Blogging or Posting on Facebook?

Which is better?

Blogging on your own blog or posting on your facebook page?

Article source: http://www.cre8d-design.com/2012/04/blogs-vs-twitter-and-facebook/

Blogs vs Twitter and Facebook

April 14, 2012

A little over a year ago Chris Shiflett blogged that we need a blogging revival because conversation which was once on blogs has moved to Twitter and, in his opinion, there’s less quality discussion and debate on Twitter than there was on blogs.
He doesn’t think more blogging would hurt Twitter, indeed it would benefit it as Twitter is a natural way to share that content. So, the call to blog is not a backlash against Twitter, it’s a reminder of why both are needed.
Here’s his list of reasons why he thinks blogs are great:

• Posts can be as short or are long as you want.
• You don’t have to use broken language to fit a complete thought.
• Posts aren’t immediately lost in a sea of updates.
• Posts can be easily found later.
• You don’t have to know what’s trending among the riff-raff of the Internet.
• Posts tend to be more meaningful.
• All conversation related to a post is easy to find.

I’ve just read through all the responses I could find, and here’s a summary of some of the additional thoughts people had:

• Blogging requires more thought, reasoning for opinions, refining, details, deep expression and reflection than tweeting. Tweets are valuable for quick (incomplete) thoughts and light conversation but we often need more than that. Tweets are snacks between meals, signposts to feasts. The real banquets are blog posts. Drew McLellan, Sean Coates, Jon Tangerine
• Blogging helps you find like-minded people to talk to and work with and a sense of community (David Rhoden, Rian van der Merwe)
• Blog conversations don’t force you into an artificial relationship like “Facebook friend” or “Twitter follower” (David Rhoden)
• Blogs are in a database that you own and control – you can edit it or throw it away at any time. (David Rhoden, Anthony Killeen)
• Facebook and Twitter aren’t a replacement for your own personal history of things you want to say online. (David Rhoden)
• Comments and discussions are there in context. (Anthony Killeen)
• Blog posts are better indexed by search engines. When was the last time you Googled a question and got a Tweet or Facebook status update which answered it? (David Rhoden, Jeremy Cook)
• Blog posts are more educational, spread knowledge and are helpful to newbies. (Clive Walker, Rafael Dohms, Court Ewing)
• Blog posts are timeless: they don’t expire. (Rafael Dohms)
• Blog posts showcase your thinking as a professional and get your name out there. (Rafael Dohms)
• Blogging takes more courage: tweets are easier to correct. Blogging opens you up to real critique and criticism. Joe Leech)

Rather ironically, the hashtag #ideasofmarch now no longer brings up any of the tweets about the topic.
Reading through the numerous blog posts, I noticed that there was a collective sense of longing for the good old days of blogging before Twitter and Facebook came along. Those days when we weren’t so lazy and made the time to write in long form because our thinking was refined during the process and we really did form deep connections and blogging communities. There was regret for neglecting our blogs for tweets and status updates (but not wanting to do away with the latter either), and a desire to blog more once again.
There was a sense that true blogging was (and still is) about honesty, learning, growth. It was about opening yourself up to critique and trolls but also finding cheerleaders, mentors and fellow journeyers. There was a sense that we’re missing out on good insightful blog posts being written, and a proliferation of “Top 10 ways to get people to link up to your blog”.
There was a sadness that blog comments aren’t so lively any more: the comments are disparate, brief and shallow.
I know that every time I blog, I feel rewarded: I’ve thought things through, I’ve learnt things and I’ve worried a teeny bit about what other people are thinking in response.
The best text information I find online is still via blog posts.
The best way I find out about deep thoughts friends or strangers have online is still via blog posts.
The best place to find tutorials, help and ideas is still via blog posts. I may get there via Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest, but they’re signposts to the real content.

Mutual Fund 101

Looking to invest in a mutual fund but have no idea how?

Use these helpful links for easy to understand videos.

From T.Roew Price

How to choose a fund

Mutual Fund Basics

If you need any advise, just email me!

Stock picks for 20 somethings

Want a few stock recommendations? Look no further.

Article Source: http://beta.fool.com/dillarda/2012/01/04/5-great-stocks-20-something-year-old/476/

5 Great Stocks for a 20-Something

Let’s face it, many college students who are leaving college are not finance or investment majors. Many had little to no exposure in personal finance or investing while in college. That is why when many of those individuals enter the workforce, and first look at their available options for a 401k, IRA or Roth IRA, it is like reading Chinese. Some may even completely forgo investing from their lack of understanding. However difficult it may be for a person with no investing exposure to put money into the stock market, it is completely essential.

When talking about this issue with several of my own friends, it usually boiled down to two things. First, invest in what you know, and second invest more now than later in life. Below are some stocks that almost every 20-something should be exposed to, and that I believe represents a good forward opportunity.

Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT)
As former college students move out of their college apartment or house, they find themselves desiring to furnish their new residence with something other than a futon, posters of their favorite sports team and milk crates for a TV stand. Target offers an upscale shopping experience while keeping prices low. Target’s private label and brand label product assortment allow new home owners and apartment dwellers to furnish their place with style while saving money.
Financially, Target is experiencing quarterly year over year revenue growth of almost 20%, and they provide a decent dividend for their stock holders. Since many 20-somethings have limited funds to invest, Target is also priced relatively low, currently at approximately $50 a share.

Best Buy (NYSE: BBY)
Many college freshmen first attend their university with a new laptop computer. After four, five, or even six years that computer is ancient and most likely broke in one way or another. Or, perhaps somebody also spilled beer on their TV during a party, and bottom corners forever remained a weird shade of pink. Regardless, when it is time for a 20 something to replace the electronics that faithfully got them through college, many think to go to Best Buy.
Financially, Best Buy is also a lower priced stock, approximately trading at $23 a share. Combined with a lower price to book and PEG ratio and enough cash in the bank to cover their debt, Best Buy should be poised maximize shareholder value.

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN)
Let’s face it; many 20 somethings have been exposed to computers and the internet for a majority of their lives. Many don’t know how to function without the internet or smart phones; when they need to know an answer to something, they simply “Google” it. That is why when it comes to online shopping, 20-somethings are no stranger. Gone are the days of bricks and mortar shopping only, and an increased focus is put on online shopping. A Pew Research study estimated that almost 3 out of 4 of all internet users in generation Y shop online. Amazon is the perfect avenue to capture this demographic, offering a wide variety of essential and nonessential products.
Financially, Amazon is a more expensive stock to purchase, trading at approximately $178 a share. With no debt, cash in the bank of over $6 billion, and revenue growth year over year at approximately 44%, Amazon should prove to increase their stock price.

Pandora (NYSE: P)
It‘s no secret that 20-somethings and Generation Y are good at multitasking. They need constant stimulation or else they can become bored. Pandora has provided an outlet for this need since creation. Many hours of Pandora radio stations has been played to college students studying for their upcoming finals. As those students transition to the work force, they may continue that trend of listening to Pandora while performing their job.
Financially, Pandora could look better. As Pandora continues to expand into the mobile phone market and as they strive to get their financial house in order, Pandora should trend in an upward direction. Also, with a price around $10 per share, investors can limit the amount of money at risk if they choose to invest in this stock.

Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX)
The trials and tribulations of Netflix in 2011 have been well documented. Many subscribers ran away from their services, many also remained. As cable costs, HDTV receiver fees and DVR fee all add up to an increasingly large number, and the number of roommates plummets, many 20 somthings look to Netflix to provide them their dose of entertainment. As Netflix continues to expand to the mobile phone arena, Netflix is proving to be a cost saving alternative to cable or satellite for those fresh out of college.
Financially, Netflix has seen their stock price take a huge hit in 2011, down approximately 60% over the past year. However, this could provide an opportunity for the new investor. Currently, Netflix is trading at approximately $77 a share. Netflix has had positive revenue and earnings growth for the past year, enough cash in the bank to cover debt, and a PEG ratio of less than 1 indicates that NFLX could be poised to increase in value.

Facebook Vs. Blog

Blogging Vs. Facebook
What's the difference?

Source for article : http://socialmediatoday.com/predsicker/476102/10-reasons-business-blogging-better-facebook-infographic

Welcome to Craig O'Connell's Blog

Providing insight for young working professionals since 2013.

Just landed your first full-time professional job?
Been working for a few years but haven't contributed to your 401(k) yet?
Want to retire as a millionaire?

Look no further.

Three great choices in mutual funds that are great for young professional's just starting out, looking fo invest for long term growth and returns.

Article Source : http://investorplace.com/2011/09/20-somethings-millionaires-mutual-funds-to-buy/view-all/

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (VFIFX)

So-called “target-date” retirement funds are great options for young investors because the risk level of your investments is automatically adjusted for you over time — without the need for younger investors to move money around on their own or perform exhaustive research. The Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Fund (MUTF:VFIFX) is perfect for 20-somethings looking 40 years or more until retirement because it is aggressive at first and gradually becomes conservative as the retirement “target” of 2050 approaches.
The big downside, of course, is that if you plan on retiring early or late, this cookie-cutter approach might not suit you. You have to be comfortable with the “target” of this fund when you buy in, since that ultimate goal drives all the decisions.
Also, the VFIFX mutual fund is a “fund of funds,” meaning it actually is comprised of other mutual funds and not individual stocks or bonds. There is a risk of redundancy this way — or a “too many cooks in the kitchen” approach — because there are many managers for these disparate investments. Then again, if all those folks are doing a great job, it might be in your best interest to share in the success of a few different strategies.
The fund has a minimum buy-in of $1,000, which is the lowest in the business. Read more about Vanguard’s fund here.

Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (SWPPX)

If you are planning decades ahead, it’s probably because you believe in the wealth-building power of the stock market. That is, that in 40 or 50 years from now there will be a significantly higher value for most stocks — and that picking individual winners is less important than just riding the rising tide.
But which so-called “index” fund should you buy? Fidelity has a number of great broad-market funds with low expenses, for example — but a $10,000 minimum investment is required. Not exactly accessible to 20-somethings.
That’s why Charles Schwab has a real winner with its Schwab S&P 500 Index Fund (MUTF:SWPPX). The minimum buy-in is $100 for your initial purchase. And with an expense ratio of a mere 0.09%, it’s not like your funds will be eroded by costly management fees, either.
Tracking the market is maligned by some as a lowbrow way of investing. But in 40 years the S&P is up 1,110% — meaning that $100 buy-in would be $1,210. That’s pretty powerful. Imagine if you continued to invest across your early years, too, with $100 here and $100 there to supplement the fund.

Fidelity Small Cap Discovery Fund (FSCRX)

If you want to get a little more pop in your retirement fund but don’t mind taking on a bit more risk or paying a bit more in fees, the Fidelity Small Cap Discovery Fund (MUTF:FSCRX) is a great choice.
This investment seeks out the top small companies that have big-time potential. Unlike a big fund that contains S&P 500 components, the companies in the Fidelity Small Cap Discovery Fund likely are stocks you haven’t heard of — yet!
The profit potential of this fund is obvious. Think about the money you’d be sitting on if you could have invested in Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) or Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) way back when they were small-time companies. Of course, the reverse also is true — that some of these small companies will struggle along and eventually fail.
The expenses are bigger on this Fidelity fund because the manager’s research and active role is much more important than an index fund that just moves in lockstep with the market. But manager Chuck Myers has been running the fund for more than five years — since March 2006 — and has a track record to back up his leadership. With an annualized return of more than 7% for that period while the Dow Jones is largely flat, you can see the power of this strategy.
The downside is that when the Small Cap Discovery Fund falls short, it likely will hurt. And a $2,500 buy-in also makes it out of reach for many small-time investors just out of college. But if you can scrape together the cash and can handle the volatile ride, FSCRX could be a great mutual fund for early investors during the next few decades.



Buying VS. Renting, what should you choose?

After renting for a few years, you're tired of paying rent and receiving nothing in return. Is it time to buy something? Read the following for some great insight.

Article source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/toni-haber/buy-renting-apartments_b_1400127.html

If you've been looking to rent an apartment recently, you might be experiencing a little sticker shock. Seven grand for a two-bedroom on the Upper West Side... Really? Really!!

As you may have read in previous blogs, the rental market has seen some significant increases over the last two quarters. This has prompted a lot of renting New Yorkers to ask themselves the obvious question: "Could it really be that much more expensive just to buy something?" Buy versus rent: what should you do? I've been getting this question a lot lately. Well here are some facts and some food for thought.

The question becomes easily answered if you don't have a down payment: renting is the way to go. However, if you do have a down payment and a job (what a concept), I would without a doubt recommend that you buy.
Let's use $1,000,000 as our example. It is common in New York City that you will be required to put down 20 percent ($200,000) to 30 percent ($300,000). This scenario would leave you financing $700,000 to $800,000, figuring a 4 percent interest rate (you may be able to do better in this market, depending on the particulars of your deal, but don't quote me; talk to your friendly neighborhood mortgage banker for all the details). Your monthly costs on that would be approximately $3,350 to $3,820 per month. You can play with the numbers or plug in your own scenario here. Then you have your monthly common charges and real estate taxes (for condos) or your monthly maintenance (for coops). This will run in the ball park of $1,000 to $1,500, which brings your monthly payments to approximately $4,350 to $5,320 per month.

Depending if you have a doorman or not, an elevator versus a walk up, a view versus no view, and if the apartment needs renovation or is move-in ready and a COOP versus a condo, (more on that in next week's blog so stay tuned!), this price range will generally buy you 800 to 1,100 square feet. A rental of that size could run you $4,500 to $6,000. Don't forget, the added benefit of owning is that all of your mortgage interest and real estate taxes are tax deductible, plus your home will mostly be your largest appreciating asset, which is true even more so now since the bubble burst and you have low prices and historically low interests rates.

Interest rates should stay at these historical lows for at least the rest of the year, possibly through 2014, Chairmen Ben Bernanke said recently as he's been trying to temper people's enthusiasm on the seemingly improving economy. It is clear the Fed understands that raising rates too soon could be detrimental to the fragile recovery.

Specifically in New York City the rents are rising and the prices are flat. Once prices start increasing, I feel they are going to move upward fast. Buying a home is kind of like buying a stock; you have to get in at the right time. Don't you wish you had purchased Apple stock a year ago when it was trading under $350? (It's over $600 today, FYI.) There is no better place to own real estate then New York City, so jump in now. The rest of the world has! We have more international buyers than ever before. So, If you think you can't own in this city, think again. Consult some experts! (A knowledgeable real estate broker and mortgage banker.) They will give the benefit of their knowledge for free! And you'll know exactly where you stand.