Author: Helen Barklam

Helen Barklam
Helen Barklam is Editor of Investment Guide. Helen is a journalist and writer with more than 25 years experience. Helen has worked in a wide range of different sectors, including health and wellness, sport, digital marketing, home design and finance. Helen aims to ensure our community have a wealth of quality content to read and enjoy.
IntroductionA wash sale is a transaction that occurs when an investor sells a security at a loss and then repurchases the same security within 30 days. This type of transaction is prohibited by the IRS because it is seen as a way to avoid paying taxes on the capital loss. To avoid a wash sale, investors must be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding the sale of securities and be mindful of the timing of their transactions. Additionally, investors should be aware of the potential tax implications of their transactions and plan accordingly.What is a Wash Sale and How…
IntroductionA cash account is a type of brokerage account that requires you to pay for all purchases in full. This means that you must have enough cash in the account to cover the cost of any securities you buy. Cash accounts are a great way to avoid margin interest and fees, as you are not borrowing money to purchase securities. With a cash account, you can buy stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments without having to worry about paying interest or fees. In this article, we will discuss how to use a cash account to avoid margin interest and…
IntroductionA margin account is a type of brokerage account that allows investors to borrow funds from their broker to purchase additional securities. This type of account is often used by investors who want to leverage their capital to increase their potential returns. By using a margin account, investors can borrow funds to purchase additional stocks, bonds, or other investments. The borrowed funds are secured by the investor’s existing portfolio, and the investor is responsible for paying back the loan with interest. Margin accounts can be a great way to increase your potential returns, but they also come with risks. It…
IntroductionA market order is a type of order used in trading that instructs a broker to buy or sell a security at the best available price in the current market. Market orders are used to ensure that an order is executed quickly and at the best available price. Market orders are often used when an investor wants to buy or sell a security as soon as possible, and is willing to accept the current market price. Market orders are also used when an investor wants to buy or sell a large quantity of a security and needs to ensure that…
IntroductionA trailing stop is a type of stop-loss order that adjusts automatically with price movements. It is used to protect profits and limit losses when buying or selling securities. The trailing stop follows the price of the security, either up or down, and triggers a sale when the price reaches a certain level. This allows traders to take advantage of market movements while still controlling their risk. By using a trailing stop, traders can dynamically control their losses and maximize their profits.What is a Trailing Stop and How Can it Help You Manage Risk?A trailing stop is a type of…
IntroductionA stop order is a type of order used in trading to limit losses or protect profits. It is an instruction to a broker or exchange to execute a trade when a certain price is reached. Stop orders are used to control risk when buying or selling stocks, futures, options, and other financial instruments. They can be used to limit losses on a long position or to protect profits on a short position. Stop orders can also be used to enter a trade at a specific price. This article will explain how to use stop orders for loss control when…
IntroductionA short position is an investment strategy used to profit from a decline in the price of a security. It involves selling a security that the investor does not own, with the expectation that the price of the security will decrease. The investor then buys back the security at a lower price, resulting in a profit. Short positions can be used to hedge against losses in other investments, or to speculate on the direction of the market. In this article, we will discuss how to use a short position to profit from price declines.What is a Short Position and How…
IntroductionA futures contract is a legally binding agreement between two parties to buy or sell a specific asset at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future. Futures contracts are used by investors and traders to speculate on the future price of an asset or to hedge against price fluctuations. They are traded on exchanges and are used by a variety of market participants, including producers, consumers, and speculators. Investing in futures contracts can be a profitable way to speculate on the future price of an asset or to hedge against price fluctuations. In this article, we will…
IntroductionAn options contract is a type of financial derivative that gives the holder the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an underlying asset at a predetermined price on or before a specified date. Options contracts are used by investors to leverage their investments and manage risk. They can be used to speculate on the direction of the market, hedge against losses, or generate income. In this article, we will discuss the basics of options contracts, how to invest in them, and the risks associated with them.What is an Options Contract and How Does it Work?An options contract…
© 2025 Investment Guide