How to Make the Most of Your Investments—Even in Unexpected Economic Downturns
If you've been monitoring your investment portfolio lately, you’ve likely had some anxiety.
With businesses and states shut down in varying degrees, unemployment in the double digits, and a stock market that swung from record highs in February to a 35% drop a month later, being an investor is as unpredictable as it’s ever been. This volatility and uncertainty can feel especially daunting if you’... Continue reading
How to Calculate Return on Investment
The return on investment (ROI) formula can help you understand how much you earn on an investment relative to its cost.
You can use the ROI investment formula to calculate ROIs on various types of investments, including stocks and bonds, and it can be helpful when you’re comparing two investments. You can also use it when reviewing your portfolio to understand which investments are performing... Continue reading
Can I Contribute to Both a 401(k) and IRA?
When it comes to building retirement savings, many can feel confused about where they can save, and how much. One of the most frequent questions we encounter is, “Can I contribute to both a 401(k) and IRA?”
The answer is yes. In fact, this is the most ideal situation for individuals as it allows you to take advantage of the various tax benefits of both retirement accounts. However, while you can... Continue reading
What Is Vesting and How Does It Work in a Retirement Plan?
Many companies offer an employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), and match a portion of their employees’ contributions. The company match is often referred to as free money, and it’s a great perk. But if you’re starting a new job, you’ll want to review the plan’s vesting schedule—the rate at which the company’s contributions become yours to keep.
Here’s everything you need... Continue reading
2019 Year End Financial Checklist: 19 Tasks to Tackle
The end of the year can mean different things for different people. It may be a time of reflection and relaxation. Or, perhaps a scramble as you travel across the country to visit friends and family. In either case, setting aside time to focus on your finances is a good idea, and a financial planning checklist can guide the way.
Here’s an admittedly ambitious list. Pick and choose what makes... Continue reading
What to Look for in Investment Tracking Software
Prudent investors keep an eye on their money and ensure they’re sticking to their plan for the future. Whether you primarily manage your own investments or work with a professional money manager, the right investment tracking software can make this an easy task.
But there are dozens of options to choose from, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few of the features you should look... Continue reading
Simple vs. Compound Interest: Here's What You Need to Know
When you stash your money in savings at a bank or credit union, the financial institution pays you interest—free money you receive every month.
But you also see interest rates when you’re looking to borrow. That new credit card, your mortgage, a student loan — all of them come with an interest rate that lets you know how much you’ll pay your lender.
When you’re on the receiving end of interest,... Continue reading
Rollover IRA: Rules, FAQs & How-To’s
When you have money in a 401(k) or other type of retirement account, you may need to move it if you leave your job (or for other reasons). In this situation, you may consider transferring the money to a type of account known as a rollover IRA.
What is a rollover IRA?
A rollover IRA is an individual retirement account that can receive funds from a 401(k) or other type of retirement account.... Continue reading
What is Portfolio Management? 5 Things Investors Should Know
What comes to mind when you hear the term “portfolio management”? Depending on where you are in your life and career, you may only be familiar with the basics, or you may have a fairly well-rounded understanding of how investment portfolios work and why they’re so important.
Regardless of where you stand—whether you’re a beginner investor looking to expand your knowledge or an experienced... Continue reading
Best Products to Have in Your Portfolio
Successful investment portfolios practice diversification. Simply put, it's not wise to put all your eggs in one basket. That basket must be looked at regularly to see which eggs are pulling in a profit and which are losing money. Be consistently watchful to make sure you always have the best products in your portfolio.
Domestic Stocks
Domestic stocks are those of American companies traded on the... Continue reading
