Author: SEC

A company is required to file its proxy statements with the SEC no later than the date proxy materials are first sent or given to shareholders. You can see this filing by using the SEC’s database, known as EDGAR.  Enter the company’s name here and select the appropriate company to view its SEC filings. To view the most recent proxy… Continue reading PROXY STATEMENTS: HOW TO FIND

A document sent to shareholders letting them know when and where a shareholders’ meeting is taking place and detailing the matters to be voted upon at the meeting.  You can attend the meeting and vote in person or cast a proxy vote.  Learn more.

Proving securities ownership is easier if you can remember how the security was acquired. Brokerage Firm If you bought the security through a brokerage firm, contact the firm and ask if they have a record of your ownership.  Brokerage firms are required to keep records for only six years.  Copies of confirmations are only required… Continue reading PROVING SECURITIES OWNERSHIP

A document that describes the mutual fund to prospective investors. Every mutual fund provides a prospectus with information about the mutual fund’s investment objectives, risks, past performance, and expenses. You can get a prospectus from the mutual fund company’s website or by mail. A broker or other financial professional also can provide you with a… Continue reading PROSPECTUS

Promissory notes are a form of debt that companies sometimes use to raise money. They typically involve investors loaning money to a company in exchange for a fixed amount of periodic income. Although promissory notes can be appropriate investments for many individuals, some fraudsters use promissory notes to defraud investors, especially the elderly.

Revenue minus cost; money made on a transaction.

A summary of key information about an ETF that explains how to obtain a prospectus.

The total amount of money being borrowed or lent; the initial amount of money invested.

“Prime bank” investments are scams. Promoters of “prime bank” programs often claim that investors’ funds will be used to buy and trade supposed “prime bank” instruments, and that investors will receive guaranteed, high investment returns with little or no risk. Promoters try to make the schemes sound legitimate by using complex, sophisticated, and official-sounding terms.… Continue reading PRIME BANK INVESTMENTS

Markets in which newly issued securities are sold to investors and the issuer receives the proceeds.