Do Lifestyle Funds Provide Greater Security? If you're a new investor (with less than $10k), and have your account at a discount broker, you can add a minimum of 1% per year in fees just for the privilege of having an account. That brings the total up to 4% in annual expenses. Talk about adding insult to injury. [More] Types of Investment In truth, investments can cover a wide range of options. One of the most traditional types of investing is in the stock market. This has been viewed by some as being a difficult type of investment to get into, but times are changing. The new range of online stockbrokers available mean that it's now easy (and fairly inexpensive) to get involved in buying and selling shares. If you're interested in share dealing yourself, then you'd be wise to remember that there is a risk involved ("shares may go down in value, as well as up"). It's vital that you investigate the area thoroughly before taking the plunge and you should view shares as a medium to long-term investment. If you invest expecting to make a quick buck, then you're likely to be disappointed. [More] Which IRA Is Best For You? The traditional IRA allows you to contribute an amount and take a current deduction for the contribution. Withdrawal minimums must begin at a certain age and all withdrawals are taxable at the rate applicable when withdrawals are made. The main benefit is that any growth or gains remain free from taxation up to the point of withdrawal. Thus you would be getting tax-free accumulation. [More] Bookstore Rewards Can Pay! It seems you can’t pay for a coffee or a magazine at either Barnes & Noble or Borders without getting an offer to join their member programs. But do they actually save you money? If you shop at Borders, do sign up for its rewards program, if only because it&#. John McCabe's Web Guides: Top Credit Card Mistakes When you’re dealing with credit cards, you’re playing with fire. Unfortunately, there are plenty of people out there who don’t realise that, and make all sorts of dangerous mistakes with their credit cards every day.