Every week I read a large number of personal finance and investing articles. Here’s my latest weekly shortcut to the best.
As usual I’ve linked to a few great blog reads first, followed by some choice articles from the mainstream media.
Good reads from the financial blogosphere
- Mint.com’s visual guide to inflation [1] is a must-read.
- MoneyNing has a good article on preparing for a 50% pay cut [2], a guest post from My Wife Quit Her Job [3].
- Should you pay off your debts before investing [4], asks Moolanomy?
- Oblivious Investor explains why he doubts you can beat the market [5]. (Also see The New York Times article below).
- Dividends Value has an update on the growth of ETFs [6] in the US. Investing School explains what ETFs are [7], in case you’re not up-to-speed.
- Behaviour Gap TV claims there are honest financial planners [8] in the world. That it needs to be argued speaks volumes.
Good articles from other websites and papers
- The Independent says the jury is still out on the near-term prospects for UK property funds [9]. (I’d favour REITS or directly buying property shares).
- Meanwhile The Times focusses on emerging markets [10]. (Again they peddle funds. I’d look at something like the Templeton Emerging Markets investment trust, which I hold).
- The New York Times reports that U.S. investors spend an incredible $100 billion a year trying to beat the market [11].
- You could read this Motley Fool UK recap on the case for corporate bonds [12], if you’re still waiting for me to finish my series on investing in corporate bonds [13]. (I’ve decided to buy the Barclays Equity Gilt Study for 2009 to get the data I need to finish it…)
- Ever-charming banks are asking wealthy buy-to-let property investors [14] for millions of pounds in extra equity, despite there being no defaults on their portfolios, says the Financial Times.
Did you find this roundup useful? Simple subscribe [15] to Monevator via email or RSS (it’s totally free) and get my best links every week. Less time surfing, more time enjoying the weekend!