If you're reading this, I'm guessing you're a least a bit of an investing geek -- a Fool on the lookout for stock market bargains that you can buy low in order to sell high down the road. Am I right?
Thought so. And you're in luck!
Even after yesterday's Fed-inspired lift, bargains seem to abound. Baker Hughes (NYSE:BHI), SLM (NYSE:SLM), and Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM), for example, currently sport prices more than 20% below their 52-week highs, and price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios below that of their typical industry rival. Chevron (NYSE:CVX), Countrywide Financial (NYSE:CFC), and Home Depot (NYSE:HD) look intriguing, too: Each clocks in with a below-market P/E (Chevron and Countrywide are in single-digit territory, in fact) despite having bested the S&P 500 for the 10 years that ended with February.
For the sake of comparison, the portfolio P/E of the S&P-tracking Vanguard 500 Index (FUND:VFINX) was 16.3 at the end of February. So the bottom line is this: If you're looking for blue-light specials to add to your further-research shopping list, the market's aisles are practically stuffed with them.
Right hand, meet the left
Still, while that may be the bottom line when it comes to investing, the care and feeding of your financial life requires a comprehensive approach. You may be the world's best stock picker -- and if so, can we talk? -- but if you're paying an exorbitant interest rate on credit card debt or stashing your emergency cash in low- or no-yield savings vehicles (piggy bank, anyone?), you're simply giving back with one hand what you're gaining with the other.
That's also true when it comes to making big-ticket purchases, refinancing your home, and paying the IRS piper. The moral of the story? While you're busy combing the market for quality stocks trading on the cheap, be sure to keep the big picture of your financial life in mind, too. Doing so will increase the odds of achieving your financial goals and cut down on the amount of time it takes to hit life's proverbial back nine.
The big picture
Helping you do just that is the reason we created Motley Fool Green Light, the investing and personal finance service that takes a comprehensive approach to managing your money. Each month, we uncork Foolish investing ideas and money-saving tips. And in the issue we're prepping now, we outline steps you can take to save on taxes this year and beyond.
If you need some ideas in either arena, click here and a completely free 30-day guest pass is yours for the taking. There's no obligation to subscribe if you find it's not for you.
Shannon Zimmerman runs point on the Fool's Champion Funds newsletter service and co-advises Motley Fool Green Light. At the time of publication, he didn't own any of the securities mentioned above. Home Depot is a Motley Fool Inside Value recommendation. You can check out the Fool's strict disclosure policy by clicking right here.
