With Nothing on the Line, the Stock Market is Only a Game

Venturing real money in the stock market can be daunting if you lack Wall Street smarts. Most people pay a stock broker to do it because they don't trust their own judgment. But many inexperienced investors have found a fun way to gain investing experience without the anxiety in a virtual stock market simulator.

A virtual stock market game allows investors to get comfortable with the market and dabble with new strategies without putting actual money on the line. Smartstocks.com lets new members up for free. You begin with $1 million in what some would call Monopoly money that you can invest in real stocks as they show on the actual stock exchange. As the stock value rises and falls, your virtual worth does as well.

Not just a fun diversion - it's really invigorating to click the "buy" button and see $200,000 in stocks appear in your virtual account - it's a great way to learn without feeling like a classroom. Many finance teachers in high schools and colleges use the stock market game to give students real trading experience. You can create groups where you can compare and compete with a class or group of friends. Smart Stocks also has entertaining and educational videos and certifications to help participants learn the ins and outs of the market.

If you're just looking for the bragging rights, Smart Stocks allows you to see how you rank among all Smart Stocks players. The stock market game even awards prizes to the investors who make the best investments each month.

Of course without risking real money you won't make any. I still recommend using a stock broker to manage retirement accounts and other real money investments until you build up your confidence and stock savvy. But if you're looking for an educational experience, some meaningful competition, or just some good clean fun, Smart Stocks is worth a look.

The Importance Of Keeping School Supplies For Kids In The Home

There are some school supplies that are essential for any children who are going to be starting classes. Many teachers provide a list of items that every student should have when coming to school, but there are other items that might not be on the list that can enhance the educational experience of the child. Despite what some school supply lists state, there is often very little difference between inexpensive school supplies and their brand name counterparts that can cost many times as much. Having access to an inexpensive source will ultimately help the child and can allow parents to keep a larger stock of items on hand for any situation.

The most basic school supplies that are called for every year are pens, pencils, and sometimes crayons or markers. These items can run out quickly and need to be replaced frequently. Purchasing pencils and other writing tools while they are discounted can mean never having a situation where a child is unable to express themselves at home. Since children will often return from school with a desire to imitate or show what they have learned, keeping crayons and colored pencils around is vital.

Just as important as pens and pencils is a good supply of paper. Several different types of paper should be kept in the home. Construction paper is one of the most useful and inexpensive school supplies that can be purchased. It can take heavy mediums like poster paints and can also be used with crayons or colored pencils. Plain white paper and lined paper are also good to stock because they can sometimes fit a specific need that a child has when attempting to express an idea.

Craft items are a staple in most classrooms for young kids. When the same craft items are available at home then the child will be able to take what they have learned in class and explore the concepts on their own. This can increase hand eye coordination and also develop some spatial skills. Keeping glue, safety scissors and water based paints available can spark the creativity of a child as they learn about world around them. For older kids, these same supplies can be used to create dramatic presentations for reports or other projects that can be taken into class later.

Keeping supplies at home that are familiar to children who are going to school can enhance their education by encouraging them to learn even while not in the classroom. Simple books and posters can create an environment that triggers thinking. Even if a child does not know what a particular supply or tool does, having access to it can draw them closer to a level of understanding that will serve them well in class.

News Online

The online masters degree is now available to individuals who are looking for opportunities to advance their degree. The degree program traditionally requires a student to enroll in a formal school and attend classes frequently. For most students, once the bachelor's degree is obtained (which generally is obtained prior to obtaining the master's degree) the student is then able to get a job and start their career. This made it very difficult for the average person to go back to school to get their degree. However, this degree offers a variety of options and allows an individual to further their career.

The good news is that the online degree now allows for more students to obtain the level of education they want and need to have to advance their degrees without requiring them to go back to school physically. Rather, they can enroll in the education they need on the web, go to school when they have time and achieve all of the same benefits.

One of the best features of the online degree is its flexibility. Courses are available at various times of the year and programs allow students to progress through the program at their own pace. You may be able to complete your master degree program in less time or even advance your degree to the next level faster. The key is to obtain the general education you need in an environment that works for your particular goals. For many students, that is not the traditional brick and mortar building but the web.

For those who want to obtain one, the online masters degree is an exceptional choice. From an accredited school, it provides the exact requirements and education that any other school would offer but it is done from the comfort of your home.