2007 Tax Law Changes

I've taken a break from the stock market over the last week to study up on the new tax laws for 2007. There are several significant changes to the tax code for 2007 and I have created a series of articles that will soon be published on Associated Content including a summary of the most popular (or not so popular) changes. There are typical changes that make adjustments for inflation, but there are also changes that affect when you can file your taxes or qualify you for benefits you may have not been qualified for in the past.

The amount of tax code and laws are enormous and until it is simplified it is difficult to stay current on the changes that occur each year. Being informed of your benefits and responsibilities can be daunting. I have included the more significant changes in this article. Refer to www.irs.gov for a complete listing of all the changes for the 2007 tax year. Use caution when using commercial software when filing your 2007 taxes. Many of the changes happened toward the end of 2006, after software was already written. This is the primary reason for the IRS delay in accepting many returns until February 11, 2008.

This link will take you to the list of Articles on Associated Content

GameStop Analysis

I did this analysis on December 6, 2007 and have since sold about 50-percent of my holding in GameStop. Take look and let me know what you think, or what I'm missing. I still think that GameStop is a good investment, I just took some after Christmas profits!

Article: GameStop's Successful Growth will Continue to Make Investors Money!

Going Against the Grain (yeah, chicken grain)

One of the things that I have made it a point to do is MY OWN RESEARCH. I love to watch Jim Cramer on CNBC's Mad Money, as well as other financial analysis shows. I love to read about investing strategy, companies that may have good potential, etc. I'm always on the look-out for a good investment or strategy to incorporate in to my own to make it better.

With that said, I don't always agree with the "talking heads" on TV or Internet analysts. Here are two recent articles published on Associated Content that show this:

Is Jim Cramer Wrong on EMC Say it Isnt So!

Great Coffee, Bad Business - Is Starbucks a Good Investment?

Keep in mind that these are MY opinions, derived from the analisys and study of the companies that I did. If you feel differently, come up with different numbers, etc., feel free to post a comment on this blog or on the article page themselves.

A Mission Statement for a Rock Solid Investing Strategy

Several weeks ago I wrote an article that explained some of my strategies, and where I'm coming from. The fact is, that I'm still learning new strategies and about new companies everyday.

Here's the article: Mission Statement for a Rock Solid Investing Strategy

I will be posting three or four more articles on the next blog, this afternoon.

-Rooster

When Do You Know When You're Rich?

This blog is all about making your money make more money for you. It is about preparing for your retirement and becoming financially independent. But before I begin posting analysis of stocks and businesses, it is important to understand two things. One, you are probably already rich. Secondly, you must have a plan.

If you don't think you are already rich, read my article posted on Associated Content "How to Determine When You are Really Rich".

As for your investment "planning", just like each stock you purchase, you must have an exit strategy. Determine how much money you want or will need. Determine whether that is going to be your retirement, or another milestone in your life. Determine whether you are going to be 65 or 25 when you accomplish it. Plan to it, then execute it and you will succeed.

Before you make the leap into the investing world, you must also consider your personal finances. Read my article "Before You Invest ANY Money, READ THIS!" There is much more to successful personal finances than a good portfolio!

I will begin by posting some previous, not too out dated stock and business analysis soon. Come back often to see new articles, ideas and controversy!

Welcome to Chicken Stocks!

Welcome to the Chicken Stock Blog! The name of this blog kind of reflects what I would like to see the attitude of this blog; to have a little fun while sharing some of my stock analysis, learn from others and share investing ideas.

I have developed a stock analysis system that incorporates several leading stock traders and investors including the likes of Jim Cramer, Phil Town and of course Warren Buffett. I have taken the systems that these successful investors have shared with us through books and the television and created my own, unique stock and business analysis system.

Where there are a ton of blogs and websites out there that regurgitate the “Lightning Round” from Mad Money, cut and paste analysis from other websites, etc. I take other’s ideas or stock picks and run them through my strategy/analysis and see if the claims stand up to my scrutiny!

My method is hopefully a little more light, a little more fun (although I don’t think I can compete with Jim Cramer in the fun department)! I do analyze many of the stocks that Cramer recommends on his show, Mad Money, and I don’t always agree with him. Check out: Is Jim Cramer Wrong on EMC Say it isn’t so!

Don’t get me wrong, investing is not a joke to me, nor should it be to you. (In 2007 my portfolio gained 36%!) I’m not here to sell anything, but if you are like me, looking for new investing strategies and ideas, hang on because this blog is where I intend to stir that pot! I am not a “professional trader”, I am like so many others that are learning (and I must emphasize learning) that you can significantly change your savings, your retirement, and your life just by investing.

Feel free to post comments to any of my blogs. Many of my blogs will have links to the articles I write for Associated Content. At Associated Content I write investing, personal finance and business finance articles, but I also write about many other topics as well.

So relax and enjoy the ideas. I will share parts of my investing strategy as the blog grows, but the truth is, I’m learning everyday as well. That’s why I encourage you to post comments either here or to my articles on Associated Content. My intention is to use this blog to inform, teach, learn and share ideas, so keep the comments clean and the insults minimal.

Thanks and again welcome to Chicken Stocks!