Thursday, May 8, 2008

Know Which Direction Your Money Is Flowing

“A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life.” -Suze Orman

To make the right decision about how to invest your money you must know what your income is and how you are spending it. This is a great reason to have a budget and keep track of your expenses. Many people do not realize that they are overspending. Money is not flowing in quick enough to cover what is flowing out in expenses. If you can barely afford to meet your monthly expenses, you certainly do not have enough money available to invest. However, once you have a clear picture of how you spend your money you can take action and cut and reduce luxury spending.

A budget is similar to a map. It shows you where you have been, where you are, and where you could go. Only through taking an honest look at where you are financially in terms of income and expenses can you start working on your dreams. Perhaps you want to have your own home, start your own business, invest, or plan for your kids' future education.

Detailing which way your money is flowing and how fast is, a great place to start working on making your dreams come true. This allows you to have firm control over every single penny and make sure it is being spent in a way which is improving your financial situation and not creating debt. There are several investment opportunities which allow you to invest a small amount of capital over time.

Money market accounts, high yield bonds, and mutual funds are all great options for people who have little money to invest. Most financial advisors suggest that new investors start small and early.

Even if budgeting only helps you save $20 dollars a month, this can lead to thousands of dollars, over time and with the right investment plan. You can live without your afternoon paper, and that expensive lunch.

Think of how much money that little sacrifice could be making you. Most people consider budgeting restricting. But you should view a budget like a spending plan which frees up more money for investing, saving, and perhaps a little extra pocket money. Utilizing your income correctly can ensure that money is flowing into your pockets and not out.

The key to financial success is control. Controlling your income and your expenses allows you to make solid choices that are not motivated by fear but on well researched decisions. Decisions which will create financial stability and freedom for your family and yourself.

Chaikin Money Flow

Chaikin Money Flow - Overview

The chaikin money flow (CMF) was developed by Marc Chaikin and attempts to determine if a stock is under accumulation or distribution by comparing the closing price to the high-low range of the trading session. In Lehman's terms, if the stock closes near the high of the session with increased volume, the CMF increases in value. Conversely, if the stock closes near the low of the session with increased volume, the CMF decreases in value. The chaikin money flow indicator was developed as an expansion to the On Balance Volume indicator.

Chaikin Money Flow - Formula

The chaikin money flow indicator is calculated by summing the accumulation/distribution line for "x" periods. Traders generally use 21-periods for calculating the indicator.

Trading with the Chaikin Money Flow Indicator

Zero Line Crosses

The basic trading premise with the CMF indicator is if the indicator is above 0 this is a bullish sign, while a reading below 0 represents a bearish signal. Reading above +.25 or below -.25 indicate strong trends and positions can be added on minor corrections.

Trend Lines

Like many other indicators, traders will draw trend lines on the indicators themselves and look for both breakouts on the indicator and the price on the chart. This method is very subjective, since the trader will have to accurately identify the trend on the indicator.

Divergence

Divergence can show up in the indicator when the chaikin money flow indicator makes a higher high, while the price action makes a lower low. This implies that there is less selling pressure pushing the security lower, thus a bounce is in order.