Mitchell S. Ostwald Blog

Investor Alert: Private Placement and “Alternative Investment” Fraud Abounds

Published on February 15, 2013

As conservative and retired investors continue to seek income producing investments in this low interest rate environment, various Wealth Management and Financial Planning firms have ramped up marketing and sales of complex, commission rich and risky “Alternative Investments.”  Securities regulators,  ... More »

Investor Alert: Private Placement and “Alternative Investment” Fraud Abounds

Published on January 18, 2013

As conservative and retired investors continue to seek safe income producing investments in this low interest rate environment, various Wealth Management and Financial Planning firms have ramped up marketing and sales of complex, commission rich and risky “Alternative Investments“. Securities regulators,  ... More »

Tenant In Common (“TIC”)/1031 Exchange and Real Estate Private Placement Losses

Published on October 3, 2012

As reported by thesecuritiesfraudlawyers.com The current economic recession has revealed a new wave of fraudulent and unlawful real estate investments and transactions that were designed to mislead investors and line the pockets of investment promoters.  Miller & Molive has independently and through  ... More »

“BIG NAMES ARE COMING”

Published on May 23, 2012

I am pleased to announce that my law firm has partnered with the Sacramento Speakers Series.    The Sacramento Speakers Series, now in its 8th year, is designed to bring intellectual thought and dialogue to our local community. Sacramento Speakers Series Announces That President Bill Clinton Joins  ... More »

FINRA Alert: Email Hack Attack? Be Sure to Notify Brokerage Firms & Other Financial Institutions

Published on February 22, 2012

As reported by FINRA.org on January 30, 2012. Anyone who has experienced an email account intrusion or “hacking” knows how frustrating it can be to deal with the aftermath—from telling friends in milder cases that you didn’t send the flurry of bogus emails they received to regaining access to  ... More »

Weathering Tough Economic Times—12 Tips for 2012

Published on December 23, 2011

As reported by FINRA on December 22, 2011: Tough economic times have taken a toll on many Americans over the last couple of years. But making sound financial decisions and saving for the future can help you weather financial storms. The start of a new year is a great time to take stock of your finances,  ... More »

FINRA Alert: Make the Most of your Employer’s 401(k) Match

Published on November 10, 2011

Why leave money on the table? As reported by FINRA.org on November 10, 2011. Would you turn down free money? Many employers match an employee’s 401(k) contributions up to a certain percent of salary. If you contribute less than your employer is willing to match, you may be passing up free money. According  ... More »

FINRA Alert: Public Non-Traded REITs – Perform a Careful Review Before Investing

Published on October 14, 2011

As reported by FINRA.org Turbulence in the stock market and an extended period of low interest rates have contributed to investors seeking products offering attractive yields. One such product is the publicly registered non-exchange traded real estate investment trust (REIT) or “non-traded REIT”  ... More »

FINRA Alert: “Gold” Stocks – Some Investments Mine your Pocketbook

Published on September 26, 2011

As reported by FINRA.org The price of gold bullion—which recently touched an all-time high—has sparked considerable interest in gold investing, not to mention aggressive marketing and advertising of gold investments, including gold stocks. And even a cursory Internet search will pull up numerous  ... More »

FINRA Alert: Chasing Returns in a Challenging Investment Environment

Published on August 16, 2011

The Grass Isn’t Always Greener. As reported by FINRA.org. Investors currently find themselves in a difficult investing environment. Yields on fixed-income investments are at historically low levels, and stock returns have been quite volatile. What’s an investor to do? Some investors are “chasing  ... More »