There are three main types of investment companies, including open-end funds, closed-end funds, and the Unit Investment Trust (UIT). A mutual fund is legally termed as an "open-end" company. In the most basic sense, a mutual fund company pools money from different investors, and it invests the money in bonds, stocks, short-term money markets, and other types of securities. The combined holdings in the mutual fund are known as the portfolio. Each investor represents an interest in this portfolio, and he or she can derive appropriate income from the funds it generates.

Some of the distinguishing features of mutual...

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When Saddam Hussein was ousted in 2003, there were a lot of speculations about the Iraqi currency. A lot of political, social, and economic changes have occurred since then, but what will this mean to an investor like you? The new Iraqi monetary system encourages foreign investments; in fact, the central bank is giving out licenses so foreign businessmen can open businesses legally. Of course, what most investors are counting on is the potential of Iraqi oil. Iraq is one of the biggest oil producers in the world, second only to Saudi Arabia.

These characteristics make the Iraqi dinar...

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Sometimes, the best way to stop a snowballing debt problem is to go back to its cause. If you have an uncontrollable credit card debt, then take a step back, and look into your previous mistakes. Knowing what your weaknesses are can help you prevent debt disasters in the future. Most of the time, people who are mired in debt commit the same financial mistakes that can be prevented by behavioral changes and self-discipline. Learn from your mistakes and start getting rid of your debts.

Mistake #1: Mishandling Balance Transfers

Transferring your balance from high-interest credit cards to...

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We all have heard it is smart to invest in the stock market. The problem is so few of us actually know much about it. That is why I decided to write this to tell you how to spend the extra $100 you wrestled from the couch cushions this month. First off, I want to prove my opening statement. From the early 1900's to today the market has averaged a 13% annual increase. Similar statistics show the dollar bill has lost 95% of its spending power. To put that into different terms: In 1919 one share...

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Lately, you've had some problems in getting your bills paid on time, and you now are wondering what you can do to improve your credit score. Well, you've certainly got plenty of company because it is estimated that around 30 million Americans suffer from credit problems that are bad enough to make applications for credit cards and other types of loans difficult to get approved. On the other hand, your credit score might look alright but there are some fast and easy tips that can  make it look a lot better. Below are some effective credit repair tips: Pay off your credit...

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