Obtaining help to navigate the financial markets does not have to involve hiring a professional. There is free financial analysis available in resources including books, articles, and television programming. Public libraries are great places to borrow books for free, and in addition, there are a plethora of Internet websites with content written daily by financial experts. Business programming on television is another way to access timely analysis of the financial markets.
Public companies in developed countries with major economies are required to file financial statements with a regulatory agency in that region. These financial documents are accessible to the public for free, and they provide a glimpse into the financial health of that company. Financial statements include columns on assets and liabilities, profits and revenues, as well as any future growth plans on the agenda. Although the analysis provided by company executives in any accompanying press release or public statement may seem biased in some cases, there are other ways to obtain free financial analysis of these financial statements.
Financial analysts charge clients large sums of money for access to proprietary analysis of a financial statement about a company. That same professional, however, might go on live television to tout his own views and gain recognition. Earnings season is a quarterly period in which companies commonly file financial statements, and it is not uncommon to find a financial analyst providing commentary and free financial analysis on television about those public filings during these times.
Joining a public library does not cost anything, and members gain access to a wide variety of publications. Many libraries receive daily copies of major newspapers, including business papers, in addition to magazine subscriptions from publications that focus on the economy. Visiting the local library weekly could offer insight into the local or global economy and is another way to access free financial analysis. To obtain deeper knowledge on the inner workings of the economy and financial markets, there are sections of books devoted to economics at the library also.
The Internet is host to many different columns, articles, and entire websites about the financial markets. This is certainly a place to obtain free financial analysis, but don't just take the advice of anyone who can publish online. Use advice from a publisher that is also brand name and from a financial professional who has made a name for himself or herself already. Review online biographies and look for accredited financial professionals who have earned reputable educations.