Investing and Financial Planning The other phases extend to middle age and beyond to retirement. Our middle age years often find us at the peak of our earning power, with many of our former goals satisfied. This will mean greater savings are possible, and as time progresses towards retirement, our tolerance for risk will necessarily diminish. Financial planning takes all of this into account and more. Other factors, including planning for health care and other insurance needs, preparation for emergency expenditures, tax and estate planning and the like will all be part of the strategy. [More] Offshore Investing Emerging-markets funds are the most volatile, invested as they are in undeveloped regions subject to political upheaval, currency risk and corruption. These economies, such as Argentina's in 2002, can collapse; governments can fall or be overthrown. On the other hand, these regions have enormous growth potential. Adding a small sprinkling of emerging markets exposure to your portfolio could serve to lessen downturns in U.S. markets – but they are for long-term investors only, those who can wait for fallen markets to recover. [More] Making the Market Get something straight in your mind now - although these market makers would like you to think that they are simple 'middle men', buying from Fred and selling to Joe, while pocketing the spread between those two prices in an honest, upfront sort of way, the truth is rather more devious (not to mention complicated). The real tool that market makers use to create their own profits is embedded within that sentence. The spread. I hear you think, "I have no problem with them charging a fee for their service - everyone has to make a living, and it's only a few percent after all! ". Wrong again! The whole concept of a 'spread' allows a market maker to control the market in the same way that a shepherd controls a flock of witless sheep. [More] Can Money Buy Happiness? I’ve never believed that having a lot of money is what gives someone lasting, internal happiness. You probably already know of a few very rich but very unhappy people. However, I do believe that having a lot of money can in most cases make life easier. There is nothing wrong with being rich but it’s [...]. Secrets of the Tough Minded Investor Tough minded investors also tend to be investors who know exactly what their financial goals are and pursue them relentlessly until they're reached.. Deal of the Week: 3 HUGE WINNERS +639%, +301%, +108%: Need we say more? AGGRESSIVE TRADING provides the opportunity for BIG WINNERS! Schaeffer's Players Series just booked 3 HUGE WINNERS! To celebrate these BIG winners - join Schaeffer's Players Series today and SAVE $1,500! Plus, we'll give you 3 ADDITIONAL MONTHS FREE as our gift! Regularly $1,995 for 12 months, join Schaeffer's Players Series now for 15 FULL Months FOR ONLY $4.