Q. How often does the Trident Confidential come out?
The newsletter comes out currently 50 times per year, with a market report, new buys, new sells, trading strategies and a full portfolio update.
Q. What are Trident Confidential Flash alerts?
They are sent out between issues and have no schedule at all. They will be sent when Lance feels that there is news significant enough to let you know about.
Q. How many investments are presented in each edition of Trident Confidential?
In the past issues there has been as many as 5, but this can vary. In the portfolio at the moment there are around 35 different stocks and traded funds. Australian and Global, usually 50%/50%.
Q. How much does it cost for full year including the CD?
We currently have several plans, but the most popular plan is AUD$799 with renewals dropping to only $399 each year after that.
Q. Is Lance Spicer qualified by the ASIC to provide Financial Advice?
Yes. Lance Spicer is certified as complying with RG146 as required by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to provide General Investment Advice and Financial Product advice in the area of shares, derivatives and other areas of investment. Trident Investment Management Pty Ltd is an authorised representative (No 339798) of The International Securities and Derivatives Group Pty Limited (ABN 22 103 552 683) holder of Australian Financial Services License (AFSL 227544).
Q. Are the stocks recommendations to buy?
No, we don't recommend you buy anything until you have done your own due diligence and feel comfortable the investment suits your risk profile. We simply present a portfolio of stocks. Subscribers follow the Trident Confidential portfolio and are advised what we're buying and selling and at what price, PRIOR to Trident Confidential doing it.
The information is provided as a starting point for your own research. If you decide to copy the portfolio, that is entirely up to you, but we should point out investing is stocks carry a degree of risk and you should always seek professional advice if you are inexperienced.
Q. Where are the companies you invest in?
We invest for the best profits - not geographically. That's why our portfolio out performs every other newsletter portfolio in the world. We are not constrained by one market. Often, we have stocks from the USA, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, France, China, Hong Kong, Brazil and the UK.
Q. Is it easy to invest in them?
Yes, very easy! Any broker in the US, most in Europe and our two recommended brokers in Australia will allow you to trade online - easily and cheaply. You can ring up too. Don't think just because the stocks are overseas, they are hard to buy - they aren't. We show you how. We also have a full service broker who can assist our members.
Q. Is there a high degree of risk in the stocks you invest in?
There is some risk with all investments. We classify every stock in our portfolio as Low, Medium or High risk. We classify them by using a combination of share price volatility, market capitalisation, earnings certainty and industry.
We do not invest in "penny stocks" or speculative mining stocks unless we have compelling reasons to do so.
We do not invest in options, futures, CFD's, warrants or any other type of derivative.
We do not encourage aggressive leveraging either - This is very risky.
Our approach is conservative and fundamentally based. We do not use technical analysis other than to support fundamentals.
Q. What time horizon do you have on your stocks?
We will hold them forever if they keep going up. We still hold the first stock we put into the portfolio.
We are not day traders or speculators. We are investors. We take a long term approach and will only sell a position when we feel there is no further value or we have a better place to place the funds.
Q. Is it really Lance Spicer's money that's invested?
Yes, much of his own money is invested in Trident Confidential stocks. Lance believes, how can you write about something and then not actually take the risk yourself. That would be hypocritical in his opinion. He not only "talks the talk", he "walks the walk".
Q. With the greatest respect, do you have any independent verification of the claims you make regarding investment performance of the recommendations you make through your Trident Press Portfolio? If so, can you forward same? I realise past performance is not necessarily an indication of future performance, however, I would like to ask the question.
Firstly, we congratulate you on doing some due diligence and taking a serious interest in what to do with your hard earned money - many people do not (they treat it glibly and abdicate responsibility to someone else) and then wonder where their money went.
We don't have our transactions or results officially audited as we see no need. The reason for this is due to our transparency with members. We are very clear about when and what we are buying and exactly how much we pay and sell the stocks for. As it is tracked every week it's very clear to members what has happened. The portfolio transactions are presented each week, as is a full portfolio update and list. The rest is simple arithmetic.
We don't use "annualised" returns to bump up results. We present simple raw returns which are in accordance with ASIC, IFSA and AIPS guidelines. So, our return for 2009 of 113% is simply an increase in funds (i.e. If we started 2009 with $100, we now have $213). To see how we do the calculations, go to our Performance Page
Some members who don't invest in all exactly the same stocks, may do a little worse or a little better, depending on which ones they go for. We have been able to demonstrate that our Top 5 and our Bargain 5 picks have outperformed the rest of the portfolio overall, so this may be helpful.
Q. Do I need a lot of money to invest in stocks like the ones in your newsletter?
No, you can trade as little or as much as you like - You just have to be careful to watch your brokerage fees. But you have to start somewhere - We suggest $2,000 is a reasonable minimum to start off with, but some people have started with $1,000. We're happy to show you how.
Q. Do you have a strategy applicable for people with smaller amounts of money to invest who would be interested in using your service? We have tried various investment subscription services with varying degrees of success although have lost considerable capital in the process.
We do have allocation rules and strategies for amounts less than $50k specified in our User's Guide, which you get the second you sign up and present our top 5 stocks (that don't completely change each week) in each issue. Our broker offers very low brokerage to members (next month it will be even lower, due to price negotiations for our members) so having small positions is not an issue.
We have specific strategies that will protect your investment in the market and also ones that will work when the market is going down. These have been successfully used by us and our members to achieve positive returns in this market (over the last year - which is termed the worst since the Great Depression).
We fully disclose all the methods and strategies and asset allocation (how much to put into each share) in our book The Wealth Solution. You may find this a valuable first step, as it explains Lance Spicer's methodology, how he came up with it and why, proof that it works and how you can follow his actions to create a better financial situation for yourself. If you decide after reading this (and most people do) to upgrade to the Ultimate Library and Trident Confidential within 30 days, your original purchase is free. We'll take it off the cost of the subscription.
Q. How many stocks do you profile annually?
Each year we may present our subscribers with up to 40 new stocks we have completed research on that we believe qualify as worthy of consideration for the portfolio if the stock meets our maximum buy price. From time to time we will also re-introduce "older" stocks back to the portfolio.
Q. Do you sell stocks, and if so, what is your average hold time?
Yes, we do. From time to time or selling strategy (outlined in our User's Manual) will come into play and signal a "sell" or the editor may inform readers that he feels that the maximum benefit has been attained and it's time to sell. Our hold times, depend on market conditions, naturally, but we do employ the "let your profits run and cut your losses short" theory. Some stocks have been in the portfolio for over two years.
Q. What markets do you trade in and are the stocks available on the
domestic US stock exchanges?
We trade on the US (New York) and Australian Stock Exchanges. Q. Are your International stocks available as ADR's on the US exchanges?
Yes, often they are. In some cases, stocks that are exclusive to the Australian exchange, can be purchased by a US broker quite easily.
Q. Are you always fully invested?
We don't specify cash levels, however, we do reduce the numbers of stocks in our "evenly weighted" stock portfolio from time to time, so by default we may not be fully invested at all times.
Q. What is the level of diversification in your stock picks?
Our current portfolio (July 10) has around 28 stocks in it and we attempt to maintain good diversification by having stocks in a number of sectors such as commodities, defense, aerospace, technology, medical technology, industrials, consumer staples and infrastructure (not a complete list). We have avoided the financial and certain other sectors for some time now as we felt there were problems and felt they be best avoided. We will invest only in sectors and stocks where we can clearly identify earnings trends.
Q. Do you quote entry and exit points?
Yes, we do.
Q. How does The Ultimate Wealth, Privacy & Freedom Library on CD Work and what are the renewal fees after a year?
Just say you purchase the CD today. We will send you immediate access to Trident Confidential current and past issues by email. We will then send you the CD by mail. Every time we update a book, release a new book, new product or release an issue of Trident Confidential we will send you a copy FREE by email. This will occur for a period of one year from the date you joined the program.
If after one year you wish to continue to enjoy the benefits of the program, the yearly renewal fee after initial purchase will be $399 per year. This will entitle you to all updates and new products (inluding books released) for a year as well as Trident Confidential for a year.
Q. The Ultimate CD has lots of books on it - If I don't want to read them on screen or print them out myself - Can I purchase Hard Copy Book versions of these books at a discount?
Yes, you can. Individually for $15 including postage in Australia. Ring our office on +61 2 9544 5135 to place your order or fax it to +61 2 9544 5961. Call us or email us to get a quote for postage to your international destination.
Q. When do I get a new version of The Ultimate CD?
You can order a new updated CD up to once a year for $35.
Q. How much is it to re-subscribe to the Ultimate CD program and Trident Confidential?
Each year, it will cost AUD$399, which will include the Trident Confidential and all new books and updates. This is extremely good value.
Q: Where are you located?
A: Our head office is in Cronulla - a suburb in southern Sydney, Australia.
Q: Do you have a shop?
A: No, we only offer mail order to keep our overheads low and thus the cost of the books to a minimum. You can, however, order them through any bookshop, they just may take longer to reach you because they have to order from us anyway.
Q: Is your information up to date?
A: All of our information is completely revised on a regular basis to keep it as up to date as possible. The edition date is listed inside the front cover. Some books aren't updated as regularly as they aren't time sensitive.
Q: Is it suitable for people other than Americans & Australians?
A: Yes our information has been written with an international perspective. In certain instances, specific country information is supplied. The books are well suited to Americans, British, Canadians, Europeans and New Zealanders.
Q: Who writes the Books and Newsletters?
A: The author is Lance Spicer, an accountant, licensed financial adviser and professional investor with over 30 years experience
Q: What do I have to do to subscribe to the newsletter?
A: All our book buyers are automatically subscribed to our mailing list. Our new exclusive newsletter, Trident Confidential is reserved for our Ultimate Library Subscribers only.
Q: Can I safely purchase online?
A: Yes, our website is 100% secure using EziMerchant's servers using 128 bit encryption
Q: How long have you been in business?
A: Since 1994
Q: How many books have you sold?
A: Over 1,000,000 copies to over 180 countries
Q: Why do you publish this information - why don't you keep it all to yourself?
Every skeptic out there will ask the question, “If this Lance Spicer character is such an investing genius, why does he need to write books and a newsletter for a living?”.
Why do I write the newsletter and books? I enjoy it, it’s fun and what’s more Trident provides a living for people who work here and all the suppliers who are part of the process.
It also gives me an interest and something to do with my day…… staring into a computer screen checking investments, placing orders with my stockbroker (online) can be boring after an hour or two each day.
And lastly, but most importantly…. I do it because of you. I have had so many letters over the years from my readers telling me how much my books have changed their lives for the better. I know I have created millionaires…. because these people have told me.
There is a truism in this world…. Yes, a generalisation that’s not false.
Every action by a rational man is motivated by profit
This may not be a “profit” in terms of money necessarily, but a profit gained in other ways. It could be a feeling of having done the right thing, the emotional high you get by helping someone or a lift in self esteem you feel when someone praises your work. This is what motivates rational people, not just money.
I am motivated not just by money, but by the thought my readers are attaining their financial dreams with my help. Do you have any idea how good that makes me feel?
That’s why I write this newsletter.
Q: Who has access to my personal information?
A: Your personal details are only used by us to fulfill your order. They will not be forwarded or disclosed to any third parties under any circumstances. We have never had an occasion when we have given, exchanged or rented our client list to anyone and we guarantee this will never happen.
Q: What happens to my credit card details?
A: Once your order has been processed, your credit card details are destroyed.
Q: Can I order or speak to someone by phone?
A: Yes, If you have any questions, please call us. Our sales office is manned 9-5 weekdays. Phone: (02) 9544 5135 or Fax (02) 9544 5691. Remember, to call the Australia code 61 first if calling from overseas and remember to check the time difference.
Questions in Relation to our Broker Arrangements
We have a preferred Australian broker and one for our International clients also. They both happen to use the same platform. Their full details and how the accounts operate are fully revealed in our Use’s Guide, which you get immediate access to on joining Trident Confidential.
Here is just a little bit of information that we can reveal, which may help you understand their benefits.
You will be able to contact the appropriate broker directly and tell them you are a Trident Confidential subscriber to ensure you receive the special discounted brokerage rates. They will provide you with everything you need to open an account. The entire account opening process can be completed in as little as 24 hours, providing all your details are in order.
Q: What type of account can I have?
There are two basic accounts. A cash account and a Margin account.
A cash account will only allow you to trade shares in one country, so you will need two cash accounts to trade both US and Australian shares. One in AUD and the other in USD. There are no asset, income or experience restrictions on a cash account
The Margin account is the standard account and will allow trading in both US and Australian shares from the same account. However, there are asset / income and experience requirements for this account. The requirements are not high and the broker can help advise which account is the most suitable for you. Use of a margin account carries a higher degree of risk.
This account is an online share trading account that gives you access to both the US and Australian stock markets from one account. It is a low cost execution platform that gives you the ability replicate the Trident Model Portfolio and have the system take care of a lot of the manual work for you. It a real set and forget way of investing.
Q: What are the costs?
As a Trident Confidential reader you will get preferred brokerage rates of
Australian shares – 0.1895% of trade value with a minimum of AUD$18.95
US Shares – USD0.03375 per share with a minimum of USD$13.50
There are no ongoing or set up fees or charges. This is a full service rate, not just online.
These are among the cheapest rates, if not the cheapest available anywhere in Australia.
Q: Which markets can I trade?
Stocks, Options, Futures and Forex, worldwide, from one account
Q: Do I need US Dollars for US Shares?
No. The margin account has an innovative way of eliminating exchange rate risk on your capital when trading US shares. You can fund your account in any of eight different currencies, including Australian Dollars. When you want to trade US shares the broker will provide you with the US Dollars you need to do so. Your Australian Dollars just sit in the account and do not get exchanged. With no exchange, there is no exchange rate risk. You will earn interest on your Australian Dollars but pay interest on the US Dollars you have invested. Interest rates are variable and subject to change
Q: I have a Self Managed Superannuation Fund – Can I open a broker account for that?
Yes. You can have accounts for individuals, joint names, partnerships, corporations, trusts and superannuation funds
Q: What if I don’t live in Australia?
As we say here in Australia - No worries. This broker can accept clients from all over the world
Q: Can I use a margin loan?
The margin account comes with a built in margin loan. Every share, regardless of market capitalisation, worldwide, is available on 50% margin. We express caution with using leverage and should only be used by experienced investors.
Q: How do I open an account?
The application process is all done online - but you should contact the broker directly and tell them you are a Trident Confidential reader to ensure you receive the special discounted brokerage rates.
Q: Will I need to provide any identification documents to open the account?
Yes. Exactly what documents you need, will depend on the type of account. The broker will inform you of this when you complete the application.
Q: What if I already have shares with another broker?
The broker can transfer your existing portfolio across to your account with them without the need to sell your shares. This process usually takes 3-10 days depending on the trading platform you choose.
Q: How do I pay for my share trades? Can I link it to my existing bank account?
No. You need to fund the account before you can purchase any shares. Any fees, charges, dividends, purchases or sales will be applied to your account balance. Purchases and sales are applied immediately so you do not have to wait for T+3 settlement and can keep track of your finances easily.
Q: How do I fund the account?
To deposit money into the account you need to request an electronic funds transfer from your bank. This can usually be done through your online banking or via a teller in the branch. For Australian dollar deposits, funds can be sent to the broker's account in Sydney, so it is just a local transfer. This funds transfer must come from a bank account in the same name as the account for anti-money laundering compliance.
Q: What about getting money out of the account?
You can request a funds withdrawal online. Once requested, the funds will be back in your bank account within 24-48 hours. Funds can only be sent to a bank account in the same name as the account.
Q: How do I access the account?
There are 3 different versions of the account. All 3 are available to you all the time.
1. The workstation is a program you download to your PC. This has live streaming data and full functionality.
2. Webtrader can be accessed through an Internet browser but does not have live streaming data. However, some clients prefer this version, as it more closely resembles products they have used before.
3. Mobiletrader can be accessed through a 3G mobile phone.
There is also an account management website where you can get your account statements, change passwords, update your contact details, etc. You can access account management from the client login section of the broker website.
Q: Who do I contact if I need assistance with my account?
The broker and associates are private client advisors so you will be assigned a personal advisor. They will be your main point of contact for everything you need. Your advisor is aware of the Trident Confidential approach including all the rules and can help you implement the strategies exactly as per this Trident Confidential User ‘s Guide.
The Broker uses an international trading platform and all money is held in trust, so it is completely safe.
Your Guarantee of Quality & Satisfaction
Trident Press is transparent, ethical, and solid. We have been in business since 1994 under the expert guidance of Lance Spicer, an Accountant, Australian Business Executive and International Best–Selling Author. During that time we have sold over 1,000,000 books. We currently export books and information to over 180 countries.
All of our products contain information that is 100% legal. Our information fits within The Australian Tax Office guidelines and Australian Securities & Investments Commission regulations.
We have over 20,000 regular, loyal Australian & International clients. Of these, over 15% have bought every book in our catalogue. Over 90% have bought more than one book.
We have hundreds of testimonials from our valued readers and we stand by our information and products 100%. This is your guarantee of quality.
If our books are not all we say they are, we will refund your money.
We are easily contactable by phone, fax, email and mail. We have an office in Sydney, Australia which is manned during business hours on weekdays 9am – 5pm. We also have a 24 hour answering machine and fax, so you can let us know how we can help at any time.
“Very impressed with the books and the whole Library – I am a regular and happy customer – Many thanks.” PS, Toronto, Canada
