2014 - Page 7 of 13 - The Art of Thinking SMART

The Star-Spangled Banner Acapella from the Gaither Vocal Band

July 5, 2014
David S. Chang

This rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner is one of my favorite. Proud to be an American and thankful for my fellow West Pointers and military servicemen and women, first responders, and those that have served our country. May we continue to be the shining light on the hill for freedom and democracy!

July 5, 2014
David S. Chang

Define Your Goals Knowing how to secure your financial well-being is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. You don’t have to be a genius to do it. You just just need to know a few basics, form a plan, and be ready to stick to it. To end up where […]

July 5, 2014
David S. Chang

Everyone should have a financial plan, regardless of age, income or net worth. It will help plan for the future and meet goals. Having a skilled financial adviser can be vital in helping create a financial plan. Some people like to do it themselves, but for those who do not have the time, desire or […]

July 4, 2014
David S. Chang

The stock market is where buyers and sellers meet to decide on the price to buy or sell securities, usually with the assistance of a broker. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about how stocks are traded and how the stock market works. Public Companies Public companies are a key part of […]

July 4, 2014
David S. Chang

Why Invest? A few people may stumble into financial security. But for most people, the only way to attain financial security is to save and invest over a long period of time. You just need to have your money work for you. That’s investing. There are two ways your money can work for you: Your […]

July 4, 2014
David S. Chang

Whether you’re a first-time investor or have been investing for many years, there are some basic questions to ask before investing. You should always ask these questions before you commit your hard-earned money to an investment. Question 1: Is the seller licensed? Research shows that con-artists are experts at the art of persuasion, often using […]

July 4, 2014
David S. Chang

Understanding the investment fees you pay is key to understanding your investments. As with any business, there are costs associated with running a company that buys and sells securities or provides investment advice. These include transaction costs and operating expenses such as salaries, advertising, and marketing. Companies cover these costs by imposing fees on investors. […]

July 4, 2014
David S. Chang

All investments involve some degree of risk. In finance, risk refers to the degree of uncertainty and/or potential financial loss inherent in an investment decision. In general, as investment risks rise, investors seek higher returns to compensate themselves for taking such risks. Every saving and investment product has different risks and returns. Differences include: how readily […]

July 4, 2014
David S. Chang

Asset allocation involves dividing your investments among different assets, such as stocks, bonds, alternative investments, and cash. The asset allocation decision is a personal one. The allocation that works best for you changes at different times in your life, depending on how long you have to invest and your ability to tolerate risk. Factors to consider include your: Time Horizon. Your […]

July 2, 2014
David S. Chang

A bond is a debt obligation, like an IOU. Investors who buy corporate bonds are lending money to the company issuing the bond. In return, the company makes a legal commitment to pay interest on the principal and, in most cases, to return the principal when the bond comes due, or matures. To understand bonds, it is helpful to […]