Stock Investing Vs Gold and Real Estate

Author: James Leitz
Source: ezinearticles.com

Traditionally, stock investing has been associated with good times. People tend to invest in gold in times of economic crisis; and real estate investing has been viewed as relatively safe. When stock investing loses its luster investors often react and turn to the other two investment options to make money and offset stock losses. Should you do the same?

Anyone who follows the stock market knows that there are bull markets and bear markets … good times and bad times. If you invest in gold you know that the same is true there. The recession of 2008-2009 reminded investors that real estate investing has its ups and downs as well.

The good news is that historically these three investment options have not marched to the beat of the same drummer. For example, in a bear market for stocks real estate can do just fine, and/or gold can soar. The experienced and truly savvy investor tries to time the markets to be in the right place at the right time.

Should you play this game? I suggest that you do not. There’s an easier way to make money investing as an average investor. Playing the markets is risky.

Let’s talk about the money you are willing to invest and put at risk in order to earn a higher return over the long term. Divide it up 4 ways: domestic stocks (U.S.), foreign stocks, real estate and precious metals (gold).

Find a mutual fund company (family) that offers funds in all four categories; and decide how to divide up your investment assets across these 4 investment options. This is called asset allocation. For example: 40% to domestic stock funds, 30% to foreign stock funds, 20% to a real estate fund, and 10% to a gold fund.

Invest according to the asset allocation targets (say 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%) you have chosen.

Over time these percentages will get out of line as all 4 of these investment options will perform differently. For example, stocks in general might take a hit when real estate and gold perform well.

Instead of selling what appear to be your losers or otherwise trying to time the markets, simply rebalance your portfolio periodically. In other words, move money around to get back to your original asset allocation target percentages. This way you will automatically be moving money to investment options that have gone out of favor and are selling at lower prices.

Plus, you will be lightening up on the investments that have already made the biggest gains. Remember, there are bull markets and bear markets in gold and real estate as well as in the stock market. Take advantage of them and make money the easy way.

And cover all the bases: stock investing, real estate investing and gold.

A retired financial planner, James Leitz has an MBA (finance) and 35 years of investing experience. For 20 years he advised individual investors, working directly with them helping them to reach their financial goals.

Jim is the author of a complete investor guide, Invest Informed, designed for average investors or would-be investors of all levels of financial background and experience. To learn more about investments and investing and his new financial guide go to http://www.investinformed.com

Real Estate Investing Tips For Profit

Author: Susan Jan
Source: download

Investing in real estate has been considered a safe investment and high return. "Flip" in property investment has become very popular in recent years, especially among the speculative real estate investors. Flipping refers to the buying and selling of property in a short period for quick profits. Although the return on investment appears to be good, there is still a risk that your money could get blocked in the absence of buyers. Property prices have risen steadily since the beginning of this decade. But many signs point to housing boom comes to an end, so it may be appropriate to make real estate investments on hold. Investing in real estate, contrary to popular thought, is a reversal of slow performance. Therefore real estate investors to do proper planning and carrying out market analysis before investing. Before investing in any asset that is vital to study all the documents related to property, to see an agent's license if necessary, to check whether the liabilities, etc.. All contracts must be in writing. All details as the names of all parties, the property address, area, purchase price, and so account must be entered in the contract, together with the signatures of all parties. It is also wise to hire a property lawyer to examine the complexities of real estate contracts. A good way to invest in real estate is to buy foreclosure properties. Foreclosure is the process in which a bank or a creditor sells the property for homeowners to recover the loan, the owner could not pay. A lease to purchase contract is considered the best type of investment in real estate. This type of contract basically allows the tenant to lease a particular property, at some period, end of period has the option to buy the property for an amount decided by the signing of the contract. The tenant pays an initial deposit is not refundable. If the property value back to the end of the lease term, which may want to buy the property to its original value. If the value has increased, not eligible to buy. During this period also can rent the property to another person. By this method, the investor takes the risk out much of himself as he does not have to commit a large sum of capital investment is not a large loan. Currently, there are some areas where the housing market is too overheated and investing in real estate is too risky. They are Miami, Las Vegas, Northern Virginia, Phoenix, Sacramento, Boston, Washington DC, and San Diego. Other "hot" areas also include San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Seattle. The safer, less volatile areas for investment with good ROI are Dallas, Cleveland, Houston, Columbus, Omaha, Kansas City and Pittsburgh. For more information on investment, investment-expert.info visit, investment-and Prime Minister pro.info-invest. info.