For people in their 20s, careers are a significant part of life. You are early in your career which means you have many options for directions you may take. Before you can really find the long term direction of your career, it is necessary to determine your career goals. It is amazing how many people go through their career without actually sitting down and determined long term goals. It’s time to do that.

While the government’s decision to hand out money to over 130 million American families this week can be debated from numerous angles, it doesn’t change the fact that most of you have money headed your way. The government is hoping that you will spend this money to “stimulate” the economy. As a 20s Money reader, you know that this is an opportunity to continue to position yourself for a better financial future.

Facebook is undoubtedly one of the hottest companies around these days. The rise of the company from a single school online directory to an international network of millions of members of all ages is certainly remarkable. With the company hitting on all cylinders, can we expect the company to move towards an IPO? If so, should the average investor take a position in Facebook?

When looking at specific companies to invest in, there are many factors to consider and research. These factors can be internal characteristics of the company such as management, product line, and growth strategy. There are also external or macroeconomic factors that can impact a stock performance.
While it is important to understand the macroeconomic picture related to the company you are invested in, it is important to note that well run companies can outperform even in an environment that seems to work against the company. Conversely, some companies …

Microsoft (MSFT) just came out with their quarter, and they didn’t impress many investors. I don’t like Microsoft for the short-term or the long-term. Here’s why.

Find yourself feeling sick that your 401(k) is down 15% this year? If you’re in your 20s, cheer up. The downturn in the stock market since its highs last fall will serve you better long term. For the young investor, you have the majority of your investing days ahead of you and the more positions you can build at cheaper prices will drive long term gains for years.

With many bloggers out there calling Starbucks (SBUX) a potential value buy these days, many investors including myself have looked at the depressed stock price of Starbucks as a possible entry point in a great company. Lucky for me, I didn’t pull the trigger.
Yesterday, Starbucks announced lower guidance amid a tough economic environment and as a result, the market pummeled the stock. With an additional 10% hair cut on the stock price, is it time to buy?

What a roll Chesapeake Energy (CHK) and other natural gas stocks have been on. I absolutely love this stock because of the following reasons: