Selecting the right brokerage firm is more than just a start-up exercise for launching an investing strategy. Your choice likely will play a key role in whether you faithfully implement your strategy. While there's no one-size-fits-all choice, some companies are better suited than others to meet the specific needs of SMI investors. We take an in-depth look at several of the top contenders — and offer our recommendations.

2011 wasn't a great year for SMI's strategies. A quick review of the past may offer us clues regarding Upgrading's likely path forward.

Three primary factors contributed to the disappointing year turned in by SMI's model portfolios. We unpack each one as we examine whether the system is broken — or just didn't work as expected for a season.

New investors are often paralyzed by all the decisions necessary to begin an investing program. It doesn't need to be that way. We detail the essential ground rules to begin, as well as how to invest those first dollars and where to open your account.

How would you like to earn 14% on your savings this year? That's right, the same savings currently earning less than 1% in your money market account. We explain how to take advantage of this opportunity for big returns year after year.

The vast majority of people will never progress financially without a spending plan. If you've resisted living on a budget, it's time you seriously considered the nine benefits of creating one.

God didn't design people to shoulder the responsibilities that only He can carry. Which responsibilities are His, and which belong to us? Answering that question begins with understanding these three essential elements.