How Much Money Should You Invest?

Many first time investors think that they should invest all of their savings. 

This isn't necessarily true. To determine how much money you should invest, you must first determine how much you actually can afford to invest, and what your financial goals are.

First, let's take a look at how much money you can currently afford to invest. 

Do you have savings that you can use? If so, great! However, you don't want to cut yourself short when you tie your money up in an investment. 

What were your savings originally for?

It is important to keep three to six months of living expenses in a readily accessible savings account – don't invest that money! 

Don't invest any money that you may need to lay your hands on in a hurry in the future.

So, begin by determining how much of your savings should remain in your savings account, and how much can be used for investments. 

Unless you have funds from another source, such as an inheritance that you've recently received, this will probably be all that you currently have to invest.

Next, determine how much you can add to your investments in the future. 

If you are employed, you will continue to receive an income, and you can plan to use a portion of that income to build your investment portfolio over time. 

Speak with a qualified financial planner to set up a budget and determine how much of your future income you will be able to invest.

With the help of a financial planner, you can be sure that you are not investing more than you should – or less than you should in order to reach your investment goals.

For many types of investments, a certain initial investment amount will be required. 

Hopefully, you've done your research, and you have found an investment that will prove to be sound. If this is the case, you probably already know what the required initial investment is.

If the money that you have available for investments does not meet the required initial investment, you may have to look at other investments. 

Never borrow money to invest, and never use money that you have not set aside for investing!

Getting Your Feet Wet – Begin Investing

If you are anxious to get your investments started, you can get started right away without having a lot of knowledge about the stock market. 

Start by being a conservative investor with a low risk tolerance. 

This will give you a way to making your money grow while you learn more about investing.

Start with an interest bearing savings account. You may already have one. 

If you don't, you should. A savings account can be opened at the same bank that you do your checking at – or at any other bank. 

A savings account should pay 2 – 4% on the money that you have in the account.

It's not a lot of money – unless you have a million dollars in that account – but it is a start, and it is money making money.

Next, invest in money market funds. This can often be done through your bank. 

These funds have higher interest payouts than typical savings accounts, but they work much the same way. 

These are short term investments, so your money won't be tied up for a long period of time – but again, it is money making money.

Certificates of Deposit are also sound investments with no risk. 

The interest rates on CD's are typically higher than those of savings accounts or Money Market Funds.

You can select the duration of your investment, and interest is paid regularly until the CD reaches maturity. 

CD's can be purchased at your bank, and your bank will insure them against loss. 

When the CD reaches maturity, you receive your original investment, plus the interest that the CD has earned.

If you are just starting out, one or all of these three types of investments is the best starting point. 

Again, this will allow your money to start making money for you while you learn more about investing in other places.

Online Flirting – A New Art Form

Many of the same things work for online flirting that work for "brick and mortar" flirting and all relationships begin with successful flirting.  

Flirting is an art that requires oozing confidence without being OTT.  

If you go too far, she will label you "slimy" If you don't go far enough, she will label you "wimpy".  

So how do you achieve that point half way between slimy and wimpy and do it online without using eye contact or body language?  

All you have is a computer an internet connection and membership in an online dating site, right? 

1.     Have fun!  Be light-hearted, funny and entertaining.  Make her eager to talk to you again.  Flirting is playful. 

2.     Ooze confidence.  Successful flirts have a positive outlook on life.  You need to transmit the "feel good" factor.  An optimistic attitude attracts females like honey attracts flies. 
 
3.     Compliment her…and do it often and sincerely.  Nothing opens doors like making her feel good about herself.  She will want to spend more time with you and if she pays you a compliment say "thank you".  Do Not be self depreciating. 

4.     Listen…listen….listen.  Pay attention to what she says and ask appropriate questions.  Get her to open up and talk about herself.  Make her feel like she is interesting and that you are interested in her.  Works wonders!

5.     Don't be rude.  Flirting does not include being sexually explicit nor taking offence if the lady isn't responding to you. If she isn't interested, take the hint and move on to the next prospect.  If you get a lot of rejections, you should probably consider a different approach. 

6.     Send an email after you chat.  This ranks right up there with sending a thank you note for a gift and it is vital to successful flirting. 

Don't try to go too fast.  Flirting is the first step to a successful relationship.