The Wall Street Journal & Barron’s

The Wall Street Journal Digital and Print Package:

Here’s the million dollar question that so many are still fighting over – is the print newspaper dead, or are digital copies just poor imitations?

To be honest I’m pretty on the fence about the two, as while I really do love the feel of a proper printed newspaper, I like the fact that I can carry about a thousand on my iPad and read them without struggling to fold and unfold them etc. And then there’s the fact that digital versions also allow you to dig deeper into stories, so if you ask me they are both winners for different reasons.

As such, the best option would be one that combines the two and would you believe it – the Wall Street Journal has done exactly that with The Wall Street Journal Digital and Print Package that I recently got. But then again, what other name would you expect to find behind such a brilliant idea?

It isn’t too surprising to hear what you’re getting as part of the deal - The Wall Street Journal Digital and Print Package is pretty much an all-encompassing subscription package that includes print and digital publications all for the same single price…and a low price too, I might add.

I first got into the WSJ a few years ago while working as an analyst for a big tech firm and it has stuck with me ever since. There’s just no denying that the quality of the WSJ in terms of a piece of journalism is superb and when it comes to authority, there are just a few that come close. Other newspapers and publications rewrite old news and rumors, while the Wall Street Journal makes the news and sticks with the facts. I’ve never bought into the tabloid side of the news, so for me, this is as good as it gets.

I really love the digital versions of the stories, as they are just bursting with links to click, videos to watch, comments sections and various other media that can enhance the stories hugely. It makes it so much easier to carry around with me and read when I’m commuting than a newspaper. I’d say it’s a testament to the Wall Street Journal as a whole, with the same level of professionalism and the kind of no-nonsense attitude that I can’t get enough of. It was easy to set up the subscription and everything is kept as clear as can be all throughout the process.

But then when it comes to the weekends and I’m trying to give my eyes a rest from five days of staring at screens, the print copy rules the roost and gives me the kind of simple pleasure I’m looking for. Like I said above, it’s the best of all worlds for a really low price.

If you ask me, anyone having an interest in decent journalism and thinking about taking out a subscription to the WSJ, there’s really no better way out there than with The Wall Street Journal Digital and Print Package that serves up the best of all worlds.

Pros: I won’t keep banging on about the same point, but like I said, the biggest pro of all is having the choice of both print and digital publications to look at. There are plenty of times during the week when to carry around a newspaper just isn’t possible, while at others, you want the feel of a real paper in your hands and a rest for your eyes. This might sound a bit demanding if you were looking at paying two subscription charges, but given the fact that both come as one and the price is as low as it gets, why bother choosing when you don’t have to?

Cons: None

Price Paid: $25.99

Purchase Date: February 22nd, 2013

Online or In-Store: Online

Final Comments: If there were any compromises to speak of, then for sure, I would be happy to point it out, but there isn’t. Instead, it’s a way of taking home what’s effectively two packages for the price of one and getting access to so much more than you would expect for a way smaller price than you’d have guessed.

Recommended: Yes

Overall Rating: 5 Stars

The Wall street Journal:

I was a bit skeptical when I signed up for a free two week trial of the Wall street journal. After all, any person surfing the web can access the WSJ's content. However, the subscription is really worth the money spent as it opens up the WSJ's premium content. I was able to substantially build my portfolio, investing in stocks such as Apple and Netflix while knowing when to sell off my holdings in silver and gold, all from regularly reading the WSJ. I still have a subscription to this day.

That being said, I am not a big fan of the WSJ newspaper or of newspapers in general. They are difficult to read and manage in my hands and the type can be hard to read. I much prefer the online version of the WSJ. If you are a nerd at heart or you love to read long, comprehensive articles, then the WSJ was made for just for you. Another great advantage is having articles sent directly to your email. This kind puts the articles right in your face, making you more apt to read them. The WJS has over 2.1 million paying subscribers, allowing it to influence and reach a large amount of people. This is a bit ironic since even though the WSJ may only appeal to a fraction of people, it has power in numbers. I have found that this often leads to a "self-fulfilled prophecy." Allow me to explain. If the WSJ projects a certain stock or commodity to rise, such as gold, oil, or stock, many people (presumably WSJ readers who make up a significant percentage of people who play the stock market) will blindly invest in that product. This is never true 100% of the time, but it has made me a few quick bucks here and there.

PROS: The WSJ gives great financial advice and news and is a blast to read. Many articles are often thought evoking, but the meat of the WSJ comes from its ability to predict and project financial decisions. The bottom line is that the articles are comprehensive, well-researched, and written by some of the best in the business. You can make tons of money by acting on these articles.

CONS: The WSJ has been known to be a little high-brow, politically right-leaning, and sometimes stuffy or even ignorant to the plight of the average working stiff. Aside from bias, the WSJ often relies on speculation, as does much of the financial industry. This makes it extremely vulnerable to "jumping on the bandwagon" and agreeing with whatever is trending or popular at the time rather than sticking principled financial advice.

Amount Paid: It costs $25.99 total for the first three months (print and online) and $25.99 a month after that.

Purchase Date: March 1, 2012

Online or In-Store: Online

Final Note: Slight biases aside, the WSJ is still a wealth of information. It is important to remember that the WSJ is first and foremost and investment newspaper and the writing reflects that demographic. If you want to start taking investing seriously, you need a subscription to the WSJ.

Recommended: Yes; this is essential to anyone who is looking to expand their portfolio.

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars

Barron's magazine is offering new members four weeks FREE to get a glimpse of what they can get with their subscription to this publication and the Wall Street Journal. If you're looking for a leg up on what is going on in the business world, these two publications will make sure to provide you with all of the information that you need. The price is right and when you sign up at their website, you'll get access to all kinds of special deals and discounts just for stopping by and choosing to shop online. Subscribing is easy and you'll get so much more for your money as a new subscriber that it should be easy for you to find the benefits.

I personally like the feel of paper in my hand when I am reading and researching the market, like Allen Hogapian says, it's nice to be able to pour over the words and write and highlight things of interest. But in this progressive technological world we live in, it makes sense to have this invaluable resource available on-line, with accessibility anytime, anywhere, it's the smart way to compete and keep up in with the pace of the business world today. It's great that there are options for every style of working and educating oneself and the Wall Street Journal has earned my trust over the years with it's up to date information and relative financial news that is critical for making informed decisions in the market today.

The Wall Street Journal is a must for anyone in the business world if they have any intention of staying in the loop. I've always loved reading through it, lifting out little things that interested me. I can't imagine how even small businesses function without at least a little knowledge of it. While I prefer the real paper, the website does make it a little easier to read on the go and check up on interesting stories. I'd really advise anyone interested in the business world to get a subscription and start reading.

The Wall Street Journal is a must for anyone in the business world if they have any intention of staying in the loop. I've always loved reading through it, lifting out little things that interested me. I can't imagine how even small businesses function without at least a little knowledge of it. While I prefer the real paper, the website does make it a little easier to read on the go and check up on interesting stories. I'd really advise anyone interested in the business world to get a subscription and start reading.

The Wall Street Journal is a must for anyone in the business world if they have any intention of staying in the loop. I've always loved reading through it, lifting out little things that interested me. I can't imagine how even small businesses function without at least a little knowledge of it. While I prefer the real paper, the website does make it a little easier to read on the go and check up on interesting stories. I'd really advise anyone interested in the business world to get a subscription and start reading.

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Call me old fashioned but I love the feel of a real newspaper. It really makes me feel like I have worthwhile information in my hands and I wouldn’t trade that for a website at any time. Especially when it comes to the stock market and business decisions. I love the fact you can take a pen and a highlighter to the paper. It really makes me think and I feel like the best financial decisions come from pouring over the paper. This newspaper service is integral to what I do as an investor and I would recommend it to everyone.
 

Even after I retired from my bank job, I still kept getting my subscription to the Wall Street Journal, just because it is so full of great and pertinent information. I also enjoy using the website and reading the online articles and information that this magazine can offer. If you want real news and current events without all of the yellow journalism spin on it, you need to get this paper; it's the best, and you know that you will find the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.