Stock Market Moves on the Ilyce Glink Show. The stock market went on a wild ride this week, and wound up the week up nearly 40 points. Still, stock market investors woke up and suddenly discovered that oil had reached $100 per barrel. I paid a lot of money for gas this week for my rented GMC Yukon in Boston. We discussed investing in the stock market today. Also, we introduced the new RealtyJoin.com, which went live today. If you’re in the real estate industry, you should sign up for a free profile on RealtyJoin.com.

Introducing the new RealtyJoin.com

We’ve been working hard on the site and now it’s ready – log in and join the social networking/marketplace site for the WHOLE real estate industry. There are a ton of cool features we’ve been working on – you’ll see them in our welcome blog on the site. I’m excited for you to take a look. Be sure to connect with me on RealtyJoin and let me know what other features would help you build your business.

Dan Solin’s Investing Advice

Dan Solin is a Senior Vice-President of Index Funds Advisors. He is the author of the New York Times best sellers The Smartest Investment Book You’ll Ever Read, The Smartest 401(k) Book You’ll Ever Read, and The Smartest Retirement Book You’ll Ever Read. His latest book is Timeless Investment Advice. You can find out more about Dan on his website, SmartestInvestmentBook.com and find a link to his asset allocation test. also known as the Risk Capacity Survey.

Once you decide what level risk you’re willing to take, Dan believes you only need to invest in the following three index mutual funds:

  1. Total stock fund. Find an index mutual fund that mirrors the Wilshire 5000
  2. Global bond fund. You’ll need exposure to bonds to ameliorate the risk of the stocks.
  3. Global International stock fund. Give your portfolio an international flair.

Vanguard, Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab and TIAA-CREF all offer excellent, inexpensive index funds. Examples of these funds include:

Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSMX) for exposure to the domestic stock market.

Total International Stock Index Fund (VGTSX) for exposure to the international stock market.

Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) for exposure to the domestic bond market.

READ MORE of Dan’s Advice on the Equifax Personal Finance Blog

Spring Home Selling Market Has Begun. Here’s what you should do to get your home in selling shape.

I know it’s a tough home selling market out there. In many parts of the country, home sales have dropped to levels last seen a decade ago.

That means there are going to be more homes on the market, and fierce competition to attract buyers.

If you’re having trouble selling your home, or if you’re hoping to have an easier time of it, be sure to follow these tips to prepare your home for sale:

  1. Be realistic about the market. Find out what’s selling, and what the average number of days on the market is for homes that are selling. Accept the reality of your local market and make sure you price your home realistically. The worst thing you can do is overprice your home.
  2. Get your home into selling shape. Cleaning your home and cleaning out your home is a must. (And, I’m talking REALLY clean, like “mother-in-law coming to spend a week with you” clean!) Fix things that don’t work, touch up the paint around the home, and clean or replace the carpets. Update your landscaping, and paint, clean and tuckpoint your home’s exterior. Clean out the clutter in your home. Get rid of items in closets, storage areas, basements and attics that you no longer need or use. An uncluttered home will sell faster than a home stuffed with personal belongings.

READ MORE: Here’s what you should do to get your home in selling shape.

BUY THIS: Ilyce Glink’s Clutter Collector