Storm Proof Your Money : Weather Any Economy, Rebuild Your Portfolio, Protect Your Future

by Brett Arends

• ISBN13: 9780470573198
• ISBN10: 0470573198
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-12-01
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

Accessible financial guidance for turbulent economic timesWith the stock market in a tailspin, real estate market continuing to drop, and the economy in recession, it's important to understand how you can get through these difficult times. Whether you're twenty-six or sixty-two, you still need to live and provide for your future. That's why you need Survive the Slump. As the personal finance columnist for the Wall Street Journal Online, author Brett Arends has become an authority for individuals who need to know how to best position themselves and their money. Now, with his new book, Arends has crafted a financial plan that anyone can put to work immediately. From protecting what you have to rebuilding what you've lost, Survive the Slump provides just the guidance needed. Outlines effective strategies for spending smarter, saving more, and making sure that your money grows reasonably Contains straightforward advice that highlights immediate savings opportunities Provides a timely financial action plan from a trusted Wall Street Journal columnistWritten with every investor in mind, Survive the Slump will help you make smarter investment decisions and put you in a better position to survive and thrive under any economic condition.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Getting Started

About Me

About This Book

Checking the Map

The Lesson of Harry Patch

Santa Claus Isn't Coming to Town

Where Are You Trying to Go?

Where Are You Now?

How Much Do You Need to Save?

How Can You Move the Numbers in Your Favor?

Conclusion

The Basics

Break Out of Debt

Secure Your Financial Lifelines

Check Your Big Risks

Conclusion

How Not to Invest

Putting Too Much Faith in Stocks

Putting Too Much Faith in Phony Diversification

Taking Too Much Risk

Misunderstanding Your Mutual Funds

Chasing Performance

Trying to Find the Next Apple

Owning Shares in Your Employer

Keeping All Your Money in the Bank

Keeping All Your Money in Bonds

Stockpiling Gold

Investing Too Much in Real Estate

Conclusion

Storm Proof Your Portfolio

Inflation-Protected Government Bonds

Global Index Funds

Flexible Funds

Covered Call Funds

Precious Metals

Taxable Bonds

Municipals

Closed-End Funds

Timing: Little and Often

How to Handle a Crash

Using Options for Financial Insurance

Conclusion

Cash Flow Positive from Right Now

Your Hidden Costs

Repeat Costs

Give Yourself a Raise

How to Make $500,000 the Easy Way

Adding It All Up

Further Thoughts

Conclusion

Cover Your Assets

Why Tax Shelters Are More Important Than Ever

Make the Most of Your 401(k)

Make the Most of Your IRA

Life Insurance and Variable Annuities

Self-Employed Shelters

Shelters and College Savings

Make the Most of Your Investment Losses

How Not to Lose Everything

Conclusion

Next Steps

Checking the Map

The Basics

How Not to Invest

Storm Proof Your Portfolio

Cash Flow Positive from Right Now

Cover Your Assets

The Principles of Storm Proofing

Staying on Track

Getting Started

Appendix Investment Spotlight

Index

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