Buy and hold

How Much Does Your Money Manager Cost You?

Noted investing guru Charles Ellis talks about the challenges boomers face from high investment fees, low bond yields, uncertain stock returns, and dubious financial come-ons.

Women Investors: Smarter Than the Men in Every Way?

Financial services companies have a habit of publishing "special reports on women and investing," and their conclusions tend to describe women in less-than-flattering terms. But a new TD Ameritrade study once again shows why such stereotypes totally miss the mark.

What Two Unlikely Art Collectors Can Teach You About Investing

Herb and Dorothy Vogel never earned much money, but together, they amassed them one of the most significant modern art collections in the country. Now, you can't replicate the Vogel's genius, but you could learn from them -- because the rules they followed apply just as well in the investment world as the art world.

One Share of Stock Now Worth $9.8 Million: Is It Really Possible?

If your grandfather had bought just one $40 share of Coca-Cola stock back in 1919, held it, and reinvested the dividends, it would be worth $9.8 million today. That's quite a fizzy rate of return. Which led us to wonder: Could an investor today ever replicate that result?

Is 'Globesity' the Next Big Thing in Investing?

Obesity. Climate change. Our ever-increasing energy needs. These are just some of the megatrends analysts see coming down the global pike, trends that investors can draft behind and make money from.

Why Facebook's Falling Share Price Really Doesn't Matter

On Monday, Facebook's stock fell from its IPO price of $38 to a low of (as of this writing) $33.60. So what? Nobody who actually paid attention to Facebook's statements before the IPO should be surprised by this latest turn, or even worried. Here's why:

Victoria O'Hara's 6 Best Tips for Would-Be Investors

Victoria O'Hara parlayed a relative's gift of one share of stock into a sizable portfolio by investing in a few shares at a time, on a postal worker's salary. Here are her top lessons for any novice investors hoping to emulate her success.

6 Key Money Lessons of 2011: What We've Learned

At this time last year, maybe you thought the economy would be a bit more gracious by now. No such luck. But as we reflect on the year that was, here are six financial lessons that 2011 taught us all.

11 New Rules for Fiscal Survival in a Weak Economy

That simple wait-and-see game plan we adopted when we believed recovery was just around the corner? Not cutting it anymore -- if it ever did. It's time for new strategies to win in the New Normal. Here's a rundown of ideas that once worked to which it's time to say goodbye, and the current wisdom for replacing them.

How to Turn Teen Girls Into Financial Prodigies

America's urban schools don't do nearly enough to teach kids about personal finance and investing, and the effects permeate through America's minority communities. The ING-Girls Inc. Investment Challenge changing that, one virtual portfolio and one girl at a time.

Understanding Why 'Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl'

No joke: The Oracle of Omaha made his billions by tapping into his feminine side. Author LouAnn Lofton's new book, Warren Buffett Invests Like a Girl, explains what women and Warren do right when it comes to the markets, and how you can learn from their temperaments.

Five Dividend Payers to Save Your Portfolio

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Motley Fool analyst Matt Koppenheffer decided to twist that nugget of wisdom a bit and look at what did work in past and figure out how we can repeat it. Doing so, he found five dividend payers that fit the bill today.

Why P&G Is a Great Stock to Hold Into Retirement

If you're nearing retirement, Procter & Gamble (PG) might be a good addition to your stock portfolio. Its personal care focus, its history of creating new products, its near 50% dividend payout and its strong cash flow give it a stable outlook and make it a compelling choice for those looking to buy and hold.

Investing Made Simple: More Options for Small Investors

When it comes to investing your hard-earned cash, today's marketplace offers more options than ever for small investors. But the key to success lies in sticking to a few basic principles -- and avoiding the irrational behaviors that plague our financial lives.

Three Old Reliable Stocks to Buy for the Long Haul

The short-term investors may account for most of the daily trading volume in stock markets, but slow and steady usually wins the investment race. The trick is to identify stocks likely to perform well over a period of years -- or even decades. Here are three strong options.

The Bulls Are Optimistic Despite Global Turmoil

Despite turbulent times, U.S. markets are rising again. But is this a temporary bump, or the return of a bull market? The sharp-eyed analysts of Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs say its the latter, and their money is on strong growth ahead.

Maybe You Shouldn't Invest Like Warren Buffett

He may be one of America's richest men, but should small investors try to do what Berkshire Hathaway's legendary CEO does? Some analysts say no: The "Warren Buffett way" often doesn't translate to what's best for individuals, especially today.

As IPOs Revive, Should You Be Joining In?

After a few comatose years following the financial crisis, the IPO market is roaring back. And with names like Facebook and Groupon driving the rumor mill, smaller investors are wondering how to get in on the action. The answer: Carefully, thanks to the many risks.

Investors Are Keeping Their Eyes on the Wrong Ball

There's a frenzy of stock buying going on now, because no one wants to be left out of the stock market recovery. But all those who are betting on short-term gains are engaged in what I call "wrong ball investing." Here's how to keep your eye on the right ball.

New Management Guide Also Offers Value to Investors

Prestigious management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. just published Value: The Four Cornerstones of Corporate Finance, a guide to help executives create shareholder value. Lead author Tim Koller shares his thoughts with DailyFinance about how the book might also help investors profit.

Not Ready to Abandon Buy-and-Hold? Try These

That strategy sure has taken plenty of abuse in today's frenzied, algorithm-powered trading world. But Albert Meyer is a money manager who's built an enviable record by keeping this faith. Here are five of his favorite buy-and-hold stocks.

Why Dow 11,000 Is Worth a Lot Less Now Than in 2001

Adjusted for inflation, the current stock market hasn't recovered nearly as much as it seems if you look at only nominal prices. At best, you've gained just 3.6%. But more likely, you're down by some 23%. And if you measure the Dow in something other than dollars -- say, oil or silver -- the return is even more distressing.

How to Profit From Earnings Report Surprises

Buy-and-hold investing has been a loss for the last decade, and low-risk options will never get you the returns you'll need to retire in style. So how can you find real profits in the market? As venture capitalist and business guru Peter Cohen explains, the answer may be in anticipating surprises.

Short-Term Trading: Is It a Wise Strategy?

On his Mad Money show last week, Jim Cramer encouraged viewers to add short-term trading to their portfolios. But how can an investor determine with certainty when a stock has "flown too high" and when to buy it back?

Fearful Investing Is Hazardous to Your Financial Health

Many investors are trying to make themselves feel safer in this uncertain economy by jumping out of stocks, buying bonds or even dabbling in higher risks looking for bigger returns. But that sort of short-term strategy could jeopardize your portfolio.