10 tricks for better investing

Why do smart people do such stupid things with their money? Because, research shows, financial decisions are driven by feelings. Here's how to keep your impulses in check.

Investigate, then invest
A stock is not just a price; it's a piece of a living corporate organism. Study the company's financial statements. Read a mutual fund's prospectus before you buy. If you want to hire a broker or financial planner, do a background check before you write a check.
Last updated January 02 2008: 8:29 AM ET

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10
10 stocks to buy now We identify stocks that will thrive despite the troubles facing the markets next year. (more)
Top foreign stocks for 2008 The year ahead poses challenges for the global economy - but here are some strategies that should prove fruitful. (more)
Dumbest Moments in Business We tip our hats to the absolute dumbest of the dumb in the past year. (more)

Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.