This may be my first post on this site, but I’ve actually been blogging for years. I have a successful financial newsletter called Profitable Investing which includes a twice weekly journal for my subscribers. I have thoroughly enjoyed the freedom that my journal allows me—no word counts or print deadlines—but I want more.

That’s why I’ve started my own blog. I expect that this forum will focus on my passion of finding low-risk stocks that I can share with you, but I expect the conversation will widen from there.

My general investment philosophy comes from my “thrifty Yankee” upbringing. I won’t overpay for a stock or a fund and I think dividends are the key to growing wealth in this day and age.

I’m a plain speaker and I tell it like it is, so get ready for the truth and, hopefully, a bit of fun as we navigate through the current and future market turbulence.

The recent 199-point smash on the Dow was just what the doctor ordered. It's unleashing a rush of fear and pessimism, which is the best thing in the world.

I've been fretting lately that equity investors were ignoring the ominous jump in long-term interest rates (bond yields). When stock prices continue to soar in the face of rising rates, a calamity often ensues -- as in the crashes of 1929, 1987 and 2000-2002.

Happily, it appears that some of the market's too-complacent players got the message. The Chicago Board Options Exchange's "fear index," the VIX, shot up to its highest level since the March stock market bottom. Another day or two of VIX readings in the 17-19 range should be enough to signal another good broad-based buying opportunity for stocks.

From a fundamental (as opposed to technical) standpoint, what needs to happen for the stock market to turn back up is a drop in bond yields. The current 5.1% yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury is way too high for current economic conditions. Within the next few trading sessions, this indicator should break down, improving the relative attractiveness of the stock market.

I haven't posted in a few days because we've been on grandbaby watch. I'm happy to say that the wait is over and I’m off to Chicago first thing in the morning to visit our newest grandbaby, who was born today. (A boy named Colin, 8 lbs., 7 oz.)

I know that the market waits for no man, but part of being able to leave at a moments notice is properly preparing your portfolio to sit for a few days. I'm confident that I'm in the right stocks, for the right reasons, at the right time and that's why I'm not even going to log on to my accounts to do any tinkering.

Can you say the same for your portfolio? I hope that you can and if not, start thinking about it today so that your children and grandchildren can not only count on you to be there for life's important moments, but that you're free from worry to enjoy those moments.

The new grandbaby is doing well and I'm already on my way back to New Hampshire to resume my work and get back on a normal eating and sleeping schedule.

For my first task, I'm going to host a live investing teleconference. I do these every few months or so and cover topics that are in the news and pushing stocks. It's a free event and I would love for you to attend.

If you can, join me for a live online teleconference on Wednesday, June 20th at 4:00 p.m. ET. I'm going to be covering the effects of global interest rates, high oil prices and the sell-off inthe Asian markets. It's my assumption that with these events pushing the markets now, the early June correction could soon look like a drop in the bucket.

Is it time to run to the sidelines…or add to your current positions? That's what I want to talk about.

If you remember my last post I told you about the importance of preparing your portfolio for life's unexpected events. I see forces at work that you need to prepare for and if you don't account for these events, you could be wiped out if you're caught looking the other way for even a moment.

Here's a bit more of what I'll be covering on Wednesday, June 20th:

*** The driving force behind June's big three-day sell-off and the surprising odds that you'll see other 400+ point sell-offs in the Dow later this year.

*** How China's cooling stock market, rising labor rates and increased speculation will affect your portfolio—even if you don't own one China stock.

*** What's really driving the private equity boom. How it's making shrewd investors rich. How you can get into the game and bank big profits without sticking your neck out.

*** What you're not being told about the subprime lending crisis…how to play $65 oil…my top takeover targets now…and much more.

*** PLUS, you'll not only be able to ask me questions via email but once the online conference is over, you will also receive a complete transcript along with future alerts and updates that will keep you up-to-date in these critical times.

I can't stress this enough: The biggest mistake you can make now is not understanding the forces at work in the marketplace.

I don't want to see that happen to you. So join me online on Wednesday, June 20th at 4:00 p.m. ET so that you'll be in a better position to make the right decisions. Don't miss out—click here now to attend.

You know what else? Those who listened in on my June 2006 Online Conference profited handsomely. Investors who followed my lead captured a 14% gain in the S&P 500 in just eight months. Of course, you did even better if you bought the specific stocks I recommended in that call.

Today's situation is eerily similar to last June's -- the same forces are in play in the market, which means you could see the same profits (or more) in the next eight months…if you know where to look. Click here now to join me for this live informational event.

Thanks to those of you who were able to attend my live teleconference! I really enjoy doing them and getting live feedback.

If you weren't able to attend, just click here and the audio will start up after you enter an email address.

I'm planning to do another one in the next few months, as the market dictates, so stay tuned!

It came as no surprise that Blackstone's IPO opened 20% or so higher than the original pricing. This was a much anticipated debut and 20% may in fact be a bit cheap for day one. I'm interested to see how this stock fares in the current market condition, but I am not a buyer.

I realize that there is some serious demand out there for a piece of a monster private equity firm, but the water is a bit too murkey for me to dip my toe in. Don't get me wrong. I've made serious money buying potential takeover candidates and cashing in on buyouts, but to actually put a stake in a private equity firm IPO is a bit too risky for my blood.

I expect I'lll have a fair amount to say as the Blackstone story plays out, but for now, I'm keeping my money away.