|
Trend Trading: Seven Simple Steps To Success
By Griffin Croix
Some time ago I watched part of an infomercial which had a bottom line message that the best way to make money in the stock market was to be an active trader, buying and selling equities frequently, as opposed to holding on to a stock in the hopes of long term growth.
Having always been warned of the lunacy of day trading, I dismissed the infomercial as just another get rich quick scheme. But late one night several weeks later, the infomercial again blipped across my screen as I mindlessly channel surfed, in hopes of finding something interesting to watch at that late hour. The producers had the good sense to hire a sexy
spokesperson, which held my attention on the subject longer than normal.
These few minutes of added viewing allowed me to discover that the system was not based exclusively on day trading, rather on opportunities as they arose. It might involve holding on to a stock for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks. In another display of good marketing sense, the company behind the infomercial offered a free two-week trial to their real-time bulletin board service. Not one to pass up anything free, I promptly signed up and was immediately connected.
Wow. Information and news flashed scrolled up my screen in real time, calling out more plays than I could hope to keep up with. I traded on paper to begin with, but soon enough I was using real money from my existing account, actually making money. I did not want to be without the service. But to be a full on member, the cost was over $400 per month. For some folks, this isn't a problem, but I never had a large amount of money to play with, so I only stayed with it for a few months. Mind you, if I had $25,000 or more to play with, there's no way I'd be without the service. My financial condition required that I find a cheaper solution, and, based on what I learned in my brief time as a member, I came up with the following strategy, a sort of poor man's alternative to using the high-end service. Please use common sense if you decide to try this system. It may
Seeking some bowlers...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>OK, this has very little to do with retail, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway.</p><p>Reader Chris asked me over the weekend if I know of any places in or around Raleigh that offer duckpin bowling or candlepin bowling (both varations on traditional bowling, more popular in the Northeast). I don't even remember the last time I went bowling, so I am not going to be of any help to Chris on this question. But if you know of a place, please share the details...</p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/seeking_some_bowlers#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Early voting at the mall...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>The Wake County Board of Elections has opened a location in Raleigh's Triangle Town Center. Located in the outdoor "commons" portion of the mall near Orvis, Men's Warehouse and Archivers, the office will be an early voting location. You can see all the details about exactly when and where you can vote on the Board of Election's <a href="http://www.wakegov.com/WakeGov/Templates/Admin/HtmlContentNoLeftNav.aspx?NRMODE=Published&NRNODEGUID=%7b4EC45CA2-E723-4C72-B233-C1DFA3902F73%7d&NRORIGINALURL=%2felections%2fonestop%2fdefault%2ehtm&NRCACHEHINT=Guest#map">Web site here</a>.</p><p>Cary Towne Center and Beaver Creek Commons in Apex will also serve as early voting sites.</p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/early_voting_at_the_mall#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Save on a doctor's visit...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>If you've taken your child to the doctor this year and purchased two Lysol products, you've already qualified for this one (I hope you saved your receipts!). </p><p>Lysol is offering a $5 Disinfect to Protect "reward" when you buy two Lysol products and take your child to the doctor. I am honestly not sure if the reward is an actual check or some other form of coupon/certificate (anyone know?). But $5 back is $5 back. And, since the promotion runs from Jan. 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009, you may have already made the qualifying purchases and had a qualifying doctor's visit.</p><p>All you need is your receipt, a copy of your doctor's office receipt or bill and the downloadable form below... </p><br /><br /><b>Document(s):</b><br /><a href='http://projects.newsobserver.com/sites/projects.newsobserver.com/files/pediRewards08.pdf'>pediRewards08.pdf</a><br /></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/save_on_a_doctors_visit#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Good customer service...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>I'm back to my favorite topic of customer service again because of <a href="http://consumerist.com/5043970/this-apology-letter-from-southwest-is-refreshingly-honest-and-informative">this post</a> on The Consumerist.</p><p>In it, a gentleman named Deepak praises Southwest Airlines (that's right, praises an airline!) for its response to his recent flight from Seattle to Oakland, which was turned around and sent back to its starting point because of a fluid leak. The letter he received explained fully what happened, apologized profusely and offered a $175 voucher as a make-up gesture. Wow... if only all companies had this customer service thing figured out...</p><p> </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/good_customer_service#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (1)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Cheerios Challenge...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>Cheerios is challenging Americans to eat Cheerios for six weeks to see if it lowers their cholesterol or makes them feel better. As part of the challenge, Cheerios is offering you six $1 coupons to help motivate you to buy Cheerios. <a href="http://www.cheerios.com/promotions/challenge/">You can sign up here</a>. As the site only asked for my e-mail address, I presume these are Internet Printable coupons that will be e-mailed to you... </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/cheerios_challenge#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Today's coupons are up...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>Good morning, everyone!</p><p>Usually on the weekend following a big holiday weekend, there are a lot of coupons, and that is the case today. In addition to the inserts, don't miss the Soy Joy coupon in Parade Magazine. It's a buy two get one free.</p><p>Today's coupons have been added to the database. As always, if you would like the Excel spreadsheet version, it is available for download below.</p><p>Also, I should note that I added a new feature to the spreadsheet this week for those of you who save the whole inserts so that you can go back to them later. At the top of my database, you should see the "Find a Coupon" heading, and below that you should now see both "Sue's coupon database" and a link to the right that says "Insert key." If you click on it, it will take you to a new page, where I give you a key for weeks when we have multiple Smart Source or Red Plum inserts. As most of you know, on those weeks, I will identify the insert in which a coupon was printed by using numbers (ie. SS1 and SS2). My new key will simply help you identify the insert by adding a detail like, "SS2 is the one with the Lasik ad on the front." But it should make identification easier for those of you who save the whole inserts. I hope it helps, anyway!</p><p>Happy clipping, everyone!!! </p><br /><br /><b>Document(s):</b><br /><a href='http://projects.newsobserver.com/sites/projects.newsobserver.com/files/Find a Coupon 0907.xls'>Find a Coupon 0907.xls</a><br /></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/todays_coupons_are_up_26#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Reminder... free ice cream today...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p><img src="/sites/projects.newsobserver.com/files/images/iceCreamlogo.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="123" height="85" align="left" />Remember, Cameron Village is giving away free ice cream this afternoon. Customers are asked to bring the coupon from the N&O or the <a href="http://www.shopsofcameronvillage.com/go/Poolb.cfm?MallID=921&FPURLID=2129963527">Cameron Village Web site</a> to either the Baskin-Robbins shop in Cameron Village or the special "Cone Cafe" set up on Clark Avenue near the Party Shop and Accipiter. (If it rains, the Cone Cafe plans will be scrapped, and scoops will be available only at Baskin-Robbins.) The promotion runs from 1 to 5 p.m. </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/reminder_free_ice_cream_today#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Shutterfly deals...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>Of all the photo-processing and printing Web sites, my personal favorite is Shutterfly. Not only do they do a nice job with photos, but they also offer a ton of promotions and deals.</p><p>The latest one to land in my inbox was a promotion of Shutterfly's new Share Web sites. You can design your own Shutterfly Share site, upload pictures and invite your friends and family to look at them. Through Sept. 24, Shutterfly is offering a free 8x10 photo when you order 30 prints of any size. Use the code <strong>55SUMMER</strong> when you check out. To learn more about the Shutterfly Share sites, <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/learn/newshare.jsp">click here</a>. </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/shutterfly_deals#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
It's National Coupon Month...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>I know, I had no idea! I got a press release from the The Coupon Council this week promoting National Coupon Month. The thing that caught my eye was this statistic: <em>"The majority [of shoppers] spend less than 10 minutes per week clipping and organizing their coupons, and achieve a 7 percent average savings on their grocery bill."</em> </p><p>So to me, that means that even if you don't want to devote a lot of time to saving, you can still save a lot with a little effort. If you say the average family spends $100 a week on groceries, 7 percent of that is $7. And $7 multiplied by 52 weeks is $364. I'd say that's worth it... and of course, if you invest a little more time, you can make your savings grow in a big way. </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/its_national_coupon_month#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Seeking outdoor adventurers...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>If you like to go hiking or running on our local trails, you may want to consider entering New Balance's "Own the Trails" contest. New Balance is asking people to tell them about their favorite trails, and the winners will receive free New Balance equipment. <a href="http://www.backpackerpromo.com/newbalance/sweeps.php">You can enter here</a>.. </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/seeking_outdoor_adventurers#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Prescription deal at HT...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>I mentioned awhile back that Harris Teeter had sent me a mailing with a really good offer for transferring my prescription to the Harris Teeter pharmacy. It seems now that a slightly different version of this offer is available to all VIC card members.</p><p>Through Sept. 30, you can get a free $25 gift card for transferring your prescription to Harris Teeter. Then on top of that, you will also get a $10 credit added onto your VIC card for EACH prescription you transfer. There is no limit. So if you transfer one prescription, you'd get the $25 gift card and the $35 credit. If you transfer two, you'd get the $25 gift card and two $10 credits. That's a mighty nice incentive for a very small amount of work. You can find the details of the deal on Harris Teeter's <a href="http://www.harristeeter.com/promotions/e-vic/special_offer.aspx">Web site here</a>.</p><p>(As always, I caution do want to people who have multiple precriptions that bouncing them from pharmacy to pharmacy could be dangerous because of possible drug interactions.) </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/prescription_deal_at_ht#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (2)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Get store credit for your old stuff...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p><img src="/sites/projects.newsobserver.com/files/images/Office%20Depot%20Tech%20Trade-In%20Main%20Page.preview.jpg" alt="" hspace="7" vspace="7" width="218" height="272" align="left" />Office Depot has launched a <a href="/www.officedepot.com/techtradein">new Web site</a> that offers consumers the chance to trade in their used electronics for store credit. Or, if the items are so old that they have no trade-in value, you can simply pay a small fee to have Office Depot recycle it and get it out of your house.</p><p>So, basically, shoppers can go to <a href="http://www.officedepot.com/techtradein">www.officedepot.com/techtradein</a> and search for the compuer, MP3 player, Smart phone, etc., that they wish to trade in. You tell the site a little bit about the condition of the product and it tells you what it's worth. If the amount is acceptable, you hit OK and receive a shipping label and instructions. Once your product has been received and inspected to make sure it matches your description, you are mailed an Office Depot gift card loaded with your trade-in amount.</p><p>Or, if you just wish to recycle items, you will need to pay a $5, $10 or $15 fee for the box and shipping, and Office Depot will take care of the rest. Seems like a mighty fine time to go hunting through your closets and garages for some old electronics to me...</p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/get_store_credit_for_your_old_stuff#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
North Hills reschedules events...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>Due to the current weather situation in Raleigh, North Hills has rescheduled two events.</p><p>The center's Iron Chef Competition is now rescheduled for two weeks from tomorrow on Saturday, Sept. 20. Chefs from Bonefish and Mura will go head-to-head using ingredients from the Farmers' Market, dishing up delicious treats for you to taste. Proceeds will go to benefit the InterFaith Food Shuttle. </p><p>And, the Farmer's Market that would normally take place tomorrow has been canceled. It will return as scheduled, next Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. </p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/north_hills_reschedules_events#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Friday freebies...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>Oh, it's Friday... which means it's time for freebies!!</p><p>*You can request a Quaker Simple Harvest granola bar <a href="http://startsampling.com/sm/100462/captureAddress.iphtml?item=100462&source">here</a>.</p><p>*There's a sample of Secret Clinical deodorant (this is a good one because that stuff is like $8). Try this link: <a href="https://secretsport.safeprocessing.com/">https://secretsport.safeprocessing.com/</a></p><p>*I've posted other Greenies samples before, but I think <a href="http://www.greenies.com/en_US/FreeSample/">this may be a new one</a>.</p><p>*And there's a sample of Bounce dryer sheets <a href="https://pgpromotions.archway.com/bounce_us/?utm_source=news.eml.200808">here</a>.</p></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/friday_freebies_26#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
Just for Men rebate...
<!-- Begin check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- End check for Blog Icon -->
<!-- Begin check for Teaser Toggle -->
<div class="field-item"><p>Just for Men is offering a "Try Me Free" mail-in rebate for up to $8 when you purchase Just for Men hair color. You'll need your cash register receipt, dated before Dec. 31, 2008, plus the UPC code from the package and the mail-in rebate form that is available for download below... </p><br /><br /><b>Document(s):</b><br /><a href='http://projects.newsobserver.com/sites/projects.newsobserver.com/files/tryfree.pdf'>tryfree.pdf</a><br /></div>
<div class="node-blog-teaser-footer">
<div class="node-blog-teaser-comments"><a href="http://projects.newsobserver.com/taking_stock/just_for_men_rebate#comment"><img src="http://www.newsobserver.com/images/front_new/icon_discussion.gif" width="11" height="7" border="0" /> Comments (0)</a>
<!-- If permissions, display edit link at end of teaser -->
<!-- End edit link code -->
</div>
</div>
<!-- End check for Teaser Toggle -->
<!-- BEGIN AUDIO ATTACHMENT CODE -->
or may not be right for your strategy, so be sure to trade on paper before committing any real funds:
1.)Confine your trades to stocks listed on NASDAQ.
2.)Find out which companies will be reporting earnings after the day, three days hence. (Monday = Thursday; Tuesday = Friday; Wednesday = Monday, etc.)
3.)Find stocks that have, by at least 1 cent, a positive whisper number.
4.)Consider only stocks between $5 and $18.
5.)Winnow the stocks by average daily volume, choosing the top three.
6.)From these three stocks, pick the one that has the highest market cap.
7.)Buy it at the close; sell when stock has risen 2% from your purchase price. In no case would you hold onto the stock past the earning report, or if it drops in price 2% or more.
There it is; the seven simple rules that can put extra cash in your account. Come to the Wilgo Forum to discuss your success stories or to get help.
Trend Trading involves risks, so please do not risk monies that you
cannot afford to lose. Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com Griffin Croix is an active trader and article writer, online since 1995.Submitted with AD Submitter.
|
