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Smart Investing Principles from the Securities and Exchange Commission

January 21, 2016 by

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]

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Butting Heads in the Office? Here’s How to Deal With Difficult Coworkers!

November 19, 2015 by

Whether your job requires collaboration or you simply want to establish friendly relationships with the people you work with, difficult co-workers can complicate things. Here are a few ways to handle bad attitudes in the workplace.

  1. Keep your cool. First and foremost, never lose your temper on a fellow employee, no matter how bad the situation gets. This will only make you lose face in front of your bosses and the rest of the office. Simply remind yourself to maintain a calm, even voice, or just walk away from the situation.
  2. Practice good conflict resolution skills. If the co-worker in question frequently disagrees or argues with you about work issues, learn how to resolve these conflicts before they start. Identify common ground by pointing out a mutual goal, and be sure to hear him or her out completely before giving your point of view.
  3. Address the issue in private. No one wants to be viewed as unprofessional, so privately point out when a co-worker is being particularly dramatic. Say something neutral, like “It seems like you’re getting very angry about this.” This might make your co-worker notice the error of his or her ways.
  4. Don’t be a pushover. It pays to be kind, but don’t let this difficult co-worker feel that he or she can walk all over you. Adopt a fair yet stern attitude that shows that you can’t be manipulated or disrespected.

Three Tips to Deal with a Passive-Aggressive Colleague [Harvard Business Review]
20 Ways to Deal with Difficult Co-Workers [iVillage]
Ten Tips for Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers [allBusiness]
How to Deal with Difficult Co-Workers [Forbes]

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How to Strike a Better Work-Life Balance

March 5, 2015 by

Between housework, errands, family obligations, and professional duties, maintaining a healthy balance between work and home life is nothing short of a juggling act. If you feel as though you're being pulled in a thousand directions, read these tips to help refocus your priorities and help shed some stress.

1) Ask for help.
As they say, "It takes a village." Reach out to friends, family, and neighbors for help on days when you're stretched especially thin. For instance, you might trade off carpooling or babysitting duties with a neighbor, or assign chores and errands to family members.

2) Just say no.
Establish clear boundaries. Train yourself to ignore unimportant work emails when you're off the clock. Similarly, do your best not to bring personal issues into the workplace. If you're overloaded with work, tactfully relay the fact to your employer, and ask for more time if handed additional assignments.

3) Make yourself a priority.
When you're responsible for the welfare of others, it's easy to put your own needs and ambitions on the back burner. However, you'll likely find that a little "me time" will go a long way in helping you deal with everyday obligations. Be sure to schedule time for your own hobbies and interests every week.

The Top 10 Tips for Balancing Work and Family Life [Mom MD]
14 Steps to Achieving Work-Life Balance [Salary.com]
6 Strategies for Work-Life Balance [Oprah]
Get a good balance between work and life [Action for Happiness]

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An Investor’s Education: Five Essential Books about Business and Finance

October 23, 2012 by

Whether you’re looking for personal investment tips, advice on running your business, or trying to understand the current global financial situation, these readable books on economic issues will help make an often confusing subject more clear:

On the Brink: Inside the Race to Stop the Collapse of the Global Financial System by Hank Paulson
You can’t get closer to the 2008 financial crisis than this account by former Secretary of the Treasury Hank Paulson. This no-holds-barred book lays bare the panic and desperation of the Fed in the face of a potential meltdown of our entire financial system.

Security Analysis by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd
This 1934 classic originated the concept of value investing, which is employed with great success by investors like Warren Buffet. Both the updated and original 1934 editions are available and offer advice that still applies today.

The Alchemy of Finance by George Soros
The Alchemy of Finance is a fascinating look into the thought processes of one of the most successful investors of our time. Soros’s unique investment strategies stand to change the face of finance as we know it.

This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly by Kenneth S. Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart
This very readable book finds the commonalities across centuries of financial crises, including the 2008 crash.

My Years with General Motors by Alfred P. Sloan
Bill Gates's favorite book on business, this 1963 tome offers insight into business management and what makes a successful business, directly from the manager who helped make General Motors great.
 

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