Bernard Madoffs takes celebrities money, and now they don't have a nickel to call their own. Can you image someone saying that you have great profits from something and then they never invested your money?

If it seems too good to be true, don't do it! "I can make you tons of money by placing your money into XYZ Company," while the stockbroker is crossing his fingers that he has made the right decision for his customers. Or a broker that said," I can show you the money, and then run away with your money."

Ponzi Scheme:

I take your money and you get nothing back! The broker wins but not for long. The investor loses his shirt!

DO YOUR RESEARCH:

Find out the ratings of a company on the Internet, with the better business bureau, or other companies that can help you find a reliable agent to help. Put your money into something that is worth it!

BEING GREEN WITH YOUR GREEN!

Right now we should be looking at the issues of what we need to do to preserve the earth and taking advantage of incentives from the government for buying this way. Being green is big so perhaps, windmills, hybrid energy savings ideas, or recycling products could possibly be a good thing to invest in.

RISKY BUSINESS OR CONSERVATIVE?

Throwing your money away to a crazy scheme isn't a great idea these days. Why not invest in a business that people spend money on like hamburger products, or macaroni?

DIVERSIFY, DIVERSIFY, DIVERSIFY:

Put your money into something that is safe, a little risky, and perhaps a certificate of deposit, some annuities, or a well researched piece of land or real estate. But don't put it into one pot! Do your homework on the Internet, with your trusted banker you have had for years, and not someone you have never done business with.

CONSERVE IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT!

What are people doing to conserve their money? They are eating at home more, driving their cars less, not buying coffee at specialty shops, but making their own coffee, buying fewer frills, and buying on the Internet.

AMAZON:

Amazon had a very good Christmas Season! Amazon [AMZN] as listed on the stock market has made a great come back for shoppers without going to a building to charge it! Getting your price, for a smaller price then others in the market. Consumers see a value to buying from this company, and stockholders are cashing in on this merchant.

INVEST IN THE AMERICAN TAX PAYER:

What we need is a stimulus that invests in the American Tax Payer, and not the CEOs' that buy new Armani suits, get away vacations, boats, airplanes, etc. Or stockbrokers that get money when they spent our money foolishly! Even our president thinks that's foolish! I think just as foolish, as a ponzi scheme, wouldn't you say? And while your at it don't take any wooden nickels!

Learn more about this author, Karen Zortman-Loos.
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