2012 - Page 6 of 10 - The Art of Thinking SMART

The Best Investment You Can Make

October 24, 2012
David S. Chang

Many people are always on the lookout for the best investment to make money. It may be company stock, a mutual fund, a piece of real estate or maybe a business venture. However, there is one investment that many people overlook, and it is the best investment you can make: yourself! You are your […]

October 23, 2012
David S. Chang

The good: The iPhone 5 adds everything we wanted in the iPhone 4S: 4G LTE, a longer, larger screen, free turn-by-turn navigation, and a faster A6 processor. Plus, its top-to-bottom redesign is sharp, slim, and feather-light. The bad: Apple Maps feels unfinished and buggy; Sprint and Verizon models can’t use voice and data simultaneously. The […]

October 17, 2012
David S. Chang

Many of us may have been in a situation where a family member or friend has asked to borrow money. In 2011, 7 percent of homebuyers borrowed from a relative or friend to help purchase a house, and 14 percent of business owners also borrowed from family and friends to help cover costs. Lending money […]

October 14, 2012
David S. Chang

A house is a major investment that will greatly affect your financial future. Before you start shopping, be sure you know how much house you can afford.

October 8, 2012
David S. Chang

Reducing negative stress levels is a vital component of maintaining both physical and emotional health. Research shows that high stress can be a factor in heart attacks, strokes, and many other ailments. The hormones produced by stress can alert you to danger and provide a needed boost, but can be very harmful when produced over […]

October 3, 2012
David S. Chang

Being financially independent for retirement is one of the top goals for Americans. However, a recent study shows that half of Americans will die with almost no assets, and half of Americans will rely only on Social Security for income. With low asset levels, paying for unanticipated expenses and even raises in cost of living […]

September 19, 2012
David S. Chang

401(k) retirement plans were first introduced by Congress in 1978. The name comes from the section (401) and paragraph(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The retirement plans were created to encourage Americans to save more for retirement. Here are some tips and information to take full advantage of the benefits of a 401(k): 401(k) plans […]

September 17, 2012
David S. Chang

Researchers at the University of South Carolina have found that regular treadmill sessions boost the production of mitochondria in brain cells. By increasing the mitochondria in brain cells, exercise improves brain function and efficiency. Researchers found that creating an excess of mitochondria could also create a buffer against age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. Just a 30-minute […]

September 15, 2012
David S. Chang

When possible, use an eReader or tablet instead of printing things out. Print on both sides of paper whenever possible to conserve. Keep a scrap paper pile of misprints to print on or take notes with. Try to reuse envelopes when possible to cut down on waste. Consider switching your coffee maker to a metal […]

September 12, 2012
David S. Chang

One of the most overlooked types of insurance is renter’s insurance. If you are currently renting the place you live in, losing everything to fire, flood, burglary or even a lawsuit can be devastating. Renter’s insurance covers your possessions against these potential problems. Here are some reasons why you should get renter’s insurance and key […]