There is a wide range of thought being put into print, into blogs and into television interviews regarding how to invest right now. Similar to our political environment, it seems like we’re as divisive as ever on the economy, and what that means for our money.

How do you discern between the varying forms of advice? How do you know what is right? Here are a few things to remember which might help you in this area.

As I mentioned earlier, my goal this year is to pool capital.  I want to hoard cash and use it to take advantage of future investment opportunities that I think will arise in the near future due to economic instability and volatility.  You need cash to buy distressed assets, so that is what we will work towards this year.
I’m going to issue a challenge to the readers here to do the same.  The challenge is to either put away $10,000 or $20,000 depending on your income.  Let’s say you make …

Fidelity released today that early retirement withdrawals are up big time in recent days where individuals are opting to pay a stiff penalty in order to gain access to retirement funds. This is yet another example of the terrible financial condition of many, many Americans.

I think many 20-somethings ask themselves continually where they should be financially by the time they reach 30 years of age.   Most people focus on a single number – specifically, what should one’s net worth be by the time they’re 30?  While this is a legitimate approach, net worth is something that’s difficult to project for someone in their 20s.  There are a number of reasons why.  First, the earning power for most people in their 20s is a fraction of his or her earning power later in life. …

Depending upon your circumstances, you might be really in a funk right now or really moving forward with a pep in your step.  If you’re unemployed and struggling to find any meaningful work, it’s probably difficult to discuss motivation since you’re just aiming for survival.  On the other hand, if you’re financial life is stabilizing or improving, maybe it’s time to start looking at the motivation in your life.
So, what motivates you?  A paycheck?  Satisfying a customer?  Building relationships?  Building up money for a down payment?  Starting a business?  Getting …

The answer to this question is probably no.  Yet, most grandparents of people I know were in pretty good financial shape.  I believe this all comes down to the fact that that generation (our grandparent’s generation) was much more frugal than us.  Personal finance was just common sense back then (and should still be today).  They didn’t need a financial “expert” to tell them how to manage their money.  They just did the common sense personal finance things that too few of us do today.
Our grandparents for the most part …

If you haven’t figured this out yet, readers, then learn this now.  Public policy isn’t perfect.  While many politicians might have honest and good intentions with their legislative powers (and others may not), the result will never be perfect.  The government will never fill your needs entirely no matter what they promise.
So, most of you probably already figure this.  So, why bring it up?  Well, because you must fill the gaps where policy is failing and will continue to fail.  Your financial security, your overall security will need to be …

With the tough economy and lack of income increases in every industry and every part of the country (except government and wall st.), many people are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of financial progress in their lives.  This progress might be paying off and getting out of debt or it might mean just saving more.  Perhaps, it’s buying a house, or buying an investment.  Whatever it is, without capital, without an increase in income, this progress is difficult to materialize.
So, are you frustrated?
While I’m making progress in some areas, …