All investing involves risk. But there’s a big difference between smart investing and gambling. Trading a few stocks without knowing what you’re doing is gambling. Diligently setting aside money, putting it in the best stocks or funds for your goals, and leaving it put for the long run. That’s investing.
If you love researching stocks and making fast trades in search of short-term profits, fine. It’s fun. I just don’t recommend doing it with more than 10 percent of your money.

The President is suggesting to raise minimum wage to $10.10 on Federal employees only. That’s not acceptable; this will do nothing to the economy unless it’s done across board.

Money magazine selected 16 Vanguard mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including our Target Retirement Fund series, for its “Money 50″ list of recommended funds, published in the magazine’s January/February 2014 Investor’s Guide.

The “Money 50″ list is a more concise rendition of the annual “Money 70″ list, as the publication eliminated fund and ETF duplications, removed several active funds that have consistently underperformed, and reorganized the categories based on investment goals to help simplify investor decisions.

This year, once again, Vanguard has more funds on the list than any other fund family, with nearly three times as many as the next largest competitor. In addition, Vanguard is also the only fund family that has funds listed in each of the magazine’s new categories: building-block funds (9 of the 14 listed), custom funds (5 of 32), and one-decision funds (2 of 4).

This is the 13th consecutive year Money has recognized Vanguard on its list of recommended funds. The criteria for inclusion on the list are based on a low expense ratio, a strong record for putting shareholder interests first, a consistent investment strategy, experienced and trustworthy managers, and long-term performance.

The following Vanguard funds made this year’s “Money 50″ list, arranged according to the magazine’s categories:

Building-block funds (9 of 14 listed):

• Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund
• Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-U.S. Small-Cap Index Fund
• Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities Fund
• Vanguard REIT Index Fund
• Vanguard Short-Term Bond Index Fund
• Vanguard Short-Term Inflation-Protected Securities ETF
• Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund
• Vanguard Total International Bond Index Fund
• Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund

One-decision funds (2 of 4 listed):

• Vanguard Target Retirement Funds
• Vanguard Wellington™ Fund

Custom funds (5 of 32 listed):

• Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax Exempt Fund
• Vanguard International Growth Fund
• Vanguard Limited-Term Tax Exempt Fund
• Vanguard Short-Term Investment-Grade Fund
• Vanguard Small-Cap Value ETF

Questions about Vanguard funds?

If you’re new to Vanguard, call 800-252-9578. If you’re already a Vanguard client, call 800-888-3751.

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Most recent performance data for all Vanguard mutual funds »

Start the New Year by reviewing all of your finances to reassess your financial priorities and make sure you’re still on track to reach your goals. Build up your emergency fund to keep at least six months’ worth of essential expenses in a savings account. Rebalance your portfolio so your investments match your time horizon and risk tolerance, especially if some have performed much better than others over the past year. Start using a budgeting program if you haven’t already.

What do our economists see ahead for Wall Street and the economy? Why do they believe “resiliency” resonates for 2014? Which caution signs do they see amid generally positive economic data? Our economic outlook has the answers. Full article here! I have an investment portfolio with Vanguard; I think they have the lowest fees in the industry.

You’ll have to pay a penalty if you don’t have health insurance in 2014. If you’re still uninsured, you have until March 31, 2014, to buy a policy on the a state health insurance exchanges without being subject to the penalty. The penalty starts at $95 per person or 1% of your household income, whichever is higher, which you’ll have to pay when you file your 2014 taxes next year. If you already have health insurance, your coverage is likely to meet the requirements. It can also help to check out prices for coverage on your state’s exchange if you currently have expensive COBRA or individual coverage and may might want to switch policies before open-enrollment ends on March 31—especially if you qualify for a subsidy to help with the premiums.