Are you ready to start investing? Investing in the stock market can be particularly rewarding, but not without risk. If you’re particularly risk averse, you may want to consider another method of investing, or start the investment process slowly. This can also be true for older potential investors who do not have the time or inclination to wait out a downswing on a stock. But if you’re fresh out of college, or younger than 40...
With income comes taxes, and investment incomes are no different. As your portfolio grows into retirement, it’s important to consider your pre-tax and post-tax retirement incomes, and how future tax liabilities may impact your overall retirement strategy. If you’re working with a savvy financial professional, they will consider these factors when building your plan. You should look into getting professional help with tax planning long before you retire. The U.S. tax code is thousands of...
If you’re over the age of 62 and in need of some extra cash flow in your retirement, you may be considering a reverse mortgage. Borrowing money from your home equity might sound like a good idea, but is it actually a wise move financially? Here are some things to consider when making the decision to take out a reverse mortgage on your home.
The goal for your saving plan is up to you. Some people enjoy travel or the latest electronics. Others may save for school or a home purchase. While there are a thousand ways to spend your money, there’s only one way to save it — stick to the plan. Specific goals are important, so be sure to define your goal. Once you know how much you need to save, it’s a lot easier to put...
Choosing the right financial advisor can be tough. How do you know if it’s the right person (or company) to manage your life savings? It’s an important job and it pays to shop around for the best option for you and your family. Check out our advice below to see whether you should stick with your pro or find a new advisor to manage your investments. Fees One of the most talked-about aspects of financial...
Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes guts to stick to your plan and avoid selling into a bad market. “Buy low, sell high” seems easy enough to master. Many investors fail to follow this advice including DIYers and professional advisors alike. There are ways to avoid the pitfalls of emotional investing — here’s a collection of a few to remember. Establish long-term goals If you are glued to the market report and...
Proper financial planning should always be a focus, but for those who are dealing with a physically ill spouse or loved one, it is crucial. There are several financial considerations that you will need to ponder, and naturally, these will not work with every situation, and chatting with a professional financial planner is always the best place to start. Cash Flow If your spouse or loved one is still in the workforce, you may be...
If you and your spouse are making plans to retire, you’re probably wondering whether it’s a good idea to retire at the same time. Many couples go through the same thought process and, in fact, one in four couples quit their jobs within a year of each other. But retirement is a decision that should be carefully thought out. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to retire at the same time as...
Diversification is one of the cornerstones of traditional investment advice. The most common saying we hear is “never put all your eggs in one basket” and the moral holds true. Markets go up and down through economic change, business cycles, and a wide variety of factors changing investment outcomes. Managing these peaks and valleys is the primary goal of an investment plan. The best possible defense against risks in any investment strategy is diverse and...
Paying fees for professional investment management is something we’d all like to avoid. Why pay for some guy in a suit to manage your investments when you can do-it-yourself with a simple online brokerage account? There are many reasons to trust a professional - read on to find out whether it’s worth it to go with the pros. Active vs. Passive A key distinction for investors is whether you want a passive investment strategy or...
As a young gun in the industry, you might not care about your employee stock options, but for those who pay attention, the benefits are enormous. In this article we are going to look at two things, first what exactly are employee stock options, and secondly why you should care and take advantage of them. What are stock options Employee stock options are simply an opportunity for employees of a particular company to buy stocks...
Car ownership is necessary for many of us to get around, especially for those who live far from public transportation. While you may choose to drive something practical for your everyday commute, errands and travel, you probably have dreams of driving a car that’s fun, sporty and luxurious. Owning an expensive luxury or exotic vehicle may seem out of reach, but there are financial options available to make your dream a reality. Here are some...
