Money Talks

February 2022

Critical Advice From the ‘Father of the 401(k)’

February 4, 2022TradeSmith Editorial Staff

Last week’s market update prompted some important feedback from Money Talks reader Dave T. Because I suspect many other folks may be grappling with similar issues, I’ve decided to share it here today: Keith, Thanks for your continuing stream of beneficial insights into the market. I really appreciate it! [I] haven’t been sure of how to handle my 401k, since we don’t have a lot of flexibility as far as investment options, and there is a two-trade limit per quarter

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January 2022

We’re Inching Closer to a Bear Market Warning

January 28, 2022TradeSmith Editorial Staff

It was another rough week for the markets. Last week’s sell-off continued on Monday, with the major indexes suffering their worst intraday declines since the COVID-fueled crash in March 2020. Stocks were able to recoup some of these losses over the past few days. However, the decline caused some important changes to the market’s health I want to share with you today. First, as you can see in our TradeSmith Market Outlook tool below, several more indexes moved from the

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An Important Update on the Markets

January 21, 2022TradeSmith Editorial Staff

If you’re feeling a little anxious about the markets, you’re certainly not alone. Despite the holiday-shortened week here in the U.S., stocks are on track for their worst weekly performance in more than a year. And as of Thursday’s close, the benchmark S&P 500 Index (SPX) was down more than 7% from its recent all-time high. In the grand scheme of things, a 7% decline isn’t all that concerning. It doesn’t even qualify as an official market “correction” (a drop

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A Simple, Powerful (and FREE) Tool Every Investor Should Try

January 14, 2022TradeSmith Editorial Staff

What would you say if I told you there’s a dead-simple tool that just about anyone can use to make more money with less risk in stocks? If you’re like most folks, you’d probably be skeptical… or at least assume it would cost an arm and a leg to access it. Well, I’m here to tell you this tool exists. And in most cases, you can take advantage of it absolutely free of charge. I’m referring to market sentiment. Market

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A Foolproof Way to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2022

January 7, 2022TradeSmith Editorial Staff

It’s that time of year again… The time when many of us resolve that this will finally be the year that we lose weight, start exercising, stop smoking, get out of debt, or accomplish any number of other important goals. Of course, I probably don’t have to tell you that the odds are against us. According to various surveys conducted over the years, as many as 80% of people give up their New Year’s resolutions before February. By the end

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December 2021

What I’m Most Proud of in 2021

December 31, 2021TradeSmith Editorial Staff

In this week’s Money Talks, I’d like to wrap up 2021 with a few reflections on the year that was. Back in January, we took a high-level look at the economy and markets, and I shared some thoughts on what I expected in the months ahead. (If you missed it, you can review it here.) Looking back, I have to admit I’m pretty pleased. I told you I expected the Federal Reserve would continue to stimulate the economy with super-low

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A Brief Holiday Message from Keith

December 24, 2021TradeSmith Editorial Staff

Happy Holidays! The TradeSmith offices are closed today in observance of Christmas, so this week’s message will be brief. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for being a loyal Money Talks reader. As I told you when we launched this letter nearly one year ago, in January 2021, I’m no financial guru or investment expert. I’m just a regular, hard-working guy who’s made many mistakes over the years and learned a lot of financial lessons

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The Best Part of a Bear Market Is How to Profit from It

December 20, 2021TradeSmith Editorial Staff

In today’s Money Talks, we’re wrapping up our bear-market “survival” series. Over the past several weeks, I’ve shared my best advice to help you prepare for (and even profit from) the next bear market in stocks, whenever it occurs. In Part 1, I told you why the next bear market could be more severe than most folks believe possible. In Part 2, I shared the simple steps every investor should take before any selling begins. In Part 3, I explained why cash is critical in a bear market and showed you some of the best ways to raise it. And in Part 4, I gave

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The Best Part of a Bear Market Is How to Profit from It

December 17, 2021TradeSmith Editorial Staff

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Three Critical ‘Rules’ for Bear-Market Investing

December 10, 2021TradeSmith Editorial Staff

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been doing my best to help Money Talks readers prepare for the next bear market in stocks. We’ve covered a lot so far. I’ve explained why the next bear market could be more severe than most folks believe possible… I’ve shared the simple steps I think every investor should take now before any selling begins… and I’ve explained why cash is the most important asset you can own in a bear market and showed

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The One Asset You Must Own in a Real Bear Market

December 3, 2021TradeSmith Editorial Staff

Cash. For many investors, it’s practically a dirty word. And it’s not hard to understand why… In our current fiat monetary system, holding large amounts of cash is almost always a terrible idea. Whether it’s U.S. dollars, euros, or any other paper currency, you’re virtually guaranteed to lose purchasing power to inflation over the long run. But that doesn’t mean cash is useless. When used correctly — at the right times and in the right ways — it can have

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November 2021

Gift This, Not That to Beat Holiday Delivery Drama

November 26, 2021TradeSmith Editorial Staff

Editor’s Note: I’m taking a break from my bear market series this week, but I’ll be back next week to talk about the importance of cash in a bear market. I just wrapped up hosting 17 people for Thanksgiving dinner. It’s a true honor to be able to host our family every single year. I showcase my chef skills and love every single minute of it! Now, I don’t know what your traditions are, but in my family, we like

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