IRA Accounts are Unsuitable as a Primary Savings Vehicle

It is a mistake to open an IRA before accumulating a significant level of savings first.  I have had two of them, both when I was just starting out, and they are both gone because I didn’t understand this idea. In the late 90′s a lot of talk about IRA greatness came my way, both …

Approach Distressed Companies With Care

Speculating on troubled stock is a dangerous game.  Recently I have read a lot of comments about ITT Educational Services, Inc. (NYSE: ESI) and they bring back bad memories. Many public companies go bankrupt and ESI seems to be following the script: government scrutiny, management shakeups, delayed financials, huge drops in the stock interspersed with …

Statement of Purpose

Essentials of Investing is designed to share information with newer investors looking to learn. We have been around investments for decades, both as financial industry employees and with regard to our own portfolios. You will never find stock picks or individually-tailored recommendations on this site. You will find general topics based on our real life …