Lunch Break Investing » financial

The Story of the iPad and the Stock Market

topher — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:00:22 +0000

I’ve had a few days with my iPad and I can honestly say this has potential to be a big technology changer for everyone. This also includes investors. The new mobile society has become even more capable with this device.

What does the iPad have in store for Lunch Break Investors? Here are a few of my thoughts on how this will change it all:

1. Full web browser. No more squinting at the mobile version of our favorite financial site. I was able to log into my Scottrade account and view charts, financial data and news. Just like on my laptop. The only drawback I’ve had so far is that I can’t use the drawing tool on the stock chart. So, I’m still not at the point that I can completely know if a stock is trending.
2. The every growing awesome apps. The Apple app store has enough financial apps that should suit anyone’s strategy. I’ll start reviewing those over the next few days.
3. Numbers is the Apple version of Excel. This is an amazing application. I’m in the process of converting my stock tracking spreadsheet to it (I currently use Google Docs). Again, there is one draw back to the app, it will import Excel documents, but not export them.
4. iBooks, Knook (Barnes & Noble) and Kindle (Amazon). These are the three big boys of the ebook reader market (sorry Sony). Barnes & Noble and Kindle both run on the iPad. What does that mean for Lunch Break Investors? No more heavy books! You can now buy all your favorite books on your preferred format and read away.
5. The video player is much better on the iPad than on the iPhone/iPod touch. Now those videos from podcasts and iTunes U are much easier on the eyes. Time to upgrade your financial knowledge.

Those are my thoughts, do you have any to share. Post a comment below, I would love to hear from you!

Don’t count on your 401k

topher — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:16:22 +0000

401k is the new Social Security. That comment is not a good thing. The reason anyone has a 401k is because we can’t depend on having social security when we retire. We will still be paying for it, but it just won’t be there. The people counting on their 401k to be there when they wanted to retire in 2008-2009 were let down. The recession killed many people’s retirement plan. This is a wakeup call to everyone. DO NOT count on your 401k; take charge of your finances now. Its time for everyone to become personally responsible for their own retirement. Start a savings account, open a CD, and/or get an IRA. Its time! Don’t wait until the next recession to find out that you have to wait on retirement. After working hard your whole life, you deserve some financial security. Create it!

How to Find Companies Worth Investing – Part II – Components

topher — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:00:50 +0000

In my post, How To Find Companies Worth Investing – Part I, I talked about investing in companies that make the products that you use and love. Now let’s look at companies that help make those products happen.

Let’s say you don’t want to invest in HP or Apple. What about the companies that make the components of their products?

Typical Components Inside a Computer:

CPU – Intel (INTC) or AMD (AMD)
Video card – Nvidia (NVDA), ATI (part of AMD)
Monitor – HP (HPQ), LG (KRX)

There are plenty of excellent companies that you can find that make the bits and pieces of your favorite products. Do a search on google or wikipedia to find who makes what.

Happy trading!

How To Find Companies Worth Investing – Part I

topher — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:00:06 +0000

Peter Lynch is well known for saying, “Invest in what you know”. With that in mind, one good place to find companies to invest is the grocery store or mega super store that is the size of a small country. The products that you buy, use, consume and generally can’t live without are made by some of the best companies to invest. List your 5 favorite products and do some homework.

Here are my 5:

1. Tide

2. Starbucks coffee (it helps me write)

3. Coke Zero

4. Doritos

5. Cheez-its

What companies make these products?* A quick search on Wikipedia shows:

1. Tide – Proctor & Gamble Co. (PG)

2. Starbucks – Starbucks Corp. (SBUX)

3. Coke Zero – Coca-Cola Company (KO)

4. Doritos – PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP)

5. Cheez-its – Kellogg Company (K)

That was easy! I now have 5 companies to do my investing homework. On your next visit to the grocery store, check out a few of your favorite products. Who makes them? Leave a comment below and have fun trading!

* These stocks are listed for example purposes only and I do not endorse these companies. Remember to always investigate and consider the risk before investing.

My 2010 Financial Goals

topher — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:41:46 +0000

It’s always good to have a plan. Without a good solid plan or at least some idea of where you are going, you will get lost on the way through the new year. Be sure to make achievable goals. Here for all to see is my 2010 Financial Goals:

Learn and use swing trading
Open a CD account for youngest son
Continue to work toward my goal of trading to own my van
Read one financial book a month
Review and Readjust my 401k
Take one investing class
Learn and use Long Term Value Investing

In the spirit of goals, I’ll also list my goals for this blog:

2 posts a week (no excuses)
Podcast (later in the year)
Add video
New layout
New affiliates
Ebook (later in the year)
Email list
Requests and Suggestion box

Sound off in the comments and let me know what your financial goals are for 2010. Good luck on your financial goals and HAPPY NEW YEAR!