ETFs: Index Funds That Trade Like Stocks

Posted 207 days ago | 0 Comments
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In How to Build An Investment Portfolio, I explained the benefits of using index funds instead of the actively managed funds that dominate most portfolios put together by financial advisors. Vanguard and DFA both provide an excellent selection of indexed mutual funds, giving you the ability to implement a variety of portfolio strategies. However, buying into DFA funds is impossible for most investors, with typical $100,000 account minimums and only through approved advisors. So, the obvious solution is to open a Vanguard account, which only requires a $3000 balance. Another option is to use index ETFs, which trade like stocks, in whatever brokerage account you wish. There are hundreds of quality index ETFs available today, including ETF versions of most of Vanguard’s index funds.

How to Build an Investment Portfolio

Posted 247 days ago | 0 Comments
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It irks me every time I see an ad for some pompous investment advisory firm. It typically shows some well-to-do people sitting around smiling, while a generic acoustic guitar strums in the background, and some guy with a gruff voice tells you how good they are at managing their client’s “complex” investment objectives. I think we all have one simple objective – to make as much money as possible! It should come as no surprise that these companies are incredibly wealthy because they often make more from your money than you do. The truth is, it’s easy to invest your money all by yourself with the simple advice in this article and beat the vast majority of investors using high-cost brokerage firms.

Canon's New Vixia HD Camcorders

Posted 332 days ago | 1 Comments
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Canon has announced three new HD camcorders today that kick off the Vixia line of high-end consumer models. The black paint jobs are definitely nice, making the HV30 look less toy-like compared to its predecessor, and the HF series sports some sleek new styling, an area where Canon has taken a back seat to competing Panasonic and Sony models. You sure will look cool now with a Vixia in your hand.