In real life, expenses are pretty straightforward. Anything which constitutes an outflow of money to pay for a product or service is deemed as an expense. For accounting students, an expense is recorded when an asset is used up and a liability recorded. However, there are instances when you struggle to answer this question: Should a cost be expensed or capitalized?

How is Google faring in this ailing US economy? Google’s earnings growth for the second quarter was a disappointment for investors, raising fears that the online search leader has finally stumbled.

Reacting to your P+L is counterproducive and perhaps even detrimental. Here's how to view it usefully. Originally posted May 21, 2008.

There is always some risk when it comes to buying stocks. The overall market behavior will greatly impact your returns. However, the method you choose to accumulate stocks over time may allow you to mitigate market volatility.