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Samuel Martin Profile and Articles
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51). The 'Value' in Value Investing
With roots that date back to the 1930s, value investing is a price-driven discipline that seeks companies whose shares are selling at a discount to their true, or intrinsic, value.
While growth-oriented investors focus on firms whose earnings are growing at a rapid pace, a quality that makes them highly sought after, value investors seek companies that are temporarily out of favor.
52). The Latest Home Business Trend is 150 Years Old
One of the hottest new ideas for a home-based business got its start in the Civil War era. By the 1860s, sewing machines had become affordable for the average family, and because these machines reduced the time it took to sew a garment by up to 80 percent, enterprising women had time to sew for extra money.
A century and a half later many women, and men too, are earning a living with home sewing.
53). Virtual Offices Give Some Companies Big-City Prestige
While the Internet is making the world a smaller place, some companies with offices in remote locations may need more than just a Web presence to attract more business.
As in real estate, the business mantra also seems to be "location, location, location." When Entrepreneur magazine asked 340 fast-growth business leaders what their biggest challenges will be in 2006, 36 percent mentioned expansion to other U.
54). Writing Wrongs: Editors Help Students Avoid Costly Errors
College students struggling to write the perfect paper often turn to friends or parents for help in correcting everything from punctuation to syntax errors to misspellings.
Chances are, however, that unless Mom and Dad are working for The Washington Post, some things are going to fall through the cracks, and junior may be less than thrilled with his final grade.
55). 401(k) Participants Turn to Pros For Help Managing Their Money
You're a computer engineer, or a nurse, or a graphic designer. Just keeping current in your own specialty is an effort. So what happens to your 401(k) retirement plan while you're off doing what you do?
Does it just languish, forgotten, in some dusty corner of your mind? Are you, among millions of others, crossing your fingers and hoping your portfolio will provide?
Thanks to changes in the industry, investors now can get more help managing their 401(k) accounts.
56). Small-Business Servers Increase Efficiency
As small businesses expand in size and geographic scope, they often find it difficult to make technology available to employees in all locations. Today, however, many are finding that by installing small-business servers, they're reaching more people in more places. They're also increasing productivity, profitability and efficiency while decreasing costs.
57). Company Helps Families With Home Ownership
As the stock market remains bearish and portfolios continue to make only minor gains, the demand for homes has never been higher.
It is with this economic trend that more people are opting to invest in one of the most enduring forms of equity: real estate.
Nevertheless, according to the 2000 census, there are more than 35 million families who rent.
58). Oil Partnerships: How to Protect Your Investment
As burgeoning economies push the demand for oil to historic highs, some analysts say the world's oil production is in the process of peaking. Believing that an oil crisis -and, thus, higher prices - is inevitable, some investors are seeing dollar signs in their future.
According to the International Energy Agency, 2004 world oil demand increased by a higher rate than any year since 1988.
59). Office Buildings: Owners Using New Warning System
In light of terrorist attacks, anthrax scares and similar threats, office building owners are now faced with a daunting task - keeping their buildings safe and secure.
As today's offenders become more sophisticated, it is crucial to consider different emergency scenarios and implement effective procedures in order to remain safe.
Simple measures, such as installing more fire alarms and surveillance cameras, incorporating metal detectors and directing emergency evacuation drills help keep buildings safe.
60). Guidance for Retirees on Managing Investments
Financial media have put so much focus in recent years on how investors can accumulate wealth for retirement that they often have overlooked what investors should do once they actually retire.
But with the first wave of baby boomers turning 60 next year, retirees' abilities to manage their assets will become a much bigger issue.
As financial planning becomes more complex - and as workers become increasingly responsible for funding their own retirements - investors would be wise to seek advice about navigating the retirement waters.
61). Study: Many Lack Basic Investment Knowledge
How much does the average person know about investing?
According to American Century Investments' "On Plan I.Q. Quiz," a 10-question test taken by more than 800 investors, knowledge of some of the most basic investment concepts is poor. On average, participants selected about half of the correct responses on the multiple-choice test, which was given to individuals who have investments outside of a company retirement plan.
62). Travelers Get Showered With Added Comforts
With U.S. companies spending an estimated $179 billion on business travel this year, millions of road warriors have found themselves longing for some of the comforts of home while on the road.
According to Trendwatching.com, an Amsterdam-based independent trend agency, the desire for a more comfortable and better-equipped hotel is becoming a very real global trend.
63). Shop Today, Invest for Tomorrow
Between paying a stream of monthly bills, buying groceries, filling up the gas tank and managing countless other daily expenses, it's becoming more and more difficult for the average American to save for the big things: a college education, a new home, retirement.
Investing is one of the best ways to build up a comfortable financial cushion over time, but it takes diligence to allocate money for an investment account on a regular basis.
64). Debunking Common Knowledge About IRAs
According to a recent "Retirement Trends" survey by Fidelity Investments, 96 percent of Americans saving for retirement don't know the current contribution limit for an individual retirement account, with some guessing as low as $1,000. The reality is that for tax year 2005, IRA contribution limits increase to $4,000 -- up from $3,000 in 2004.
When it comes to knowing the facts about retirement, misperceptions can lead to missed opportunities.
65). Downturn Forces College Students to Invest
Due to changes in the economy, more and more young adults are turning to investing in order to have enough money to care for their aging parents and be able to save for their own retirements as well.
Two such young adults are Kevin Amolsch and Stephanie Jorgensen of Denver, Colo., who found themselves working full-time at a bank, going to college and wondering about their futures.
66). Award-Winning Web Sites Place Visitors First
What does it take to have an award-winning Web site? According to the Web Marketing Association, it takes a combination of qualities.
Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's Web-
Award Competition has set the standard of excellence for Web site development.
Here are the seven criteria on which Web sites are judged in the annual competition.
* Design.
67). What You Should Know First, Before Buying Annuities
Americans hear a lot about the shaky outlook for Social Security. In the future, the federal program likely will play a smaller overall role in Americans' retirement plans.
One way to fill in the gaps of a savings portfolio is to put money in annuities. With an annuity, you pay a premium in exchange for guaranteed income payments at regular intervals.
68). Chairman Believes God Belongs in the Boardroom
Howard Jonas, founder and chairman of IDT Corp., was 14 years old when he started selling hot dogs on a street corner in the Bronx. Today, he runs a multibillion dollar telecommunications company that is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. What is the secret of his success?
The answer, he says, is in his religious commitment and the title of his most recent book, "I'm Not the Boss, I Just Work Here.
69). 'Shifts' to Help You in Times Good or Bad
Six months ago, the economy was roaring. Stock prices were going up, interest rates were staying low, unemployment was down. A few months later, those indicators all were going in opposite directions. Now, it's hard to tell from day to day where we stand.
I'm optimistic that the current situation is a short-term one, and that long-term prospects are for growth and good times.
70). Rapid Prototyping Revolution
In the past, any new consumer or industrial product part brought to market had to first have a prototype built to ensure that the design could be properly applied and used by the manufacturer. Years ago, these were often wooden miniatures and clay models. More recently, laser-sintering technology has allowed plastic samples to be built from CAD/CAM electronic drawings and powdered resin.
71). Improving Manufacturing Cycle Times Through Machine Tooling
Machining center manufacturers are all looking for and touting the ability to reduce part cycle times by offering faster and more efficient machines. That is what the job shop and part production customers of these products demand, because their end-product customers are driving a purchasing philosophy of lower costs per part.
While the choice of a high-speed machining center makes a major difference in operational productivity and part cost, the tooling utilized on that machine can be another dominant factor.
72). Being Competitive in a GM
The challenges of today's global marketplace are forcing companies to look at doing things differently in order to get that extra edge over their competition.
According to Makino, a global provider of advanced machining technology, companies doing things the same way they have been doing them for the last 10 to 15 years are probably in a "recurring uniform trap," or "RUT," while the global market is passing them by.
73). Mines Reopen as Coal Takes Lead in Energy
In the mid-1990s, coal was not king, but today, it may be taking back its throne. Back then, natural gas was at center stage as the preferred energy source of environmentally conscious Americans everywhere.
But in 1998, a slight, yet significant, change occurred. According to a U.S. Department of Energy study, "The trend towards reduced levels of consumer coal stocks was reversed.
74). Editors Help Business People Do the 'Write' Thing
You've got spelling and grammar checkers on your laptop computer, so you're all set to crank out the perfect sales letter while you're on the road.
But Chandra Clarke and Terence Johnson of the online editing service Scribendi.com would urge you to not hit the "print" button just yet. Those spelling and grammar checkers can make mistakes, and even one typo could not only ruin the impact of your letter but reflect poorly on you and your company.
75). Creatiing Liquidity for Private Company Shares
Q: In your last column, you discussed Entrex and its creation of a private investment marketplace with public market standards and disciplines. As an investor in several private companies in my community, can I sell my shares and cash out my gains?
- Keith Harris, Chicago.
A: Just imagine if investors had a vehicle for buying and selling shares in private companies-a type of entrepreneurial exchange.
76). Private Investment: Explore the Revolution
Q: I've heard Entrex has created a new private investment marketplace with public market disciplines. What does this mean for me as an accredited investor?
- Matt Hayes, investor, Palm Beach, Fla.
A: That's a good question because it gives us the opportunity to step back and look at the big picture.
The creation of the Entrex private marketplace is an important milestone for two reasons.
77). Small-Business Servers Support Telecommuters
More Americans are showing they can get their jobs done from just about anywhere outside the office. And as some businesses expand in size and geographic scope, they are finding new technology to help employees who telecommute.
About 45 million Americans are working from home, according to a survey conducted by ITAC, a telework advisory group. The survey also found that out of 135.
78). Viansa Winery Reaches Out to Indy Racing Crowd
If horse racing is the sport of kings, then car racing could conceivably be dubbed the sport of the average Joe.
Traditionally, events like the Indianapolis 500 are accustomed to selling more beer and hot dogs than Starbucks coffee and veggie burgers, but times are changing and so is the motor sporting crowd.
According to a research study conducted.
79). Computer Program Enables Investors to Analyze Property
The flourishing real estate market has resulted in a significant increase in first-time real estate investors. With limited experience in real estate, it can be a risky move to buy property without knowing for certain what the return on the initial investment would be.
Thousands of investors have been using the Real Estate Acquisition Program, also called REAP, to assess the risks in their investments.
80). Marketers Use Giveaways To Drive Web Traffic
In 1999, as many of the dot-coms crashed, a new form of consumer marketing was taking hold on the Internet. Web marketers, hungry to drive sales on e-commerce sites, launched affiliate networks that represented leading advertisers such as BMG, Blockbuster, NetFlix, Discover Card and hundreds of others in what is known as "affiliate marketing."
As affiliate networks grew, they provided savvy marketers with the opportunity to earn big commissions by generating sales for advertisers through the marketing of free gift sites online.
81). U.S. Economy Needs Skilled Foreign Workers
The recent debate over immigration policy commonly depicts immigrants as undocumented, uneducated people who flood our borders without inspection.
Although many immigrants who enter this country are unskilled laborers who provide essential services in many sectors of our economy, of equal importance to the immigration debate are the highly educated foreign professionals whose skills play a vital role in the enrichment of our economy.
82). Group Helps Women Celebrate Their Lives
I've been there, right where you might find yourself today: unfulfilled, unappreciated, unhappy and unable to make my life different. No matter how much I gave of myself all day long, at home and at work and in the community, it was never enough.
No matter how exhausted I was at the end of the day, I was never able to pat myself on the back for all the good things I had done that had led me to that exhaustion.
83). Oil Crisis Affects More Than Just Gas Prices
Did you know that petroleum is used to manufacture an enormous number of products that we use in our everyday lives?
Less than 20 percent of all recovered oil is used for any type of fuel. Over 30 percent is used for the creation of food via fertilizers. Nearly the same amount is used to manufacture plastics.
If you were to walk through your home or office, you would be overwhelmed by the thousands of items you use every day that would not be available without access to oil.
84). New 'Diamond' Vodka Is a Cut Above the Rest
You've seen vodka made with vanilla, raspberry and even pepper. But for those with caviar tastes, one company has introduced a new twist: diamonds.
New to the premium vodka category is DIAKA (an acronym for "diamond vodka"), which is imported from Poland and filtered with actual diamonds.
"Vodka constitutes the largest segment of the U.S. liquor market, and high-end vodka continues to grow at a blistering pace," said Rudy N.
85). Investors May Not Be as Diversified as They Think
When more than 1 million college graduates entered the work force last fall, they began the first of what could be seven job moves during a 40-year working career, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics1.
In fact, according to a recent study by Fidelity Investments, one-third of today's new work force could be compiling a series of stand-alone retirement savings accounts, which may not be as diversified as they think2.
86). Consumers Bear Brunt Of Cold Winter
Even though Americans are feeling some relief at the gas pump from last fall's record prices, their checkbooks are still likely to take a hit this winter as natural gas and heating oil prices continue to soar.
In fact, the Energy Department predicts that those using natural gas to heat their homes can expect to see their monthly bills rise 48 percent from last year.
87). Stock Alert Program Satisfies Need for Speed
Online investing continues to be popular among consumers, due in part to the fact that it meets most Americans' requirements - it's fast, easy and convenient.
In fact, according to research conducted by business research firm JupiterResearch, online trading households are expected to grow from 17.3 million in 2005 to 22 million by 2010.
With so many companies competing for a piece of that pie, it can be difficult at best for consumers to navigate the ever-changing landscape of online investing.
88). Mathematician Re-engineers Quilting
During her career as a software engineer, Marci Baker solved difficult mathematical problems. When she became a stay-at-home mom, she turned to solving another problem involving precision and speed: "How do you make a traditional quilt in one-tenth the time?"
Along the way she discovered a sewing machine that appeals to both her quilting and her engineering sides.
89). International Investing: It Makes Sense
Of the world's 40,000 publicly traded companies, 77 percent are located abroad, a pretty good sign that there are compelling investment opportunities outside the United States. Viewed another way, 51 percent of the world's $38 trillion total market capitalization belongs to the international arena. U.S. mutual funds hold $491 billion in overseas investments.
90). Oil Production May Be At Its Peak, Experts Say
Anyone who has recently visited a gas station has felt the pinch of the impending oil crisis by having to pay more than $3 per gallon for gas.
While most people understand that we are facing a worldwide shortage of one of our most precious commodities, the reasons behind the deficiency remain somewhat vague.
According to Mammoth Resource Partners, Inc.
91). Software Takes Online Trading to Next Level
Online brokers are offering better features today, even as fierce competition leads them to charge less than ever before. More sophisticated software-based trading tools are emerging as an alternative to traditional Web site transactions.
Recently there has been a dramatic increase in the tools made available to average traders. Without the latest technology, brokers with browser-based platforms may not be the preferred choice anymore.
92). Tips on Conducting a Successful Presentation
Whether you're a student, a full-time employee or the head of a book club, there is one task that is hard to avoid: public speaking.
Having to give a speech or presentation in front of a group is something that's unavoidable in most people's lives. But it doesn't have to be a scary situation. With the right preparation, you can channel your public speaking stress into an effective, memorable presentation.
93). The Road Block To Your Investing Success
Worried about your stocks? Blame it on Wall Street.
Investors today face a barrage of conflicting information and exaggerated return claims from what most people consider the "market" -; the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. But these indexes only comprise about 12 percent of all U.S. stocks. The reality is that these stocks can't be predicted with any consistency, especially long-term.
94). Study: 800 Numbers Still Popular With Advertisers
Despite growth of the Internet over the past seven years, the use of toll-free phone numbers in television advertising continues to grow, indicating that the telephone remains a prevalent response tool, according to a recent study.
The 2005 Toll-free Numbers in Television Advertising study, commissioned by 800response, concluded that 35 percent of all television commercials feature phone numbers, and 82 percent of those phone numbers are toll-free.
95). Desperately Seeking Diversity, Simplicity
If you think choosing the right investments is complicated, you're not alone. Investors looking for simplicity and portfolio diversification are driving demand for all-in-one investment options.
According to Strategic Insights, a market research firm serving the mutual fund industry, more than two-thirds of the $150 billion that investors added to mutual funds in 2004 landed in asset allocation products.
96). Invest in Real Estate for Financial Independence
Despite the improving economy, 63 percent of Americans are somewhat or very dissatisfied with their current jobs, according to Paige Wagner, operations manager for the American Real Estate Investor's Association.
"Most people simply end up in a career without really thinking about it," Wagner says. "Once someone settles into a job, they usually stay in the same industry even when changing jobs.
97). Roll Over Your IRA for A More Secure Future
The convenience of 401(k)s and other employer-sponsored retirement plans have turned many Americans into investors. That's good news, since it is becoming evident that fewer retirees in the future will have substantial pensions and more will have to rely on their own savings to cover their needs.
Statistics show, however, that the average American will change jobs at least 10 times throughout his or her lifetime.
98). Clutter out, Color in: Make Your Office Work for You
Is your workspace working for you? Research shows that your environment makes an impact on your mood. So it may be time to give your space at the office a makeover to liven up things at work.
"Now you can change your office decor as often as you change the ink in your printer," says Anna Griffin, designer of the Anna Griffin Inc. line of desk accessories.
99). Buy Your First House Before You Can Afford It
Purchasing a home is most likely the biggest and often the best investment that you will ever make. Why not make that investment now?
If you are saving up with the goal of getting your dream home within the next two to five years, the following ideas could help you buy your house sooner than you planned.
* Buy from a motivated seller. A motivated seller is someone who has a house he or she wants to get rid of quickly.
100). Give Dad the Gift of Technology
Dad will always appreciate the dress shirt or cologne that you normally give him for Father's Day. But this year, why not break from tradition and give him an electronic gift that will help him step squarely into the 21st century?
Though shopping for a Father's Day gift can be a challenge, the following ideas from Vonage, the fastest-growing broadband telephone service provider, will help dad have a high-tech Father's Day.
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