Month: April 2014

Financial Education Books

Published by Anna Kazakova

Let’s admit it—financial education studies at school suck! It doesn’t really matter which country you live in. Everywhere in the world, biology, history, and math are the main subjects in school. Such subjects as financial education and communication in society are not included in ordinary school curriculums. However, these two subjects are essential, and used in everyday life. It doesn’t matter how old are you or how much are you earn, there is always the possibility to spend money wisely. Rethink your spending behavior in order to protect yourself, your future and your family. Here are two books that I strongly recommend to everybody. It doesn’t matter if you have a financial education, or not. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki I remember the feeling I had after reading this book at the age of 18. I felt like the biggest secret of the world was all of the sudden, revealed. The book is very easy to read, the examples are easy to remember, but the idea of the book is worthless.  Stay ahead …

Black penny, red penny… Investing in stamps!

Published by Anna Kazakova

Almost everything in this world works in cycles: solar activity, tides, fashion, and even financial crises. As far as long-term investing is concerned, the “cycle” plays a vital role when deciding when to cash out, so predicting the optimal period during the cycle is “key.” Actually, you can increase the probability of becoming a successful investor if simply: You are a disciplined investor. You are a patient investor. You can forget about the money you have invested. Everything seems to be “too” rational and practical. Where then is the inspiration and enjoyment of investing—sitting back and relying on interest rates and investment trends to be in your favor, and hoping to be wealthy in the future? Is there a way to enjoy investing? There is a way – collecting! Investing in something you can physically touch is one way to enjoy investing, knowing also its value will increase over time.  Today’s topic is STAMPS. Philately is the study of stamps, postal history, and other related collectables—a movement that appeared in 1840, just after Great Britain issued …

How smart women invested in 2013?

Published by Anna Kazakova

In Sweden, declaration (tax returns) time has come again. Every citizen earning an income, recently received a large yellow form from a local taxation office reminding us to submit all sources of revenue, as well as expenditures. This year my income consisted of the usual source—my job and the firm that I own. However, there was a new entry included among my income sources—revenue from rising stock shares! The value of my portfolio rose 19% from last year. Smart girl! How smart women invested in 2013? “How smart women invest,” for me, was an interesting experience. Back in November of 2013, a friend of mine invited me to a seminar. It was more or less a breakfast meeting comprised of smart women, and Barbara Stewart, a researcher and portfolio manager from Canada, travelled here to Stockholm to share her financial insight and wisdom. The event was organized by NASDAQ OMX. Barbara, an elegant and charming woman, revealed to us information about what motivates smart women to invest, and how they make an investment decision. For her research, she talked to 100 …

April. It is all about money!

April. ‘It is all about money!’

Published by Anna Kazakova

Some of my readers claim that an investment blog should discuss more about actual money investments, and not only discuss the investment of assets like “time”, “lifestyle,” and “connections.” Let’s talk about “the real investments”- The process of investing money for profit. Red Alarm Bulb Some people say that happiness in life is not all about the destination – it’s more about the process. The same idea applies with “money investment” – you need to enjoy the process. If you’re not crazy about the idea of investing because of its association with “limitations” and “saving,” and the red alarm bulb consistently appears somewhere in your brain creating mild anxiety, then I would say it’s about time to learn where, how, and how much. This month I will tell you how to find and harness motivation, as well as save at least 10% of your monthly income, leaving you with a fabulous feeling!   The ugly truth The ugly truth is that I am not a disciplined investor. In fact, not at all.  I remember telling my …