toiletoctopus's Full Review: SmartMoney Magazine Subscription
I have been a subscriber of SmartMoney magazine for almost a year, and look forward to it arriving in my mailbox every month. It is published by the Wall Street Journal, and each issue has been filled with useful information about investing and money management. When it comes to these subjects, I am nothing short of an amateur. I used to count my retirement savings account, as my only useful investment. However, armed with knowledge from this magazine, and having a decent financial advisor, I am learning more about how important it is to make smart investments. Considering the fact that Congress is debating Social Security proposals, I am not going to count on it being there upon retirement.
My subscription to SmartMoney is $19.97 for 12 months, although I'm planning on signing up for a two year commitment at $34.97. Each issue is focused on making money through the stock market, savings bonds, venture capital, and other investments. There are columns on businesses that are internationally known, as well as small companies that might provide a steady income in the future. Some of these articles focusing on investing, can get a little bit carried away with technical jargon. A few times I've had to scratch my head, and then watch my financial advisor scratch his head to answer my questions. Although most articles are understandable after careful dissection, there are a few that will only be understood by people with a lot of years and experience with money management.
The best part of being a subscriber to SmartMoney, is the interesting articles in each issue. While a lot of the magazine is technical in nature, there are a lot of self help/inside perspective articles that keep the reader flipping pages. I just received January's issue, and there are are timely articles on cutting heating energy costs, and how to get money back on unwanted Christmas gifts. These articles are well written, and the gifts piece described in detail how to return items to the store, sell them on Ebay, or to make them a tax deduction.
My favorite column is the " Ten Things Your.......Won't Tell You." This month it is the credit card company, and the last few issues were home contractors and cruise lines. This column shares a plethora of information, and gives away some insider only tips, to keep you safe and protected from predatory practices. SmartMoney also has articles about wines, gourmet foods, and cars. Their car reviews are a bit short, and lack the in depth information that a publication like Car and Driver would provide. However, SmartMoney focuses on the Total Cost of Ownership, which is always helpful in deciding whether to purchase a car or not.
If you are a beginner, or an expert, you will find information that relates to you in this magazine. It takes about two hours to read each month, and there is a lot of advice from experts in the field. If you are just learning about investments, it would be wise to at least purchase a book for beginners to help you with this magazine. Even with some of the emphasis on serious investing, it is a good magazine for all to read. Every month, I learn something new, and have found it worth the cost of subscription.
12 issues - SmartMoney Magazine presents practical, yet highly imaginative strategies for investing, spending and saving. Reporting on a wide range of...More at SuperMagDeals.com
12 issues - SmartMoney Magazine presents practical, yet highly imaginative strategies for investing, spending and saving. Reporting on a wide range of...More at Subscription Addiction
SmartMoney magazine features spending and investing advice from the Wall Street Journal. Find articles on personal finance, lifestyle, business, techn...More at Magazines.com
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