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Now might be time to check back into tech stocks
By John Waggoner, USA TODAYBack in 1999, money managers trumpeted technology stocks, arguing that soon there would be microchips in everything from credit cards to Toyota accelerators, and they were right. Unfortunately, they were also about 10 years too early. But today, tech companies are booming, despite a lousy economy and falling prices. It’s not a bad time to take another look at the tech sector, provided you have an exit plan in place.
Now might be time to check back into tech stocks
By John Waggoner, USA TODAYBack in 1999, money managers trumpeted technology stocks, arguing that soon there would be microchips in everything from credit cards to Toyota accelerators, and they were right. Unfortunately, they were also about 10 years too early. But today, tech companies are booming, despite a lousy economy and falling prices. It’s not a bad time to take another look at the tech sector, provided you have an exit plan in place.
Private lenders edge back into student loans
By Sandra Block, USA TODAYThree years ago, if you were a college student with an Internet connection, you could get a private student loan. Financial institutions were so eager to lend money, some didn’t even check to make sure the funds were used to pay for tuition instead of a motorcycle.
The economic downturn and credit crunch changed all that. Last year, the dollar volume of new non-federal student loans plummeted 50%, according to the College › Continue reading
Private lenders edge back into student loans
By Sandra Block, USA TODAYThree years ago, if you were a college student with an Internet connection, you could get a private student loan. Financial institutions were so eager to lend money, some didn’t even check to make sure the funds were used to pay for tuition instead of a motorcycle.
The economic downturn and credit crunch changed all that. Last year, the dollar volume of new non-federal student loans plummeted 50%, according to the College › Continue reading
FBI-IRS Launches Probe into GOP Credit Card Use
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By Eva Norlyk Smith, Ph.D.
Federal investigators, including the U.S. attorney’s office in Tallahassee, the FBI, and the Internal Revenue Service have begun a probe to investigate whether Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio and two other GOP members misused party-issued credit cards for personal expenses.
Over a two-year period, Rubio accrued more than $100,000 in charges to his GOP-issued American Express corporate › Continue reading
Unusual Uses for Gift Cards: Turn Them Into Cash
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By Eva Norlyk Smith, Ph.D.
Gift cards make great presents. They are quick and easy to buy, and you don’t have to worry about whether or not the recipient will like the gift. Gift cards make great presents even for the man (or woman), who has everything-no need to fret about whether she will like that Deluxe Shiatsu Foot Massager from The Shaper Image or if the Nose & Ear Trimmer with Vacuum will be to his liking; with a gift card, › Continue reading
Turning your tax refund into an I Bond may be a smooth move
By Sandra Block, USA TODAYAdmit it: You’ve already broken your New Year’s resolutions. A half-eaten chocolate truffle cake sits in your fridge, your new running shoes are still in the box, and you haven’t saved a dime.
No question, resolutions are hard to keep. But if you’re serious about saving money, consider starting with your tax refund. This year, you’ll have a new option that could eliminate the temptation to spend your refund check. When › Continue reading
Those who dived into bond funds due for splash of reality
By John Waggoner, USA TODAYSome questions just don’t have good answers. How far away is the farthest star? How did those geese get in the basement? Why on earth should I own a government bond fund?
Right now, there is no good reason to own a bond fund, whether you’re looking for income or an investment that will moderate the stock market’s downturns. You’re better off owning short-term Treasuries or buying bank CDs.
Investors poured › Continue reading
Those who dived into bond funds due for splash of reality
By John Waggoner, USA TODAYSome questions just don’t have good answers. How far away is the farthest star? How did those geese get in the basement? Why on earth should I own a government bond fund?
Right now, there is no good reason to own a bond fund, whether you’re looking for income or an investment that will moderate the stock market’s downturns. You’re better off owning short-term Treasuries or buying bank CDs.
Investors poured › Continue reading