Don't Be A Victim Of Investment Fraud

You may have seen many investment promises to gain riches and wealth quickly and easily. Some investment pitches fail to tell you the specific details of the investment and only tell you the good parts. There is no such thing as a no risk investment and anyone who tells you otherwise is not telling you the whole truth. Whenever you are thinking of investing, before you do anything you need to get written confirmation of any annual reports or prospectuses they have.

Beware of any investing opportunity that tells you any of the following from an investment:

• Avoid if an investment tells you to actively get a loan or financial backing for an investment or asks you to cash in any equity or retirement funds.

• Applies a lot of pressure on you to get you to invest quickly.

• Promises you fast profits with little risk.

• Tells you the federal law disclosure documents are only a formality and not required.
• Asks you to lie on your application forms.

• The information they give you has bad grammar, spelling mistakes or doesn't make sense.
• Doesn't send you your money within a good timeframe.

• Tells you they can share with you some kind of inside information.

• Uses high risk words such as 'limited offer', 'high returns' or 'guarantee'.

• Use the following words - this particular investment is IRA approved for you.

• Tells you that any offshore investments are completely tax free and always confidential.
Fraudsters tend to look at wealthier people to carry out their investment fraud on. Retirement age or rich people are usually targeted as the more money they have the more likely they are to be able to invest.

There is a certain type of people that investment fraudster look for:

• Able to make monetary decisions

• Wanting to make large investments

• Know quite a bit about financial aspects

• Has more than an average income

• Is retired and wealthy

• Educated above college level

• Had a recent health problem or a financial worry

• Willing to listen to new investment ideas and sales ideas

Many fraudsters are becoming more aware of what we look for. For instance, we know that if something sounds too good to be true it will be. However, more fraudsters are starting to make their pitches sound great but not too great that we automatically become suspicious. This is where we have to become smarter than the fraudsters.

Some of the fraudsters will try to get to sign up to their investment by giving you false hope of riches that don't exist. Some of them will claim to be a firm that has helped so many other people or try to convince you that they wouldn't sell you an investment that wouldn't make you money. These are all tactics to avoid. Make sure you do a lot of research on the company and the people before you sign up to any investment deals.

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Ways To Invest Money

There are many ways to invest your money. The best way to look at the different investments available is by asset class. Classification makes it easier to understand segments of investments. There are no definitive rules to breaking each into a segment but it will help you evaluate and compare investments.

Property

Property is an asset class, and property can be divided into commercial property, residential property and rural property. Each of these is a segment of that asset class. When comparing segments you can look at rates of return and investment capitol required. This will help you decide which segment is best for you.

Listed Property Trusts

Listed Property trust or LPT managers invest in a portfolio of investment grade commercial real estate to generate high yielding returns for investors, along with buying and selling properties in line with their investment strategy. They are a listed vehicle that can be purchased on the stock exchange.

Australia's model for LPTs is a recognised world leader. From less than $5 billion in the early 1990s, the sector reached a market capitalisation of $33.3 billion in December 2000, invested in property assets of $46.3 billion. The LPT Index is the fifth largest sector on the ASX, accounting for 5.6 percent of the All Ordinaries Index.

Mortgage trusts

Investors are able to invest in mortgage trusts. These invest in mortgages over residential or commercial properties, Mortgage trust have an advantage for investors of being able to redeem funds at short notice. For this reason, they remain a simple and popular alternative to cash management trusts and fixed term deposits.

Shares

The Australian Share market is divided in segments and each share is part of an index. This is a good way to compare shares and performance of those shares. GICS was developed in response to the global financial community's need for one complete, consistent set of global sector and industry definitions that reflects today's economy and is flexible enough to change as the investment world changes. The industry groups under the GICS system are;

• Consumer Discretionary

• Consumer Staples

• Energy

• Financials

• Financials excluding Property Trusts

• Health Care

• Industrials

• Information Technology

• Materials

• Property Trusts

• Telecommunication Services

• Utilities

This makes it easier to make comparisons.

Managed Investments

Managed Investments offer investors exposure to a professionally managed portfolio of assets through a single security. Investors own a proportion of the investment portfolio commensurate with the size of their investment, and are entitled to any profits and distributions (dividends), but also subject to losses should the value of the portfolio decline.

To compare these managed investments you should look at the financials of each, but a major consideration will be the managed expense ratio of the investment. The MER is the fee paid by the investor in an investment fund to the manager of the fund. The MER is normally expressed as an annual percentage or "basis point" charge (where one basis point equals one hundredth of a percent).

When looking for investments and comparing them, make sure you break each vehicle down into asset classes and segments. It makes for easier comparisons and financial evaluation.

For further information on ways to invest money visit http://www.waystoinvestmoney.freedvd.com.au

James McInnes is a professional share market trader and investment entrepreneur, with many years experience trading the Australian Share market. You can visit his site at http://www.waystoinvestmoney.freedvd.com.au for further information on trading the Australian Share Market.

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Certificate of Deposit Interest Rates - Things You Should Know

The most important aspect of a certificate of deposit (CD) is the interest rate. After all, it would not make any sense to invest your money into something that has no return associated with it. It is important to know as much as possible about how interest rates work before you purchase a CD.

The interest rate that you get when you purchase a CD generally depends on several factors such as the amount you invest, the length of time you invest for, and the issuing financial institution that you are dealing with. For example, if you invest the minimum amount allowed for a short period of time, your interest rate will probably be lower. However, if you invest a large amount of money into a long-term CD, there is a good chance that you will be offered a higher interest rate.

In most cases, you will get a fixed interest rate with a certificate of deposit although they are available with a variable rate. With a fixed interest rate you are locked in at the rate that was assigned at the time of purchase. However, some issuers do offer a no penalty feature, also known as a "bump up" feature. This feature allows you one chance to bump up to a higher rate before your maturity date without being assessed a penalty. Normally, the only way to accomplish this would be to withdraw your money early and reinvest it into a higher rate CD, in which case you would be charged an early withdrawal fee.

As noted above, if for some reason you decide to close your CD before it expires, you will be charged an early withdrawal fee. That does not necessarily mean that you can not receive the money that you make from the interest on it. Many financial institutions will allow you to periodically withdraw just the interest earned without penalizing you but be aware that if you do this you will be decreasing the amount that you would otherwise earn if you leave it alone until it matures.

Ultimately, you want the highest interest rate possible with your certificate of deposit. There are some things that you can do to help you get it. Purchase it from your local hometown bank because they tend to offer better rates than the bigger, well known banks. Although it is not advisable, forgoing FDIC insurance could also help raise your interest rate. It also raises the risk level associated with your CD. Lastly, make sure that you are purchasing a personal certificate of deposit and not a business one.

Before you run out and purchase a certificate of deposit, arm yourself with information. Know what the best interest rates are, who offers them, and what stipulations are attached to them. Do not settle for the first offer you come across as you could lose out on a lot of money. While there are other important factors to take into consideration when purchasing a CD, it is the interest rate that determines how much of a return you will get on your investment.

If you would like information on Best Certificate of Deposit Rates be sure to visit http://www.cdinterestratesguide.com today!

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Investing $1000 - 3 Ways To Double It

Most people think about money in the wrong way. They have skewed perspectives about money. Extreme opinions. It is no surprise because money is such an emotionally charged concept. There are two extremes, ridiculously conservative or excessively flamboyant. These two perspectives are expressed in the conservative, which is to work for an hourly wage and cling to the safety of time money. The flamboyant on the other hand looks for get rich quick schemes or looks for ways to make fast money easy.

Nothing wrong with either of these extremes, however, there is a middle of the road perspective that is more realistic and reliable. By far, the majority are ultra conservative about money and will cling to the safety of an hourly paid job. The reason why this is an extreme (even though it is by far the norm) is because it is way too slow. An hourly wage, unless it is very high, is usually way too slow and it is almost impossible to get ahead.

The middle of the road approach to money, in my opinion is to have the investor mind set. The idea of always looking to invest a good proportion of discretionary income. The hard part for most is finding effective investment vehicles. Here are 3 down to earth ways to invest $1000 dollars.

1) Not all returns need to be fiscal, in fact some of the best returns are actually inversely effective. One of the best ways to invest money is to buy knowledge. Knowledge cannot be lost and therefore, is a permanent return so long as you use that knowledge.

2) Investment objects. Not all investments have to be part of the institutional sphere. You don't have to buy shares to call your transaction an investment. Its an investment if you got a return. So maybe you will find a consumer item that is way under priced and re-sell it for a profit. That is an investment.

3) Make something of value from nothing. When I say from nothing, it may cost a few dollars, but by doing it creatively and applying good skills, you can easily create something of worth from nothing. You could make a bold painting and sell it. Or maybe you can acquire a few soldering skills and make a gadget from an electronic goods store, or maybe you could spend a few hundred on tools and wood and make a quality cabinet.

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Investing $550 Dollars For A Fast 100% Return

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Leveraged Investing - Better Than Real Estate - No Down Payment

It is Sunday August 1, 2004, 5:00 PM, and Joe and Mary Smith of 12 Tranquil Bay, are preparing a back yard Mortgage Burning BBQ with neighbours, who are arriving shortly. Joe & Mary bought their house brand new for $90,000, 20 years ago, when the cul de sac was brand new.

School friends, Glen & Susan bought 10 Tranquil Bay, and Keith & Barbara bought 8 Tranquil Bay, in the same cul de sac that same summer.

After dinner and dessert, Joe & Mary pull out their mortgage, go over to the BBQ, and after a small speech and a toast, they toss the mortgage papers into the BBQ, and watch as it bursts into flame and then disappears into ash. Everyone applauds. Joe & Mary smile and sit back down to enjoy a few drinks with their friends.

Joe says, - we have added $100 per month extra to our payment, and it has knocked 5 years off our mortgage. To his friends, Joe asks - How are you doing with your mortgage ?

Barbara says - well, we were like you, we felt it was important to invest our money, but instead of putting $100 per month extra on our mortgage, we decided to put it into Equity Funds. So today, we still have 5 years left on our mortgage, but we now have an investment account, that has grown an average of 9%, worth $66,000.

Mary says - that is an interesting approach. Glen, what kind of plan have you & Susan followed.

Glen says - well, Susan and I still have our mortgage for another 5 years. So, like both of you, we also used $100. per month, but a little differently than either of you.

We decide to do Leveraged Investing and make an Investment Loan. We took the Investment Loan and like Keith & Barb, and invested it in Equity Funds. But, we used the $100 per month, as an Interest Only Payment on the investment loan, which we still have today.

Results of the three couples money management and investment strategies after 20 years -

Joe and Mary - paid the $100 per month as additional payment on the mortgage.
- paid off mortgage, no additional investments

Keith and Barbara - invested the $100 per month
- 5 years of mortgage left and account of $66,000.

Glen and Susan - paid the $100 per month as interest on an Investment Loan
- 5 years of mortgage left & Net Investment Account of $102,000.

Leveraged Investing is a double edge sword, and should only be used by Aggressive Investors with a high Risk Tolerance.

Consider if Leveraged Investing can accelerate your Nestegg growth.

Richard Lepinsky - EPC - 250-889-3784 Insurance & Investment - Advisor & Broker Victoria, BC Canada Sign up for The Nestegg Minute, a monthly investment newsletter http://www.nestegganalytics.ca/nesteggmin/nestindex.htm Sign Up for The Insurance Minute, a monthly insurance newsletter http://www.insuranceanalytics.ca/insuranceminute/insminindex.htm Your Guy to call, to protect your lifestyle and nestegg from a fall Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Lepinsky

Best Countries To Open An Offshore Bank Account

We frequently hear about offshore bank accounts in the news or in the movies because those trying to hide money for criminal reasons usually utilize these accounts so that they are not caught up in their shenanigans. However, that is not all an offshore bank account is about. In fact, having an offshore bank account means saving tax dollars and some may have other reasons behind it. Just because someone has a bank account outside of the country doesn't mean they are a robber or a member of the mob.

Nevertheless, there are some legal implications and some things that must be kept in mind. One of those things is the fact that it is not legal for a United States citizen to open an offshore bank account. Sure, you may be protecting your money from creditors or from high taxes, but you could get yourself into trouble. This is how some become convicted of tax evasion, but it is very possible that the long arm of the law will not reach your offshore account.

Another risk is the fact that your money doesn't have the protection of the government. Your money is subject to the laws of the country that it is in. This means that a coup or some accounting scheme could occur that would cause you to lose all of your money. That is when you must ask yourself which country you want to open your offshore account in. Should you choose Switzerland, Bermuda, the Bahamas, or the Caymans? This can certainly be a difficult decision.

Best countries

First of all, you don't have to be wealthy to have an offshore bank account. Second of all, you do not have to be present to open it and you do not have to visit the bank at any time during the life of the account. For example:

- If you open an account in Switzerland, you can do it via e-mail or in person if you are in the country. Swiss bank accounts are quite secret and that is why so many choose them. They operate much like American banks and keep certain private matters such as divorce private. Switzerland does not change their laws under American pressure like some other countries do.

- Opening an offshore account in Bermuda doesn't require you to be present at the bank. The account can actually be opened by mail, along with proof of identity. Many of their banks are known for serving clients all over the world and this has made offshore banking in Bermuda quite popular.

- The Bahamas are also known for their secrecy due to their privacy laws. This makes offshore banking in the Bahamas a huge business. They are also compliant with international laws with attractive incentives for their bankers.

- The Caymans are also one of the best because of the similarity to a U.S. bank account. Then there is the possibility of keeping your identity a secret. The Caymans do not encourage tax evasion, but they do not report deposits in the accounts or interest gained from those deposits.

Being safe

Offshore banks do not report your income to the IRS like U.S. banks do, so they use an honor system. This means that it is up to you to report your income, but changing laws and other factors can cause issues if you do not comply with the laws of your own country. However, offshore accounts keep matters private and keep others from learning of your affairs. That is why such accounts are so popular amongst people all over the world.

World's largest and most established independent investment firm that operates solely in tax-favourable jurisdictions including Bermuda, Grand Cayman, the Bahamas and London, UK. Offers offshore financial services such as offshore account openings. Wondering if you can apply for a QROPS, its seasoned market professionals will be glad to answer any questions related to offshore investments.

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