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Common Sense Rules to Keep Your Hard-Earned Money

By P. Christopher Music

Do you know the tale-tell characteristics that indicate “investment scam?”
Over the course of the last two decades in the financial industry, I have had good fortune, and yes, bad fortune in learning about the realities of investments. When I speak with investors, its not uncommon for some people to insist on certain delusions they have accumulated regarding the subject. This article is an effort to give you some the characteristics of any investment proposal that deserves your careful scrutiny and distrust.
Most investment scams have certain characteristics in common:
1.Secrecy Any investment program that is worth anything can stand up to the scrutiny of financial advisors, accountants, attorneys and anybody else with some investment acumen. Many scams create this confidentiality to give the investor the feeling that they are “on the inside,” privy to investments only available to wealthy families or a select group of fortunate people. The confidentiality requirement is designed to prevent you from communicating with others about your involvement so you will keep believing what the scammers are telling you.

2.High ReturnsWhat rates of return should a person receive for investing money? Well, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. While 20% returns may be possible for very speculative investments under certain circumstances, anything beyond that is simply not real over time. If any return on investment is greater than what would normally be earned on that type of asset, it is a good indicator that something isnt right. Consult a knowledgeable financial advisor of your investment plans if you have any doubt.

3.No Track Record — Any investment program should have returns that can be verified by a reputable third party, such as an accounting or law firm. Further, the principals of the program should have fully verified backgrounds with a proven record of successful past investment programs. Moreover, any start-up would have a logical product and a complete business plan replete with reasonable financials and marketing plan. If there is no track record, forget it.

4.Lack of Full DocumentationAny legitimate investment has full documentation, including a prospectus (a document that explains the details of an investment) or offering memorandum (which is for private placement programs, investment programs that are made available to qualified investors and not to the general investor public). Complete contracts would also be provided carefully covering all of the details of the proposed investment. Insist on full disclosure.

5.GuaranteesTo my knowledge, the only investments that provide guarantees are insurance policies. If someone is offering you guaranteed returns or a personal guarantee, its not worth anything. If you lose your money in the investment, the personal guarantee is only as good as the assets of the person issuing the guarantee (if they had the money for the guarantee, why would they need yours?)

6.No Registration with Regulating AuthoritiesIn order to offer an investment to the public, in most cases, the principal creating such an investment will have to register it with the State. Further, the person selling the investment will have to be registered with the State as a securities salesperson or investment advisor. Lack of such registration is a red flag.

7.Offshore Tax Benefits — For American citizens, there are no offshore tax havens. In other words, US citizens are taxed on worldwide income, regardless of the source. Anyone stating that you can save or avoid income taxes by moving offshore is just dead wrong. There is no surer way of creating a problem than attempting to evade taxes. While there are asset protection reasons to use offshore entities, there are no legitimate income tax saving strategies offered offshore that cannot be done domestically.

I know I said 7 tips, but I thought of one more

8.International LureInvesting internationally has a certain allure to it. Its exotic and different. The only problem is that you transfer your assets overseas and the chance of getting them back may be zilch. The complexities of international financial regulations and laws make it a great justification for someone to not be able to deliver on intended investment results. Just keep your money closer to home.

Greed and Desperation
People invest in these programs due to desperation for money or the desire of getting something for nothing. The way to wealth is through investing wisely in your own ability and production and being intelligent enough to not spend everything you make. Falling victim to any investment scam can be a significant setback to your quality of life. Just dont play that game. Learn the natural laws of money and apply them and you will be where you want to be in due course.

Social Media Advertising To The Baby Boomer Generation/p>

This information will provide you with use social media to your great advantage.

If you attract readers with enticing titles, you will notice people go in which you question them.

This allows targeted traffic to your blog site share the post because of their friends who could possibly be interested. This will likely exponentially increase the volume of potential visitors to your website, this may lead to an increase in sales volume.

Have a plan into position before starting an advertising and marketing campaign involving social media marketing. You should see how you desire your page setup, how often it is possible to work towards it, and what you would like each page to appear like. You should have a period of time that you consider reaching your goals.

Answer as much questions people post.

It will require time and patience to create a social websites network for marketing. It is not likely that you just will get out of bed tomorrow morning with a long list of followers quickly. They have happened, but it is highly unlikely your social networking profiles may go viral the minute which you set them up. You should simply build your profile and rehearse patience it can come.

Try interacting with your customers as much that you can. If appropriate, reply to their blogs or Facebook walls.

Utilize the one-two punch of e-mail marketing along with social media marketing. You may also encourage others to sign up for your newsletter by posting a link that will go to more information regarding it.

This website lets users using a forum to question questions on any topic that may be answered by other users. You can become a specialist status should you consistently provide good answers in a specific category.

You will not expect great results without delay. Developing a fantastic social websites strategy takes time and patience.

Ask your customers to resolve market research concerning their usage of social network sites. In case your target market does not cherish social media sites, it probably isn’t worth setting up a presence on social media marketing.

Social websites is a great for announcing promotions or publicizing discounts and specials. People could be more very likely to find you on Facebook in case they have use of discounts. Use social networks to engage your customers can find out more about who you are and feel an individual connection to your brand.

Social networking should not about advertising your products or services. Social media enables you to get a better grasp about the types of customers visiting your clientele. You may also have them thinking about your brand. Also you can distribute product information this way, furthermore you will also have the ability to use social network to possess better customer relationships.

Your website should link around social media profile. This really is easily accomplished by utilizing HTML codes to provide “share” buttons in your website for immediate use of your other pages. These buttons needs to be added to all main pages, RSS feeds and articles or content in order that users can simply share your site content.

Social media can help anyone. It does not matter in the event you own a company, operate a website or market being an affiliate social media marketing can be quite a powerful promotional tool for yourself. Use everything you learned today and find out the best way to use social media advertising in your favor.

Pay a visit to a paid social media jobs page for more information about Compensated Social Media Marketing Work and the ways to generate income on the internet. Please look through the online online seminars available on the page.

There was a time when Pune was known solely as an educational hub and a post-retirement city for government and Armed Forces personnel. But the scene in Pune today is far from laid back; it is vibrant and cosmopolitan to the core. After several IT and ITes giants chose Pune to set up shop, they attracted a large talent pool from across the country. Pune has always been a hub for automobile manufacturers and this business has also grown in the last few years. All the factors had a cascading effect on the real estate market on the city and there was a sudden property boom. Pune properties Wakad, Baner, Aundh, Kalyani Nagar, Viman Nagar etc witnessed great demand. In fact, the growth story in these pockets still continues.

The advantage of the property boom was that a number of players now offer residential projects with international standards. There are several real estate developers who have been offering 1 and 2 BHK flat in Pune since the last decade and more. These builders have emerged as the preferred option for buyers because they have a competitive edge over the new entrants in the market. In addition, those who have been around for a long time have their superior projects as a proof of their high construction standards. This is not the case with builders who have just one or two projects to their credit. Many reputed builders have a wide array of 3 BHK flat for sale in Pune.

When you are looking for a 2 or 3 BHK flat for sale in Pune it is advisable to choose a builder with enough experience. By doing this, you can be assured about investing your money in the right place. After all, buying a home is the culmination of years of hard work. There are ample flats in Pune for sale, but there are only a few classy projects.

In the last 2-3 years, Pune properties in Wakad have witnessed immense appreciation. They are still a great suburb to invest in. Wakad certainly tops the list when it comes to flats in Pune for sale. Following are a few reasons why Wakad is the preferred choice for many investors:

This area has a vibrant community of IT and ITes professionals. This has lent it a lively atmosphere as a lot of young working professionals are settled here. Most of these people work in the neighboring Hinjewadi IT Park.

The Municipal Corporation has been consistently working to develop wide roads in this area. This area also has a good supply of water and electricity. There are a number of good schools and hospitals in close vicinity, so it is convenient for those who have children.

Pune properties Wakad offers easy and quick access to the Mumbai-Bangalore national highway as well as the Pune-Mumbai Express Highway. If you are looking for a 2 BHK flat in Pune, Wakad is the best choice.

There is a new world-class cricket stadium coming up very close to Wakad. This stadium is sure to open to new avenues in the sporting arena.

All these reasons make Pune properties Wakad a preferred choice.

As the name suggests ELSS (equity linked savings scheme), invests primarily in equity shares of companies. As per financial regulations, the scheme Fund manager has to invest 80% of the total amount in the equity shares and the remaining 20% per cent can be invested in other instruments like bonds, debentures, government securities and others. When you invest in ELSS your money is locked for a period of three years (minimum). Once you invest in tax saver funds you cannot withdraw the amount for three years, this acts as a blessing in disguise as tax saving funds generally yield high returns during a 3year period. The common man is basically afraid of investing his money in equity shares as he is afraid of loosing money. But a look at the recent past shows that investors who have invested in tax saver funds have never lost out on their money, rather tax saver funds have been the front runners in terms of returns to investors. A small illustration will clarify comprehensions.

If you make an investment of Rs 1,00,000/ ( 1 lac), then under section 80c this complete amount is deducted from your gross income for that particular year. If your annual income puts you in the highest tax paying zone, i.e -34%, then the investment of Rs 1,00,000/ will ensure that you get an annual tax deduction of Rs, 34,000/. So logically speaking you invest Rs 66,000/ considering the deduction. Assuming that the Mutual Fund declares an annual dividend of 10% then your total return on Rs 66,000 is [(10,000/66000)* 100] = 15.15%. This particular dividend earned is also tax-free, hence more profit. Another profitable venture out of this investment is that after a period of 3 years the capital gain that you obtain out of the investment is also tax-free. This is what makes ELSS the most attractive investment for those who have the appetite for moderate risk. However, prior to making an investment selecting a good fund house based on its reputation and track record is important. Elss are considered to be the best tax saving mutual funds in India.

ELSS is a good option to save tax and generate long term capital gains. These gains are obtained from the equity market only if you are investing in a long time horizon. Adding money in a disciplined manner creates a good corpus. The basic confusion that the average investor could have is that they consider Equity Mutual Funds and ELSS to be the same, which in true sense isnt correct. Normal equity funds could be purchased today and disposed off tomorrow. Incase of ELSS there is a compulsory 3 year lock in period. As per the rules related to long-term capital gains, profit from equity MFs after one year becomes tax-free. As per latest sources the top 5 ELSS schemes are 1) Principal Personal Tax-saver, 2) DSP ML Tax Saver Fund, 3) Taurus Libra Taxshield, 4) Lotus India Tax Plan, 5) Franklin India Tax Shield ( FIT). Going by the current volatile market trends and with the current fiscal year approaching an end, investing in a good ELSS fund is a clever option to save taxes.

This year, investment in the stock market is making many downright jittery. Though overall the stock market does seem to be hovering around the 10,000 mark, many investors are plagued with uncertainty about short and long term investments in the stock market. Will stocks go up or down this week? Is now to time to keep money in the market? Or take money out of the stock market?

As a real estate professional, I always advise people to continue to invest in property. With so many bank owned properties flooding many different markets, real estate investors are actively purchasing homes and investment properties and obtaining some great deals right now.

John Starke, an Investment Advisor and Financial Principle with American Beacon Partners, says that many investors have grown tired of the risk involved in purchasing equities, mutual funds, and other types of investments. Prior to the sharp downturn in the market in 2008, investors goals were to accrue money through appreciation. “Rather than nervously watch their portfolios go up and down, investors want a more stable income,” noted Starke. He sees a rise in interest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Tax Free and Corporate Bonds, and even some Corporate CDs. “Many investors are pulling their money from equities and mutual funds and opting for investments that pay a decent, regular return on their money,” said Starke.

In my everyday real estate transactions, I see investors pulling large sums of money from the stock market and putting it into the purchase of homes and properties in Virginia. I have taken the time to ask real estate investors their opinion about stock market investments. Many have decided that the stock market is not for them right now. One investor, J. D., purchased a property in King William County, Virginia that was in foreclosure for $90,000. She will spend approximately $4,000 to prepare the property for the rental market and be able to collect a monthly income of $1,000 from her investment. J.D. told me “I feel the time is right to start investing in real estate again. I stopped four years ago when property prices got out of hand. I intend to do even more real estate investment now.”

Another client, who plans to retire in a few years, is selling one commercial property investment in order to purchase a strip mall in the Western Virginia town where he plans to retire. He will pay the purchase price and invest approximately $40,000 into the strip mall to prepare it for the commercial rental market. He told me, “I am tired of having a business that I have to work at everyday. I want to have an investment that will work for me as I am planning to retire in about two years.” His upcoming shift in lifestyle is motivation for his new commercial property investment. Note that hes not selling one business and putting the money into the market. This may have been the trend for a retiree five years ago but not in the new economy.

Finally, H.G. in Hampton, Virginia made a wise move with money he once had in the stock market. He purchased a condominium for $50,000, invested $2,500 in the property renovations, and is now receiving $850 per month in rental income for the unit. HG said, “I am making more of a return from my property investment than I would in the stock market, and I also receive a tax deduction to boot.”

There are of course risks in real estate investments. A tenant could default on the rental agreement, or a property could remain vacant for months on end. That is why it is imperative that real estate investors hire experienced and knowledgeable property managers to maximize their investment. All of the property investors mentioned in this article are using my property management services for their real estate investments. Other risks include unforeseen maintenance and repair issues. This is why it is important for property investors to put a portion of their profits aside to reinvest in the home, condominium or townhouse they purchase.

Where property investment is concerned, even these risks, when anticipated and well-planned for, are small compared to the uncertainty of stock investments.

Shawn Tully, Senior Editor at Large for Fortune magazine, published “2010’s Coming Stock Market Crash: 1987 all Over Again” in May 2010. He states that stocks are still overpriced. He predicts a low return on investment (or a loss) as an inevitable outcome of this scenario. Tully bolsters his opinion with these astute observations: “Here’s how I see the odds. The chances are about one in three that we suffer a huge, wrenching correction in the next year or two similar to the one in 1987. That possibility is so high because stocks are so startlingly expensive. Another high probability event is that markets go on a long sideways grind, with smaller drops along the way. What’s extremely unlikely is that the market rises substantially from current levels and stays there for any extended period.”

Experts within the financial industry may be reluctant to put forth the strong opinion that Tully articulates. Still, there is no denying that investors have undergone a major shift in perspective since the financial crisis of late 2008 culminated in a recession, took hold of the United States and spread to other countries.

People will always need a place to live. With more and more families sadly experiencing foreclosure and dislocation, renting will be their most likely option. More rental properties will be necessary to fulfill housing demands. Investors need to take a serious look at property investment in their areas, and take steps to purchase viable homes even if they are in need of some repair or upgrades.

Visit http://VonCannonRealEstate.com to view potential investment property listings in Virginia in Williamsburg, Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, Richmond and Northern Neck areas such as Matthews, Northumberland and King and Queen Counties.