Please note:
Since I wrote this SparkGift has been acquired by Stockpile. Stockpile doesn't have the flexibility of buying stocks like SparkGift. I had to sell my stocks to get my money, and I was actually making a profit. With Stockpile you are also limited to the stocks that you can buy. I'm not a member.
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When it comes to Christmas, birthdays, special occasions, weddings, etc., my gifts are cash, gift cards or lottery scratch-offs. I never had a knack for buying the right gift. Now, for the most part, I will continue to give these as gifts, but there may be a better gift buying that can be considered an investment.
I found a perfect site to give the gifts of stocks and mutual funds to loved ones or even yourself. What makes it great is that you can buy stocks or funds for as little as $20. The fee is a mere $2.95+3%. The great thing is that you use a credit card and your gift gets sent in an email with instructions on how to claim their gift.
The great thing is that unlike sites where you have to buy a whole share, your investment buys fractions of shares. An example is if you invest $50 and a stock costs $100, you get .5% of a share. If you're like me, this is a great way to build a portfolio on the cheap!
SparkGift is a site that is practically addicting to me when it comes to buying stock for loved ones and myself. Imagine how much easier it is to invest for your children. The beauty is that you can buy shares of the stocks and funds that they suggest, that are sure winners but a bit expensive, or you can buy whatever you want from stocks and funds.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Monday, June 6, 2016
The One I Got Right
Perhaps you missed my last entry, but just so you know, Exelixis is flying high. I've been following this stock for the past three years, and I've seen extreme lows but some extreme highs like the past couple of months. I've lost a significant amount, but now it has more than made back my loss.
What caught my eye and drew me to this company? Look at the description...
Exelixis, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in developing small molecule therapies for the treatment of cancer. It focuses on the development and commercialization of cabozantinib, an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, in various tumor indications. Cabozantinib is indicated for the treatment of progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer, and is sold under the brand name COMETRIQ. It is evaluating Cabozantinib in a development program, which consists of over 45 clinical trials, across multiple indications, including pivotal studies in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its other products are Cobimetinib and XL888. Cobimetinib is a potent, selective inhibitor of MEK, a kinase that is a component of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. XL888 is a small molecule oral inhibitor of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), a molecular chaperone protein that affects the activity and stability of a range of regulatory proteins.
Cancer treatments are the future with the aging baby boomers and other generations where cancer will still exist. I'll admit pharmaceuticals are risky since some other company may come up with a generic version. They are a roller coaster ride, so not for the weak hearted.
At one time, all the analysists said don't buy this stock or sell the stock if you have it. Look what they are saying now, here, here and here. Financial advisors might laugh at my layman's assessment. I'm just in shock and awe how this stock is currently flying high!
What caught my eye and drew me to this company? Look at the description...
Exelixis, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company. The Company is engaged in developing small molecule therapies for the treatment of cancer. It focuses on the development and commercialization of cabozantinib, an inhibitor of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, in various tumor indications. Cabozantinib is indicated for the treatment of progressive, metastatic medullary thyroid cancer, and is sold under the brand name COMETRIQ. It is evaluating Cabozantinib in a development program, which consists of over 45 clinical trials, across multiple indications, including pivotal studies in advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Its other products are Cobimetinib and XL888. Cobimetinib is a potent, selective inhibitor of MEK, a kinase that is a component of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. XL888 is a small molecule oral inhibitor of Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), a molecular chaperone protein that affects the activity and stability of a range of regulatory proteins.
Cancer treatments are the future with the aging baby boomers and other generations where cancer will still exist. I'll admit pharmaceuticals are risky since some other company may come up with a generic version. They are a roller coaster ride, so not for the weak hearted.
At one time, all the analysists said don't buy this stock or sell the stock if you have it. Look what they are saying now, here, here and here. Financial advisors might laugh at my layman's assessment. I'm just in shock and awe how this stock is currently flying high!
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Weird Scenes Inside The Gold Mine
Stocks are not for the weak-hearted. The ups and downs on a scale resemble that of a person having a heart attack. Stocks are ever changeable, and weak-hearted individuals may not be able to endure the battle to win the war.
I have been focusing on pharmaceuticals, which some advisors view as risky and fly by night. When Pfizer came out with Viagara, for example, it's stock price was at an all-time high. Today it is average and a risky investment long term.
When it comes to pharm-stock, I find you should strap yourself in for the ride, buy low and sell high, research the uses of the product and make sure the target audience is dominant in it's a miracle cure for that audience.
Think senior health with baby-boomers aging and needing life-saving drugs. With senior, drugs need to fight cancer and boost immunity.
I came across Exelixis purely by accident. It was under $4 and into cancer research. I bought my shares and went on a wild roller coaster ride that would see me taking heavy monetary hits. At one point it was below $2 and all analysists pointed to not buying and selling. I didn't listen.
Today the stock is over $6. I realize that I am still in for a bumpy ride, but today I am far out of the red with this stock. This stock has now become a must buy, and even skeptics realize it's potential. I've seen my portfolio skyrocket in the past couple of weeks!~
I have been focusing on pharmaceuticals, which some advisors view as risky and fly by night. When Pfizer came out with Viagara, for example, it's stock price was at an all-time high. Today it is average and a risky investment long term.
When it comes to pharm-stock, I find you should strap yourself in for the ride, buy low and sell high, research the uses of the product and make sure the target audience is dominant in it's a miracle cure for that audience.
Think senior health with baby-boomers aging and needing life-saving drugs. With senior, drugs need to fight cancer and boost immunity.
I came across Exelixis purely by accident. It was under $4 and into cancer research. I bought my shares and went on a wild roller coaster ride that would see me taking heavy monetary hits. At one point it was below $2 and all analysists pointed to not buying and selling. I didn't listen.
Today the stock is over $6. I realize that I am still in for a bumpy ride, but today I am far out of the red with this stock. This stock has now become a must buy, and even skeptics realize it's potential. I've seen my portfolio skyrocket in the past couple of weeks!~
Friday, April 29, 2016
Best INTEREST Banking
Back in the day, banks would pay out up to 5% APR on all savings accounts. Today some people are happy just to save money with a .08% APR return, because they feel that is the best they can do. Well, I know a few online banks that pay at least 1.0%!
I use 3 online banks for savings and emergencies. GE Capital became GS Bank and pays 1.05% APR. That is a great rate for an interest earning saving account. A bit of advice is to avoid CDs no matter how tempting. You're locked in and there are penalties for early withdraw, not only from the bank, but on your federal returns. Keep that in mind.
Saving money isn't always easy, but being an ant instead of a grasshopper will prepare you for anything that comes your way. Seeing a possible emergency coming may help you put extra money aside. This may very well be the theme of a frugal penny pincher. Smile, you're on Candid Camera! Google CC.
If you want just a little bit more than GS Bank then you should check out Barclays. It not only pays 1.05% APY, but rewards you with extra credit for not withdrawing and depositing.
So is there possibly a better rate to help you save and earn interest? How does 1.10% sound? Check out Salem Five Direct. The .25% APY on the checking account!
In the GS Bank, I deposit as a weekly overdraft protection. If my paycheck doesn't cover expenses at some point, I withdraw from this account.
The Barclays is a long term savings for retirement account that will yield a high interest return. The Salem Five is for an emergency fund. Some would say, "Wouldn't you want Barclays as an emergency fund?" An emergency fund might be short term, but more than likely will be longer than projected. Eventually, a non spent SalemFive may earn more than a Barclays!
Now if you are saving it implies that you are not living paycheck to paycheck. This really will not make any sense to those who do. Saving is a form of investing that has a guaranteed return.
As always, be sure to read all agreements before signing on. Is there a minimum deposit on high interest accounts? What is my rate? Read and understand what you are getting into for the most part!
I use 3 online banks for savings and emergencies. GE Capital became GS Bank and pays 1.05% APR. That is a great rate for an interest earning saving account. A bit of advice is to avoid CDs no matter how tempting. You're locked in and there are penalties for early withdraw, not only from the bank, but on your federal returns. Keep that in mind.
Saving money isn't always easy, but being an ant instead of a grasshopper will prepare you for anything that comes your way. Seeing a possible emergency coming may help you put extra money aside. This may very well be the theme of a frugal penny pincher. Smile, you're on Candid Camera! Google CC.
If you want just a little bit more than GS Bank then you should check out Barclays. It not only pays 1.05% APY, but rewards you with extra credit for not withdrawing and depositing.
So is there possibly a better rate to help you save and earn interest? How does 1.10% sound? Check out Salem Five Direct. The .25% APY on the checking account!
In the GS Bank, I deposit as a weekly overdraft protection. If my paycheck doesn't cover expenses at some point, I withdraw from this account.
The Barclays is a long term savings for retirement account that will yield a high interest return. The Salem Five is for an emergency fund. Some would say, "Wouldn't you want Barclays as an emergency fund?" An emergency fund might be short term, but more than likely will be longer than projected. Eventually, a non spent SalemFive may earn more than a Barclays!
Now if you are saving it implies that you are not living paycheck to paycheck. This really will not make any sense to those who do. Saving is a form of investing that has a guaranteed return.
As always, be sure to read all agreements before signing on. Is there a minimum deposit on high interest accounts? What is my rate? Read and understand what you are getting into for the most part!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Birthday Freebies
There are many freebies to be had on your birthday. By not using them, is like turning down free money. Some may not be available in your area, others may not be your cup of tea, but regardless even one birthday money saver is worth it.
Here's a Google Search, to start. Denny's is still giving a free Grand Slam with just a proof of birth. Some sites you have to register and copy a birthday coupon that comes in your email. Either way, the freebies are great.
I also found local freebies from food to booze. The booze was a 2 liter boot of beer! That's over 2 quarts of beer!I couldn't finish the whole thing without a designated driver!
Here's a Google Search, to start. Denny's is still giving a free Grand Slam with just a proof of birth. Some sites you have to register and copy a birthday coupon that comes in your email. Either way, the freebies are great.
I also found local freebies from food to booze. The booze was a 2 liter boot of beer! That's over 2 quarts of beer!I couldn't finish the whole thing without a designated driver!
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Buyer Beware Buying A Car
There are services out there that charge you a fee for something you can get for free. LifeLock offers Identity Theft Protection for a few. Free ID protection is offered by Credit Sesame, which along with Credit Karma will supply your credit scores from all three credit agencies. This bypasses the yearly annual report everybody is entitled to, and is FREE!
So now we are hearing about CARFAX that gives us a history of any vehicle we hope to buy...for a fee. Car buying is a stressful situation because we are about to spend thousands on a mode of transportation that we hope will be reliable and not a lemon or a rip off!
Besides relying on a vehicle history we should be advised to have a reliable and trustworthy mechanic to inspect our selected purchase. Still there are free and MORE reliable services that can check a car's history.
AutoCheck, VinAudit, and NICB offer better service for FREE!
Remember to do your research before jumping on any vehicle that a dealer seems to steer you to.
So now we are hearing about CARFAX that gives us a history of any vehicle we hope to buy...for a fee. Car buying is a stressful situation because we are about to spend thousands on a mode of transportation that we hope will be reliable and not a lemon or a rip off!
Besides relying on a vehicle history we should be advised to have a reliable and trustworthy mechanic to inspect our selected purchase. Still there are free and MORE reliable services that can check a car's history.
AutoCheck, VinAudit, and NICB offer better service for FREE!
Remember to do your research before jumping on any vehicle that a dealer seems to steer you to.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
Useful Links
Sometimes I wish there were ways to make things easier, especially if it comes to a way to save money. In today's world we should protect ourselves from possibly facing an identity theft that leads to financial ruin. Strong passwords and a good anti-virus protection will help.
For the best protection, you should have a strong password for each site, rather than one password for all sites. You should write your passwords on a notebook and keep them in a secure location. You can also use password managers such as RoboForm or LastPass.
When it comes anti-virus' there are a vast number of different ones on the market. AVG and Avast offer both free and premium anti-virus'.
Financial health means possibly going on a spending fast, or freeze, for a day, a week, two weeks, or a month. Anytime you don't spend money puts money in your pocket. Find tips here, here and here to name a few.
Sites that save you on merchandise from food to goods are always worth trying. Coupons.com and SavingStar are useful to help you save. I also recommend applying for the retailers reward cards.
I was just turned on to a rather novel idea. If you buy gift cards from pawn shops or people trying to dump them for cash, you will save on merchandise and food. Try Raise.com where you can get deals and save some money.
If your still hesitant about investing, WealthFront will customize an investment plan and won't charge you until you reach $10000.
For the best protection, you should have a strong password for each site, rather than one password for all sites. You should write your passwords on a notebook and keep them in a secure location. You can also use password managers such as RoboForm or LastPass.
When it comes anti-virus' there are a vast number of different ones on the market. AVG and Avast offer both free and premium anti-virus'.
Financial health means possibly going on a spending fast, or freeze, for a day, a week, two weeks, or a month. Anytime you don't spend money puts money in your pocket. Find tips here, here and here to name a few.
Sites that save you on merchandise from food to goods are always worth trying. Coupons.com and SavingStar are useful to help you save. I also recommend applying for the retailers reward cards.
I was just turned on to a rather novel idea. If you buy gift cards from pawn shops or people trying to dump them for cash, you will save on merchandise and food. Try Raise.com where you can get deals and save some money.
If your still hesitant about investing, WealthFront will customize an investment plan and won't charge you until you reach $10000.
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