Sharpening the Saw is key according to Steven Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. It’s the process of acquiring new and expert information to expand your knowledge base. We’ve outlined a few resources to help keep your saw sharp and become a more effective investor.
- Financial News Websites:
- Financial Data Providers:
- SEC’s EDGAR Database: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) provides access to the electronic filings of public companies, which can be a valuable source of financial data and reports. You can access it at EDGAR.
- Investor Relations Websites: Most publicly traded companies have dedicated investor relations websites that provide access to financial reports, presentations, and other relevant information. Look for the “Investor Relations” section on the company’s official website.
- Financial Modeling Software:
- Microsoft Excel: Excel is a versatile tool for financial modeling and data analysis.
- Google Sheets: A free alternative to Excel for financial modeling and collaboration.
- Online Courses and Tutorials:
- Websites like Coursera and edX offer courses on financial analysis and modeling.
- Investopedia provides a wealth of educational content on financial topics.
- Analyst Estimates:
- MarketWatch and Zacks Investment Research offer analyst consensus estimates for earnings and other financial metrics.
- Financial News and Analysis Websites:
- Seeking Alpha: A platform where both professionals and enthusiasts discuss and analyze financial data and estimates.
- The Motley Fool: Provides financial analysis, news, and investment insights.
- Books on Financial Analysis:
- “Financial Statement Analysis” by Martin S. Fridson and Fernando Alvarez
- “Security Analysis” by Benjamin Graham and David Dodd
- “Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies” by McKinsey & Company Inc. and Tim Koller
- Investment and Finance Forums:
- Websites like Reddit’s r/investing and r/SecurityAnalysis can provide insights and discussions related to companies.
- Financial News and Earnings Calendars: Many financial news websites provide earnings calendars that list the reporting dates of various companies. This can help you plan when to expect earnings reports.
Remember to critically evaluate the credibility of your information sources, especially when using data for investment decisions.
Rich Meyers