Smart Investing | NET Radio

Supporting retirement during the recession -- February 26, 2009

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST

History has shown the nation will recover from this national economic downturn. That's according to a Nebraska financial planner who says patience is a virtue in trying economic times. But the anxiety of playing the waiting game can become overwhelming for consumers and investors. As part of the on-going series Smart Investing, Clay Masters reports on how to support your portfolio during a recession.

Identity theft on the rise -- February 18, 2009

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST

Nebraska saw identity theft cases almost double last year compared to 2007. As part of the ongoing NET Radio series Smart Investing, Clay Masters explores the effects of a sinking economy on the rise of identity theft.

A conversation with Chris Farrell: Coping with the economic downturn -- February 9, 2009

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST

In this economic climate, you're probably wondering who to trust for personal finance information. As part of NET Radio's on-going series Smart Investing, Clay Masters got a chance to talk with Marketplace Money's financial expert Chris Farrell about how Nebraskans can combat the financial crisis. . .

Investing in wind power in Nebraska -- January 27, 2009

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:00:00 CST

With a new president and Congress promising more attention to alternative energy, people are focusing on wind power. That creates special opportunities and challenges in Nebraska, where electricity generation has been publicly owned for decades. Clay Masters continues the ongoing series Smart Investing.

State authorities investigating possible "Ponzi" scheme in Grand Island -- January 21, 2009

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:00:00 CST

Authorities are investigating possible fraud by a bankrupt insurance firm in Grand Island which they say may have cheated investors out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Sarah McCammon reports.

Nebraska non-profits cope with the financial crisis -- January 5, 2009

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:00:00 CST

The recession is affecting all kinds of organizations... and that includes non-profits. Clay Masters continues the on-going NET Radio Series Smart Investing with a look at what the downturn means for charitable organizations.

The future for Nebraska ethanol businesses, investors -- December 18, 2008

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

Nebraska corn growers have benefited from the ethanol boom, but the industry has had its ups and downs this year. What does the future hold for Nebraska's ethanol business? Clay Master continues the on-going NET Radio series Smart Investing.

With the ailing industry, is ethanol a good investment? -- December 17, 2008

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

Twenty-one ethanol plants are operating in Nebraska but several plants have filed for bankruptcy and one has suspended construction. Which begs the question: is ethanol still a good investment? Clay Masters continues the on-going series Smart Investing with a look at the status of Nebraska's ethanol industry.

Holiday shopping season looks good for Nebraska retailers despite economy -- November 28, 2008

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 11:30:00 CST

Today, many Americans who stuffed themselves for Thanksgiving will stuff into crowded stores for the busiest shopping day of the year. But in the midst of a financial crisis, how will Nebraska's retailers fare?

Enjoying retirement while continuing to support it -- November 26, 2008

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:00:00 CST

The traditional approach to retirement portfolios has been to reduce risky assets such as stocks from the portfolio to help avoid large losses. But because people are living longer these days, investing during your retirement might be the best way to maintain the lifestyle an investor is used to.

Small businesses cope with financial crisis -- November 19, 2008

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

With the financial crisis affecting large corporations across the country, small business owners are also facing the daunting reality of penny pinching consumers. As part of the on-going NET Radio series Smart Investing, Clay Masters spoke with a couple niche market small business owners about how their faring in the current crisis.

Cities across Nebraska launch Money Smart Week -- November 10, 2008

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

It's early November and already department stores across the country are starting to string festive holiday tinsel from their ceilings. With Nebraskans feeling pressure in their wallets from the largest economic challenge of their lifetime, one organization in Nebraska is hosting a series of seminars across the state to enhance financial literacy. Clay Masters continues the ongoing series Smart Investing.

The benefits and pitfalls of starting an outdoor adventure resort -- October 29, 2008

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Ninety-seven percent of land in Nebraska is privately owned, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is at the numerous resorts across the state. As part of the ongoing NET Radio series Smart Investing, Clay Masters looks at the benefits and pitfalls of investing in agritourism.

The financial and environmental returns of green investing -- October 17, 2008

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

As Nebraska investors become more environmentally minded, they look for ways to diversify their portfolio into companies and products they believe have a positive effect on the environment. It's called green investing. And contrary to the advice once given by Kermit the Frog, it can be easy being green. Clay Masters continues the on-going NET Radio Series Smart Investing.

Financially educating Nebraska's working women -- October 15, 2008

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Nebraska ranks near the bottom of the nation for the percentage of women in managerial and professional jobs. And some experts say female workers can be especially hard-hit by a downturn in the economy. As part of the on-going NET Radio series Smart Investing, Clay Masters reports on how one group is trying to financially educate Nebraska women. | Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement web site: http://www.wiserwomen.org/ | What Women Need to Know About Retirement (Ebook): http://www.heinzfamily.org/programs/ebook.html | The 2008 Women & Money Conference will be from 8:30 am to Noon on Saturday, October 18 at Hillcrest Country Club, 9401 "O" Street in Lincoln. Registration is $10 and seating is limited to 250. For more information, 402-483-1699.

Smart Investing with Chris Farrell Recap -- October 11, 2008

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:00:00 CDT

On NET's Smart Investing simulcast Thursday, investment expert Chris Farrell started by summing up where we are in the current financial crisis. Farrell then answered financial questions from concerned callers, discussed frequently asked questions, and covered what investors can do now to protect themselves from difficult times ahead. Clay Masters has more.

Smart Investing with Chris Farrell Simulcast -- October 9, 2008

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Chris Farrell, investment expert and personal finance guru on the public radio series "Marketplace Money," took questions live on Thursday on a variety of investment topics, from avoiding investment fraud to how to get started investing and how to protect yourself in a turbulent market. NET Radio Network Manager Nancy Finken co-hosted the program with Farrell. Brief pre-recorded segments focused attention on some of the most frequently asked questions. A telephone bank of representatives from the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance took questions and comments for use on-air, as well as provided direct responses and referrals to callers.

Investment guru Chris Farrell gives advice for Nebraskans -- October 4, 2008

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:00:00 CDT

The current financial crisis has investors anxious about what to do with their portfolio. As part of NET Radio's ongoing series Smart Investing, Marketplace Money's investment expert Chris Farrell will be live and taking questions on Thursday, October 9th at 7 p.m. central on NET Radio and Television. Clay Masters had a chance to talk with Farrell about some of the questions Nebraska investors have.

Investing during the current economic meltdown -- September 24, 2008

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

With the federal government's recent $85 billion loan to AIG, and with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac under federal conservatorship, lots of investors are anxious. What does this current meltdown mean for Nebraska investors? Clay Masters continues the ongoing series Smart Investing.

Investor money making a social impact -- September 17, 2008

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Many investors are trying to look for ways to make a social impact on the world around them. As part of the on-going NET Radio series Smart Investing, Clay Masters looks at ways investors can do well while doing good.

Investors, keep a watchful eye on credit -- September 10, 2008

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Every year millions of people are targeted for identity theft. While you can't always stop it from happening, there are steps you can go through to better prevent it from happening.

The current economic doldrums for Nebraskan home sellers -- September 3, 2008

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:00:00 CDT

People selling homes face a lot more obstacles than those buying homes. As part of NET Radio's ongoing series Smart Investing, Clay Masters spoke to a couple who just put their house on the market. So far so slow.

Investing in a home during a buyer's market -- August 27, 2008

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

One of the biggest investments people will put their money into is their home. NET Radio's on-going series Smart Investing continues with a look at how some Nebraskans make their home buying decisions. Clay Masters has more.

Remembering the necessities when investing during a bear market -- August 20, 2008

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

When stock market averages drop and stay low, it's known as a bear market. It's a time when investors tend to look nervously at their portfolio and wonder if it's time to sell. As part of our on-going series Smart Investing, Clay Masters examines the opportunities bear markets provide.

Investing in land, equipment -- August 13, 2008

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Many times the topic of investing is centered on the stock market. But a lot of Nebraska investors diversify beyond wall street by putting their money in farmland. Clay Masters continues the ongoing NET Radio series Smart Investing.

Getting out of an investment scam -- August 6, 2008

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

Every year millions of people are targeted for investment fraud. But it's easy to prevent becoming the victim to these so called fraudsters. As NET Radio's Clay Masters continues the on-going series Smart Investing, he sat down with Tom Sindelar, an Investigation Supervisor with Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance. Sindelar says when dealing with someone you don't know very well, be cynical. He says Nebraska's trustworthy Midwestern reputation has made it a target for fraudulent businesses.

Nebraska investors find pooling resources a good learning tool -- August 5, 2008

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:00:00 CDT

One of the best ways to learn more about what to invest in is to pool your resources and start an investment club. Reporter Clay Masters continues the on-going NET Radio series Smart Investing discovering that many Nebraska investors are working together not only to make money but to learn from their investing peers. (By way of full disclosure, Jim Mastera is a member of the NET foundation.) Report on starting an investment club by Saline Investment Club Member Leann Manning: http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/publicationD.jsp?publicationId=853

Becoming a cautious investor, arming yourself against fraud -- July 23, 2008

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

The lack of financial literacy is what keeps many people from putting aside for the future. Last week, NET Radio's on-going series Smart Investing looked at ways to get started in investing. But as reporter Clay Masters found out once you start to get involved, you have to be careful.

Eliminating the anxiety for beginning investors -- July 16, 2008

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

One of the biggest misconceptions about investing is that it's hard to get started. Many people get anxious at the thought of putting money into something they don't get an immediate gratification from, and don't fully understand. In our latest installment of the NET Radio series Smart Investing, Clay Masters reports that just a couple well-planned steps can make it easier to start putting away money for the future. (By way of full disclosure, Jim Mastera is a member of the NET Foundation.)

Determining the best investment strategy -- July 10, 2008

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

The most important decision you'll make in life is how you invest for your future. Today we continue our series Smart Investing. NET Radio's Clay Masters sat down with a couple of Nebraska investors at different stages in their life and found out what their investment plans are for the future.

Investing in your retirement, getting the foundations in high school -- July 2, 2008

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 CDT

We've all heard the same thing about investing -- start young. The best way to save for retirement is to start an early age. Today NET Radio's Clay Masters begins our new series called "Smart Investing." What he discovered is that there's a long way to go in getting young people to invest in their future.