Business ◆ A3
Monday, May 3, 2010 ◆ The Mountain Press
Systematic investing a time-tested strategy
Submitted
From left: Chad Reagan, left, Chamber president-elect; Marion Paul, owner of Fannie Farkle’s; and Tim Manners of Mountain National Bank celebrate Fannie Farkle’s 30th year during the Chamber Business After Hours.
Fannie Farkle’s hosts ’Burg Chamber Business After Hours Submitted report GATLINBURG — The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce held a Business After Hours hosted by Fannie Farkle’s, located on the Parkway downtown. Owner Marion Paul welcomed the 140 guests for arcade games. Many took part in contests while dining on food catered by the Convention Center. “When I arrived in Gatlinburg in January of 1981, I had no idea that I would still be doing business 30 years later in the same
location,” Paul said. “It truly has been my personal labor of love and that is why we pay so much attention to every detail.” Laurie Ross is supervisor of operations. Randall Starkey is the technician, John Ogle and Phil Kinch prepare the food. Chris Ogle is general maintenance person. Mike Kinch is redemption counter contact and Stephanie Ogle is responsible for the merchandise and all the displays. Paul was congratulated on the attraction entering its 30th year of operation. “What an exciting celebra-
tion of an attraction which has become a staple of our community. We are thrilled to join Marion and her staff in this celebration of outstanding achievement,” said Vicki Simms, executive director of the Gatlinburg Chamber. Those who attended received souvenir bags along with a very special card entitling the bearer to free food during the year. For more information on Chamber events, including hosting a Business During or After Hours function or to become a member, call 436-4178.
Budget Blinds opens in Sevier County Submitted report Budget Blinds, a window covering company, is now available to homeowners in Sevier County. “With lifestyles becoming more hectic, consumers require the most convenient services possible for home improvements,” said Michael Pope, owner of the business serving East Tennessee. “Our window-covering specialists come directly to customers’ homes to display products, professionally measure and install the products. The consumer never needs to leave home to
Salon & Spa
Grand Opening 774-3300
shop for window coverings or be concerned about taking proper measurements. Now that’s convenience.” Style consultants visit consumers’ homes to determine to discuss options that include wood and faux wood blinds, mini-blinds, shutters, solar and cellular shades, roman shades, draperies and more. “Nothing is more frustrating in a home improvement
project than discovering the color isn’t quite right or the size is just off when you get the products home,” said Pope. “We eliminate a good deal of the guesswork by bringing thousands of samples with us and exploring different ways consumers can dress their windows to suit their style.” For more information call 567-9076 or visit www.budgetblinds.com.
By PATRICK PIDKOWICZ In the investment world, there aren’t many certainties, but here’s one of them: Prices will always go up and down. As an individual investor, you can’t do anything about this volatility. But the way you respond to it could make a big difference in your long-term investment success. Many investors think they can “beat” volatility by trying to time the market — in other words, by buying when prices are low and selling when prices are high. In theory, this is an excellent strategy, but in reality, it’s pretty much impossible to follow — because no one can really predict, with any accuracy, market highs and lows. So instead of attempting to time the market, you’re much better off by following a time-tested strategy known as systematic investing. To systematically invest, you simply put the same amount of money into the same investments at regular intervals. To illustrate, you could put $100, $500, $1,000 or more into Investment X on the first of every month. To make it even easier on yourself, you could automatically transfer those dollars from your bank account directly into the investment you’ve chosen. In all likelihood, your contribution will buy a different amount of shares of Investment X each month. For example, if Investment
X sells for $100 per share in January, a $500 investment will buy five shares. In February, if the price has fallen to $50 per share, your $500 will buy 10 shares. In other words, when you systematically invest, you’ll automatically buy more shares when the price is low and fewer shares when the price is higher — and that’s a great way to cope with market volatility. But systematic investing also offers some other advantages, including the following: n Efficient share building — The more shares you own of an investment, the bigger your cumulative gains whenever the price of that investment rises. Consequently, increasing your shares should be a prime objective — and systematic investing is one way of building your share ownership. n Investment discipline — Most people realize the value of investing for their retirement and other longterm goals, but they often put it off each month and find other things to do with
the money— and by then, there’s often nothing left to invest. But by setting up a bank authorization to invest systematically each month, you’ll “pay yourself first.” n Lower cost of investing — Through systematic investing, your cost per share likely will be lower than if you made sporadic lump sum investments. And by lowering the cost of investing, you will, in effect have the potential to boost your returns. While systematic investing is typically a good way to fight the effects of volatility, it can’t guarantee a profit or prevent a loss in declining markets. And keep in mind that you need to have the financial wherewithal to keep investing through up and down markets. But if you have that ability, consider putting systematic investing to work for you. It may not be glitzy or glamorous, but it may work for you. — This column was provided by J. Patrick Pidkowicz, investment representative for Edward Jones in Sevierville.
RE-ELECT GEORGE W.
LAWSON CONSTABLE 5th District Seat a EXPERIENCED QUALIFIED DEPENDABLE
My services as your Constable are always as close as your telephone. 640-7789 Paid for by George W. Lawson, Candidate
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Re-Elect Jimmy Maples Constable
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District 1 Seat A 33 Years Law Enforcement Experience / Ê Ènä
paid for by candidate Jimmy Maples
Elect Andy
Moore
SEAT B 8th District County Commissioner • 30 Year Sevier County Resident • Active In The Community • Interest In Tomorrow’s Future
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NAME WK14 Senior Day ROP
RUN DATE 05/03/10
SIZE 30”
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