My Picks for the Ten Best Financial AC Content Producer Articles of 2006

On this New Year's Eve, my thoughts have turned to financial planning for the new year. Today, I have reviewed the collective financial wisdom of the many experts we have here on Associated Content for new ideas, and have found many unsung "gems" that deserve recognition as we roll into 2007.

Here are my picks:

1)Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) in a Global Economy

Making Money by Putting Values First

This article points out the need to invest responsibly, so that you can look yourself in the mirror in the morning after profiting from your investments. There are many socially responsible ways to invest; alcohol, tobacco, and third world exploitation do not HAVE to be part of your portfolio.

2)Your Credit Card - Tips from an Insider

How to Handle Activation, Cash Advances and Preventing Over-Limit Fees

This great article, written by a credit card expert, explains the "hidden fees" that consumers often overlook in layman's language. I found it particularly enlightening, and it made me want to get rid of my cards in 2007.

3) The Joys of Ownership: Seeing Your Stocks as Pieces of Real Companies

What My Mutual Fund's Report Taught Me About Understanding Your Investments

The rewards of owning stocks or mutual funds extend beyond mere financial gain. You actually own a piece of a real enterprise, and this author captures the excitement of this very well.

4) Stock Market Tips for New Investors

Learning the Basics Will Go a Long Way in Determining Your Success

This article explains the basics fluently, and would be very helpful to all newbies to the market. I am going to recommend that my kids read it.

5) The Fundamentals of the CAPM Theory

An excellent and technically detailed article covering all aspects of the CAPM theory, this was obviously written by an academic type with a great command of current economic and financial mechanics. It is a bit math intensive, but I recommend it for all who want a deeper understanding of financial topics, and for MBA students struggling in Finance class.

6) On the Benefits of ETF Investment

In bear markets, hedge funds are of prime interest. ETFs make great hedge funds, and this article describes ETFs in a fair amount of detail.

7) Online Stock Investing

This article has a wealth of links relating to online investing, and should be bookmarked by anyone serious about trading on the Net.

8) A Beginner's Guide to Index Fund Investing

Index funds are less risky than other fund types, and this article describes the types of index funds available for newbies. I recommend this as a great first article for those considering any type of mutual fund investment in the New Year.

9) Oil and Gas Investing: How to Profit from High Oil Prices

A Guide to the Risks and Rewards of Investing in Oil and Gas and Other Natural Resources

2006 was the year of high gas prices - this great article shows us how to turn a "lemon" into "lemonade" by investing in the source of our discomfort. It covers a lot of ground, and also tells you what to watch out for. There are a lot of scam artists trying to take your money in this arena.

10) Getting Wealthy Owning Gold

Gold: Supply and Demand Increasing

This is a topic near and dear to my heart - I have always wanted to invest in gold. The closest I have come is investing into a gold mining stock, which is earning money for me right now. I plan to study this in the coming year and actually take the plunge.

There it is, my "best picks" for 2006. May 2007 be a prosperous year for all of you!