Invest Learn

Costa Vista Land uncovers the mystery of purchasing land in exotic Costa Rica on a new audio CD. Investors will learn about affordable opportunities to purchase a parcel of land in Costa Rica, the quality of life in Costa Rica and resources for a seamless transaction.

The 50-minute CD interviews Dave Lovendahl, President of Costa Vista Marketing, on all aspects of buying Costa Rica property. A long-time Costa Rican landowner, Lovendahl shares his expertise with interested investors looking for their own slice of paradise.

New Innov-X XRF System Launches at SAE World Congress* To Reduce ...

Visitors to Innov-X's Booth 1137 at SAE 2007* will learn about the new SEA-Mate™ System for large diesel engine fuel, lubricant, and additive fluid analysis that can significantly reduce ownership costs. The SEA-Mate™ measurements can optimize working fuels, oils and additives and yield predictive failure detection that can minimize downtime. Ideal for truck fleets, mining, agricultural, marine, power generation, and off-highway equipment users—the system is designed for non-technical operators. This high-performance system is cost-effective and offers a fast return on investment.

Trading Alert: CPTC.OB

In my article about electrical transmission, I mentioned that I liked Composite Technology Corp. (CPTC.OB). I became increasingly bullish on this stock as a result of my changing understanding while I was researching the article. The article then initiated an email conversation with a long-time investor, where I learned more about the company's business. As a result, I just purchased more of the stock (at $1.33, using a limit order), quadrupling my initial position (acquired in February at $.91. My current average cost basis is $1.23.) Several of my clients also own this stock, which most of them bought below $1.

DISCLOSURE: Tom Konrad and/or his clients have positions in CPTC.OB.

Don't fear exchange-traded funds as they can lower your annual ...

Q I am 47 and work full time. I have about $250,000 in my 401(k) and about $150,000 in my IRA from a previous employer. I have invested in the Couch Potato portfolio and in the IRA, and in the past few years have moved to the Margarita portfolio (I am a Parrothead).

Vanguard also offers an exchanged-traded index fund that invests in energy stocks. Its ticker symbol is VDE. You can learn more about it by going to morningstar.com and entering VDE in the quote box.

Bank executive explains mortgage fallout

REEDSBURG-In the last several months, financial news services have been reporting on the demise of many mortgage lenders that specialized in the "Subprime" mortgage market. As of March 25, no less than 43 of these lenders have gone out of business, leaving their creditors and investors holding millions of dollars of debt and/or securities that may very well end up worthless. Much of the real estate speculative frenzy of the last few years was driven by loans provided by these lenders. Offering "exotic" loan financing, such as the Option ARM, interest only, 40 and 50 year mortgages and a host of other non-traditional loans has become a "fool's paradise," as many borrowers are now learning. The result? It is anticipated that 20 percent of all Subprime mortgages originated in 2005 and 2006 will end up in foreclosure.One of the contributing factors to this implosion has been the unbridled zest for fees and profits by lenders who have little interest in educating the borrower in a way that helps the borrower focus on a loan that they can afford, and ultimately pay back, without experiencing excessive pressure on their household budget.

Social benefactors hear Steven Ford

Steven Ford, son of a former United States president with an acting career spanning three decades, spoke to Longview social advocates and benefactors Saturday night about the lessons he learned from his life and family.