Be alert to SEC filings

If you have certain stocks you follow closely, it’s important to keep up with each company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

At first glance, SEC documents seem like just dreary gray text with lots of small print. But the careful reader can find valuable information such as strategic plans, lawsuit settlements and the pay of top executives.

By signing up with the free website SECfilings.com you can be alerted by e-mail as soon as a company you’re following makes a filing.

You can also set up alerts based on a person’s name or an industry.

Because there are many types of SEC documents, you may choose to customize your alert to notify you only when particular forms, such as insider trading disclosures or quarterly financial reports, are filed.