do not work the same way in all health insurance plans. In some health insurance plans all of your costs for treatment will be subject to the yearly deductible. In others only hospital costs are. There are many variations.

For this reason a no deductible contract will typically not be a $0 cost policy. Plans with no yearly deductible will tend to have other cost shares.

You should not assume that you will only pay a small copay for a physician visit just because a plan you had in the past worked this way. This is the case with some contracts but not with others. Also with many plans you will find that the physician’s fee is covered by the copay, but any X-rays or labs will not be. Those will be subject to the annual deductible.

The size of your deductible is a big factor in determining the price you will have to pay for your policy. The higher the yearly deductible, the more you will have to pay if you have medical expenses, but the lower you will have to pay the insurance company for your contract.

Because the cost goes up faster than the deductible goes down in many cases, high yearly deductible medical insurance plans are often better bargains when compared with low or no yearly deductible health insurance plans.

Understanding medical insurance deductibles can help you select the right policy. However, you will also need to know how copays as well as coinsurance can provisions are applied in any health care insurance plan you are considering in order to to judge the differences and select the best policy.


Alston J. Balkcom has been a Connecticut insurance agent since 1985. His practice primarily involves helping Connecticut residents find health insurance. His focus is on those who do not qualify for health insurance through their employers. He helps his clients find Connecticut individual health insurance.
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Do You Trade Against The Trend?

Monday, March 15, 2010 21:22
Posted in category Financial

One of the most thrilling trades is correctly ascertaining the exact moment a trend changes direction and correctly entering the trade. Even better, these trades are often very profitable.

But there is a problem with trading against the trend, it is very difficult to discern just when a trend is going to change direction. There are plenty of traders who claim exceptional skill in counter trend trading, but the traders I have observed are usually far less successful than they claim.

And there is a reason for problems with trading against the trend.

To be sure, trades against the trend have a low probability of success, especially when compared with set-ups that occur when trading with the trend. There is a very good reason seasoned veteran traders claim, “the trend is your friend.” More often than not, the average trade will start a minor foray against the trend and resume movement in its original trading trend. This is a lesson novice traders often learn the hard way, by taking several counter trend trades and watching the trade disintegrate before their very eyes. It is a disheartening experience.

Oddly enough, many traders cannot lay off the many nice set ups that sometimes form against the trend. After all, these set-ups look great, how could the trade fail? With some traders this litany of counter trend trading stops only when their futures trading accounts have terminally expired. I’ve never been able to put my finger on exactly why some traders can never break themselves of counter trend trading. Is it just too psychologically difficult to pass on what looks like a great trade set up, even though it is against the trend? Do these traders have just enough success trading against the trend to have an occasional success which keeps them trading? The questions are difficult to answer, as the behavior defies rational thinking.

Many traders employ a style of picking tops and bottoms of market moves and trade to take advantage of the market reversal. I can’t think of a more difficult way to try to make a living trading, especially when there are so many easy trades in the trend to pick up 2 or 3 points per trade. The line of least resistance in profitable trading is in the trend. Not against the trend.

There are often very choppy trading sessions where no distinct trend develops, and these days are difficult to trade. You must scrutinize your trade set-ups with care and trade accordingly. My point is a simple one; the market does not establish a distinct trend every day, so it is not possible to “always” trade with the trend. It takes a skilled trader and a cool hand to take advantage of straight sideways days in the market. These are days when I take only the very best set-ups and keep my stops tight and trade with well-defined profit targets. Self discipline in these markets is a must if you are to profit.

I have a fairly simple formula for accounting for my counter trend trading. I never take more than 10% of my trades against the trend. This keeps me out of many losing trades, but still gives me an occasional opportunity to spot a market reversal. Are you taking more than 10% of your trades against the trend? If you are, you may want to stop and examine your risk/reward ratio on these trades. Are they consistent winners? Probably not.

On a final note, I find it much easier to spot market bottoms than market tops. With this idea in mind my general thinking is to take counter trend trades primarily to the long side. The market tends to move downward in powerful and forceful strokes with well defined moves. On the other hand, moves to the upside are often far more gradual and less organized. So I prefer long counter trend trades over short counter trend trades.

All in all, counter trend trading is a risky proposition and I encourage you to avoid, for the most part, trading against the trend. But if you must, look for bottoms in a move and seek a long trade, you will be happier with the results and your trading will become more consistent.


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