When it comes to investing, savvy money managers advise that you spread your money around —

that is, diversify your investments. Diversification protects you from losing all your assets in a market swoon. The sharp decline in stock prices in recent years are proof enough that putting all your eggs in one basket is a risky strategy. But in order to diversify correctly, you need to know what kinds of investments to buy, how much money to put into each one, and how to diversify within a particular investment category.

Equities are wonderful, but dont put all of your investment in one stock or one sector. Create your own virtual mutual fund by investing in a handful of companies you know, trust, and perhaps even use in your day-to-day life. People will argue that investing in what you know will leave the average investor too heavily retail-oriented, but knowing a company or using its goods and services can be a healthy and wholesome approach to this sector.

Consider Index or Bond Funds

Consider adding index funds or fixed income funds to the mix. Investing in securities that track various indexes make a wonderful long-term diversification investment for your portfolio. By adding some fixed-income solutions,

Add to your investments on a regular basis. Lump-sum investing may be a suckers bet. If you have $10,000 to invest, use dollar-cost averaging. This approach is used to smooth out the peaks and valleys created by market volatility: you invest money on a regular basis into a specified portfolio of stocks or funds.

Know When to Get Out

Buying and holding and dollar-cost averaging are sound strategies, but just because you have your investments on autopilot does not mean you should ignore the forces at work. Stay current with your investment and remain in tune with overall market conditions. Know what is happening to the companies you invest

Keep a Watchful Eye on Commissions

If you are not the trading type, understand what you are getting for the fees you are paying. Some firms charge a monthly fee, while others charge transactional fees. Be cognizant of what you are paying and what you are

getting for it. Remember, the cheapest choice is not always the best.

Take a look at our website www.ftzfutures.com add me to your Twitter and Face book- ( FTZfutures) Add us to your Skype (coyotes6900) jr@ftzfutures.com

If you are looking for a futures or option broker feel free to contact Jr Stegmueller at 815-806-9571 and I will be more than happy to help you with your trading or visit www.ftzfutures.com Skype Address: coyotes6900 Mr. Stegmueller is taking on new client.

DISCLAIMER: HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE MANY INHERENT LIMITATIONS, SOME OF WHICH ARE DESCRIBED BELOW. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN. IN FACT, THERE ARE FREQUENTLY SHARP DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND THE ACTUAL RESULTS SUBSEQUENTLY ACHIEVED BY ANY PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM. ONE OF

THE LIMITATIONS OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS IS THAT THEY ARE GENERALLY REPARED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. IN ADDITION, HYPOTHETICAL TRADING DOES NOT INVOLVE FINANCIAL RISK, AND NO HYPOTHETICAL TRADING RECORD CAN COMPLETELY ACCOUNT FOR THE IMPACT OF FINANCIAL RISK IN ACTUAL TRADING. FOR EXAMPLE, THE ABILITY TO WITHSTAND LOSSES OR TO ADHERE TO A PARTICULAR TRADING PROGRAM IN SPITE OF TRADING LOSSES ARE MATERIAL POINTS WHICH CAN ALSO ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING RESULTS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS OTHER FACTORS RELATED TO THE MARKETS IN GENERAL OR TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ANY SPECIFIC TRADING PROGRAM WHICH CANNOT BE FULLY ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE PREPARATION OF HYPOTHETICAL PERFORMANCE RESULTS AND ALL OF WHICH CAN ADVERSELY AFFECT ACTUAL TRADING

DISCLAIMER: Trading Futures, Options on Futures, and retail off-exchange foreign currency ransactions involves substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for all investors. You should carefully consider whether trading is suitable for you in light of your circumstances, knowledge, and financial resources. You may lose all or more of your initial investment. Opinions, market data, and recommendations are subject to change at any time Furthermore Fusion Trading Zone is not responsible for the accuracy of information contained on linked sites.

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About the author

Mr. Stegmueller has 25-years of experience working with the futures and option markets as he began his career at the CHICAGO BOARD OF TRADE where he quickly advanced into new & more challenging positions as Mr. Stegmueller became experienced in the workings of the floor and exchange.

In 1987 Mr. Stegmueller accepted a position at a large futures firm where he focused his attention on learning the intricacies of retail brokerage industry and actively managed the risk and day-to-day trading and operations for over 10,000 accounts with a combined equity of over $50 million and over 10,000 open positions in the futures markets at any given time. He brings his vast wealth of knowledge to each one of his clients.

Under the tutelage of a former Chairman of the Chicago Board of Trade, Mr. Stegmueller learned a disciplined trading approach with a strong emphasis on risk and money management along with the true value of customer service. As the president of Liberty Financial markets, Mr. Stegmueller has been a guest speaker at many trade shows & expos and a spokesperson for the Chicago Board of Trade on the Mini Dow futures contract.

Contact. Bernard Stegmueller ( Jr Steggy ) (815) 806-9571 or at jr@ftzfutures.com or www.ftzfutures.com