What will the U.S. economy look like in 12 months? The crystal ball, as they say, is hazy. The odds seem balanced between a renewed recession and a long-awaited upturn. With such uncertainty, it’s wise to focus on stocks with… Read More

In response to rising debt woes in Europe and the United States, wary investors are taking steps to preserve capital, boost income and protect themselves from inflation. A great way to accomplish these goals is to hold consumer-staple stocks, which provide the daily necessities people use such as toothpaste… Read More

In light of the uncertain economy, a wide range of insiders have sought to sell company stock, fearing we may eventually have a repeat performance of 2008 when the economy and the stock market headed south. Yet a few bullish insiders are… Read More

I’ve discovered a way to earn the equivalent of a second Social Security check every month. Now, I don’t want to mislead you. This check isn’t from Uncle Sam. In fact, the government doesn’t have anything to do with it. (I think that’s good news considering all the debt problems the government is facing). And you won’t be receiving one big check. Instead, you’ll see dozens of smaller ones in your mailbox — or brokerage account — each month. Let me explain… According to the Social Security Administration’s… Read More

I’ve discovered a way to earn the equivalent of a second Social Security check every month. Now, I don’t want to mislead you. This check isn’t from Uncle Sam. In fact, the government doesn’t have anything to do with it. (I think that’s good news considering all the debt problems the government is facing). And you won’t be receiving one big check. Instead, you’ll see dozens of smaller ones in your mailbox — or brokerage account — each month. Let me explain… According to the Social Security Administration’s Monthly Statistical Snapshot, in June 2011 the average monthly benefit for the roughly 55 million Americans receiving a Social Security check was $1,079. That month, I earned $1,387 from this alternative method. The month prior, I earned $1,186, and the month before that I got $1,498. Like I said, I’ve discovered a way to earn the equivalent of another Social Security check each and every month. And I only started to build this monthly income stream back in December 2009. So what’s the secret? What’s the key to earning a “second” Social Security check… Read More

The starting gun has sounded in the consumer staples category. Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn’s widely reported bid to acquire Clorox (NYSE: CLX) has led investors to focus on the broader sector, looking for other companies that may be in play. On occasion, a deal for one company… Read More

Back in February, I explained how corporate spinoffs (when a company separates, or “spins off” a division into a separate company) have solid track records of beating the market. I’m usually on the lookout for investment opportunities that pay off within 12 to 18 months, but two… Read More

If there is ever a position to be in, then this is it. I like to imagine what it would be like. The phone rings and my assistant tells me another CEO is on the phone. He gets right to the point. He wants… Read More

Waiting until the last minute, the politicians that run the United States of America are finally on the cusp of a major government overhaul — a move that was badly needed in light of its eye-popping budget deficits. Yet while the move to finally trim budget deficits should be applauded,… Read More

Before the global economic downturn of 2008, a clear investing theme had emerged. Rising incomes across the world were leading to richer diets and triggering a boom for all kinds of stocks that helped farmers be more productive. This emerging trend helped enrich shareholders of Mosaic (NYSE: MOS), the world’s… Read More

I think it’s the most important tool an investor can use. In my Stock of the Month advisory, it has certainly helped me out. Eighteen of my 20 closed trades are winners. I wouldn’t be anywhere near that mark without this tool. And the… Read More