Penny Stock Investment

I have been in a well-known financial institution long enough to understand the basics of trading stocks and other banking schematics and to invest in some of the best penny stocks available then. My tenure in the financial world was not too long to go deeper in the rudiments of investments and stocks.

I managed to invest some of my hard-earned money in IPOs or Initial Public Offering of multi-national corporations while I was young and sold all of them before I left the Philippines. I shelled out approximately $500 in one petroleum company and another $500 in one of the leading banks in the Philippines. I knew a trader who would constantly brief me of the comings and goings in the trading floor so as soon as I knew I was leaving the Philippines, I also got a call from my stock broker to sell both my stock investments. The timing could not be any better. I did not make a fortune but I managed to at least earn a decent out of the investments.

So, what is a stock, you might ask? In the corporate and business world, stock is the equity shares of the company's owners. Some of stocks are offered to the public as IPOs where common people like you and me can purchase a fraction of a company's stocks at a par value. A legal document called the stock certificate is issued to the investor indicating the type, value and the amount of the share bought.

There are many kinds of stock investment like income stock, common/preferred stock, blue chip stock, growth stock and penny stock. I will delve more on the latter as this is something the common people can afford.

Penny stock is a share of a company that trade at a very low price. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the US determines the penny stock as any stock selling below the $5 mark. In other countries, like in the UK, any share that is sold for a 1 GBP is in the penny stock category.

There is a caveat in dealing with penny stocks. Most investors consider it risky due to the fact that these stocks can be manipulated in the market by promoters and traders who uses the pump and dump scheme using newsletter releases, social media hypes and even chatrooms to promote the stock.

However, that is not always the case. A good investor and a keen trader can know the difference and can make wise judgment on investment by buying only known legit, small companies shares.

A Good Credit Score For A Loan

Most people will need a loan at a certain point in their lives. Others will consider the use of credit cards and will seek credit card advice for their application. The use for a credit can be for personal, business, a milestone in their lives and educational. However, what ever the reason for acquiring a credit or loan, people must be aware that what money you borrowed must also be returned in good faith.

Acquiring a loan these days is getting very difficult due to the fact that we are still in recession. The financial market has not bounced 100% yet and even if some banks and other financial institutions have opened their doors to money-lending, applying for one is like going through an eye of a needle. One must have a good credit standing to have a good chance of loan or credit approval when you apply.

Many will wonder how the credit score works and what gives you a good and bad credit score. Most lending institutions follow the FICO scoring system or in long term, Fair, Isaacs, and Co. It is the company behind the widely used credit scoring system used by most credit reporting companies. The FICO score ranges between 300 to 850. The latter is the perfect credit score and the ideal. One's credit score has the history of a person's credit flow and is an indication whether that person will be a risk to be given a loan or even be considered about credit cards issuance.

Not all denizens can afford to stick to the good credit score range due to many reasons. Some of them may have been unemployed for sometime and have fallen on hard times. Others may have been trying to make both ends meet due to the meager wage and facing tons of bills to pay so they result to other means of getting ready cash. This is when the misuse of credit card comes into the picture. However, there are still companies offering loans even to those with bad credit standing. These companies offer special rates with low credit balance and special interest rates to those who have bad credit score to help them keep their spending on track and build up a good credit standing.

If you are looking for a loan or credit, make sure that you are ready to face the responsibility of paying back regularly and using the loan or credit very wisely.

In Need Of Capital

There are plenty of business opportunities presented to me by my friends. Unfortunately, I cannot commit at the moment due to our tight budget. I feel like I am letting those opportunities pass. I cannot take loans right now because we have a big project this year and that is to start the construction of our dream house.

Some of my friends are into the trucking business back in the Philippines. One of them is asking me if I can share in the business but I am badly in need of capital. I wish I have plenty of savings so I can invest on the truck tracking and delivery service. I also did my research and it involves a lot of money. I do not have that kind of money in the bank.

Another friend of mine here in Dubai asked me to join a marketing scheme for electronic mobile loads to be used in the Philippines. Again, I need money as a start-up and I am sure the rest will be fruitful as long as I have the money to spare. I did not decline but I cannot confirm anything as of this time. I am still fixing my budget for the next few months. I just want to make sure that we have enough to cover our means while it is still recession.

I certainly hope that the opportunities do not stop from knocking. If I miss them, it is not deliberate. It is more of a choice at this point. I hope I can shake off my financial burden so I can jump to all the business opportunities around me and that will open the floodgates of money coming in.

Christmas Gifts for Less

Photo credit: yahoo images

I know the recession is still on and a lot of people are still out of the work-force. However, there are still some who are willing to spend few bucks to keep the spirit of sharing this holiday season alive.

Gift-giving this Christmas need not be very extravagant. It is nice to put the "it's the thought that counts" in the fore why we are giving presents in the first place. Here are some tips to make the spirit of giving a successful, budget-friendly and meaningful this Christmas time.

1. Make your own gifts. If you are good in crafts like painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, quilting or any handiwork then make use of those precious skills and talents. Make wonderful and thoughtful creations from your creativity.

2. Take advantage of the major sales happening before the Christmas rush. Some establishments are offering great promos like buy 1 get 1 free deals.

3. Check online for steals and bargains. Most online shopping networks offer promos for early shoppers, coupons and discounts. Use them.

4. Go to flea markets and you'll be surprised to find precious stuff your friend or a relative will like. You may even find one for yourself as a gift.

5. Go to 1$ stores and other inexpensive retailers and find the perfect gifts for families and friends.

6. Check classified ads for unwanted items being sold on a slashed price. Most of these items are either unwanted gifts or the objects of a compulsive shopper.

7. Check you collections. You may have unused and unopened stuff that has been gathering dust in your closet or storage area. It's time to give them a new home.

8. If you're giving gifts to families, try giving one collective gift that everyone will enjoy like a board game or colorful picture book. This way, you don't have to buy one gift per member of the family especially if they are relatives. That will surely dent your budget.

9. Bake some goodies. Nothing beats the fresh smell of baked goodies straight from the oven. You can put the goodies in canisters, jars or boxes and present them with ribbons and nice tags.

10. Lastly, if you are so pressed for cash and you still want to give something special because you have thought of your family and friends then send them free e-cards. Like I said earlier, "it's the thought that counts."

Merry Christmas in advance and let's remember this: "The reason for the season is HIM."

Getting Rich During The Rough Times

Many of us fell prey to the pernicious cycle of the great recession of the modern times. Others managed to strike gold while the majority is left penniless. However, this time poses plenty of opportunities for people who have saved enough, for those who have withstood the test of times and for the astute who have the knowledge and skills to make more money fast despite the recession by devising ways to earn more.

Some people are lucky enough to maintain their 5 or 6 digits salary jobs while the countless number of unemployed are still on the rise. The fresh graduates are in for a tough time because of the stringent employment openings. Those who have experience in their belt who are willing to take in any amount of salary just to be employed will pose a great threat to the newbies. With this unemployment scenario in mind and the other gloomy accounts of recession, how do we get rich then? Here are some tips:

• Amassing great wealth does not happen overnight but having the correct attitude and knowledge to handle your finances is one step to get rich.
• Acquire a positive outlook in life. While a lot of people are wallowing in sorrow for the loss of their jobs and foreclosure of their properties and bankruptcy of their business, some people pick up themselves and go out on the streets to look for another job or sell some properties or even do sidelines. 
• Turn your hobby into money-making activity. If you have a penchant for writing then offer your freelance writing service. There is money in blogging. Start a blog or submit articles to websites for a fee. If you are the crafty one, dust those equipment and put them into use. Sew small garments or create projects you can sell. Create a website to sell your wares and merchandise online or offer your services too via this medium.
• Practice the "need vs. want" attitude when purchasing anything. Weigh the pros and cons of buying something even the simplest grocery item. Ask yourself if what you are going to purchase is something really required or something you fancy. If the reason is the latter then put the merchandise back to the shelf. That means, you can do without it.
• Use cash and use it sparingly if you have to. This is applicable to all factors in life and is related to the "need vs. want" policy. Clinging to your money like a vine is not bad as long as your intentions are all for the right reason - saving for the rainy days. It is not gluttony but a wise practice to perfect just in case emergencies like the recession arise.
• Always keep at least 20% of your monthly salary as a fixed saving. The higher the percentage, the better. Ensure that this fixed saving is never withdrawn for unnecessary purchases or projects.
• Stop hoarding. You certainly do not need two of the same items or submit to panic buying. Clean out your closet. Empty your cabinets with clutter and make money out of them by selling them to eBay or organize your own yard sale. 
• If you are still employed then keep the job as long as you can and as long as you are not yet kicked out. Do a part time job on your spare time to augment your salary and save.
• Avoid using your credit cards. The interest in this kind of credit facility is very exorbitant. Try to pay off more than the minimum amount required to lessen the finance charges. Better yet, do not use it at all.
• Simplify your life. Living large is no longer an in thing but more of a high-maintenance lifestyle. Live a frugal life and practice simplicity. You do not need a fancy car nor a shiny solitaire diamond on your finger. What you need is a windfall and that is your savings.
• If you are the smart one and knows something about trading then do so. Allocate a portion of your savings to stocks.  However, watch your stocks like a hawk and know when to withdraw and switch. Start small. You do not have to use all your savings to buy stocks but invest on few companies that are worth the dime. Check the stock and business news for more information and learn from traders some tips on how to go through stock investment.
• Lastly, pray and absorb God's blessings in any shape or form. Be thankful for the little gifts you have in life because without those little things are also invaluable wealth in your spiritual life.