Buying Stock Without A Broker

Although the most popular and functional way to buy and sell investments, opening a brokerage account is not absolutely necessary. Many investors aren't aware of the alternative ways to acquire stocks and mutual funds. Although working with a qualified broker definitely has advantages, it may be better, in some cases, to purchase stock directly.

1. Invest through the company's direct stock purchase plan.

A number of companies, such as PLDT, offer direct stock purchase plans. These plans allow investors to buy shares of stock directly from the company. Most have a minimum
initial deposit but are happy to waive it if you agree to automatic monthly withdrawals from your checking or saving account. This way, the company automatically purchases stock for you by debiting your bank account every month. This can be an easy and relatively painless way to save.

2. Take advantage of the DRIP program's cash investment option

If the company doesn't offer a direct purchase plan, find out if it has a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP). DRIPs are a great tool for growing your portfolio but they also have a hidden feature that most people don't know about, the cash investment option. Most plans allow you to send a check in any amount to the program administrator and they will purchase additional shares for you. The big benefit here is the fact that investor is allowed to purchase fractional shares, allowing all of his or her money to begin building wealth.

Suggested Reading:

Stock Never Loss Secret

7 Simple Steps To Real Estate Investing

If you want to involve in real estate as a business or as an investment, consider these simple steps:

Step #1 - Set your plan:
Figure out what your long term real estate goals are and figure out what your short term needs are with regard to making money in real state. Then, set up proper entities and put the plan in place.

Step #2 - Determine what your target market will be:
You cannot be all things to all real estate markets. If foreclosures appeal to you, start investing in the foreclosure market. If you want to be a landlord, look out of state owner to focus your real estate marketing efforts.

Step #3 - Be consistent and persistent:
Real Estate is not a get to rich quick scheme. Real Estate is get wealthy over time and put some quick cash in your pocket today. You've got to follow your plan and stick with it to see real results in real estate. You've got to continue to increase your education and your experience.

Step #4 - Don't fall into the "Analysis Paralysis":
Learn to analyze properties quickly. Don't get caught up over thinking. It's quite simple actually: What's the property worth? What does the property need for repairs? And how much can you get the property for? It comes down to numbers!

Step #5 - Become a master of finance!:
Real estate is the business of marketing and finance. You must learn about mortgages and interest rates and loan programs that are out there. You must know how to use finance to negotiate your deals and to sell your properties.

Step #6 - Become a skilled problem solver:
The reason you will get real estate deals that others don't, is because you are able to solve people's problems. Anything goes on the real estate playing field. You've got to be ready!

Step #7 - You must continue your education:
It is important that you are always investing in your education and learning new tactics, strategies and tips that will make you more in real estate.

SSS Online Inquiry - How to check your contributions online?

The Philippine Social Security System has updated their online inquiry, before its very simple just put your SSS number, enter your last name and birth date and VOILA! you can view your contributions.

But now you need to sign-up first and wait for the password that sent to you via email. For online member registration, you need to provide your employer SSS number if you’re employed and for those self-employed/voluntary/OCW you need to provide SBR number found on the RS5 receipt.

I’m not connected to SSS or any government agencies, so please don’t ask me about your contributions or loans better contact the nearest branch in your place. I just wanted to share my experience using this system.