Whether you’re an experienced investor or you’re considering investing for the first time, we can all learn a few things about making smart investments. These helpful Guiding Principles from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission won’t tell you exactly which investments to make, but they will offer you some useful guidelines:

Make a plan.
This principle advises people to consider the things they want to save for in the future – from a car to your children’s college education – and plan to save and invest to meet those costs.

Save and invest for the long term.
The next principle recommends saving and investing for the long term. Because the stock market goes up and down, it is important to put in the time to see the effects of your investment. Don't fret about day-to-day fluctuations of the market.

Investigate before you invest.
It is always a good idea to research any investment before putting money into it, and this principle details a few key ways to make sure that your investment is worthwhile. From calling your state securities regulator to identifying “get rich quick” schemes, this tip can prevent headaches down the line.

Guiding Principles [U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Ken Teegardin

Check The Long Center’s for the Performing Arts' calendar and you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. This live entertainment venue aims to be a community gathering place, emphasizing local art and talent while creating a fun and welcoming place for residents to come together.

Both outdoor and indoor concerts are held at The Long Center for the Performing Arts, either inside the spacious, round venue or outside on the attached City Terrace. The programming is diverse, and you’ll often find many different types of performances ranging from Shakespeare in the Park to touring rock groups and even comedy shows throughout the week. Theater buffs will enjoy seeing musical theater performances, while fans of ballet will likely want to check out a night with Ballet Austin.

The Long Center for the Performing Arts
701 W. Riverside Drive
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 457-5100
www.thelongcenter.org
www.yelp.com/biz/long-center-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Kryziz Bonny

Food allergies sometimes make creativity a necessity when it comes to preparing meals on your own. Lucky for those afflicted with allergies, there are many great resources to help people cook delicious food without the ingredient that trigger reactions. If you need to prepare a dish without eggs, bookmark these two websites for help with substitutions.

1. Cooking and Baking Without Egg Ingredients [Kids With Food Allergies]
   With this website, egg allergies won’t stop you from making your favorite foods like pizza, cake, and pie. Get those recipes, plus suggestions on how to substitute eggs when used in other baked goods.
2. Egg Substitutions [Chef in You]
   Discover a list of foods that can be used as eggs substitutes in various recipes. They include unlikely items such as bananas, applesauce, and vegetable oil.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/ravescuritiba