Author: Rebecca Lake
Why do investors like junk bonds? Should I like them, too?
Bonds are a form of debt. When a corporation or government entity issues a bond, they’re doing so for the purposes of raising capital. Investors buy the …
Will getting divorced wreck my retirement plans?
Understanding Divorce and Retirement Accounts Getting divorced can cause both emotional and financial upheaval for everyone involved. One of the most important questions you and your …
Has the average stock market return gone up or down over the last 30 years?
There is a silver lining to this constant stock market drama. If someone loses big in the stock market, there’s a chance they’ll gain their money …
Opening up your first IRA? What you need to know
An IRA, or individual retirement account, is a retirement savings account that anyone with an income can open on their own (rather than through an employer, …
Does it really make sense to start a retirement account for my child?
How to Open a Retirement Account for Your Child Opening a retirement fund for a child means opening a custodial IRA. Generally speaking, a custodial account …
Are we in a bull market right now? How to tell
Bull Markets, Explained A bull market occurs when a broad market index rises at least 20% over two months or more. Bull markets signal higher levels …
How much income do couples need to survive & thrive in retirement?
Being the main breadwinner in a couple usually increases the amount of income you’ll need for retirement, since you’re saving for two people instead of one. …
Why you should always negociate, even if the salary offer is pretty good
Salary negotiations can be one of the most stressful parts of the hiring process. You don’t want to offend your new employer but you don’t want …
Do you have sound money values? Here’s how to tell
Money values are a set of beliefs about money and how it’s meant to be used. Do you believe that money is meant to be spent …
25 high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree
A four-year college degree is a minimum requirement for many jobs, and more education can translate to higher earnings. It’s possible, however, to find jobs that …
457 vs 401(k): What’s the real difference?
Depending on where you work, you may be able to save for retirement in a 457 plan or a 401(k). While any employer can offer …
Even if you can retire at 62, should you really do it?
Planning to retire at 62 is worth considering, but whether it’s a realistic goal depends on how much you’ve saved, your anticipated living expenses, and …
15 high-income skills to learn in 2023
Want to boost your earning power? High income skills can translate to a bigger paycheck since employers or clients may be willing to pay a premium …
Will running Christmas lights take a not-so holly jolly bite out of your wallet?
For many families, the holiday season may not be complete without a festive lighting display. Whether you prefer to go full Griswold or stick with …
Average net worth in every state
The average net worth of Americans is $748,800, according to the Federal Reserve’s most recent Survey of Consumer Finances released in September 2020. Meanwhile the median …
14 questions that will get your budget in shape for 2023
Making a budget is often the first step in building a solid financial foundation. It helps you get better acquainted with how much money you earn, …
Are you addicted to money and don’t even know it?
When you think of addiction, you might automatically think of people who are dependent on drugs, alcohol, or food as a coping mechanism. But it’s also …
10 signs you’re finally financially stable
Am I financially stable? That’s an important question to ask if you’re wondering how your money management skills measure up. Financial stability can mean different things …
This is how much you should have in your 401(k) by 30
A 401(k) can be a great way to save for retirement on a pre-tax basis, while enjoying the added benefit of an employer match. But it …
23 ways to make extra money from home
If you’re interested in how to make extra income from home, today there are more opportunities than ever before. Some ways to earn extra income from …
Should you be saving money or paying down debt?
Should I save or pay off debt? It’s a tough financial choice. Prioritizing debt repayment can help you pay off what you owe faster, …
Seniors, these 12 retirement mistakes could cost you big
Part of planning for a secure future is knowing what retirement mistakes to avoid that could potentially cost you money. Some retirement planning mistakes are obvious; …
5 moves you should make when choosing a financial advisor
Wealth management firms are all different, with their own specializations and services. As a result, the process for choosing a wealth manager is a very personal …
Want to retire early? You need to know about this rule first
The rule of 55 is a provision in the Internal Revenue Code that allows workers to withdraw money from their employer-sponsored retirement plan without a penalty …
Inherited a 401(k)? Here’s how to minimize taxes
Inheriting a 401(k) can add a wrinkle to your financial plan from a tax perspective. Under 401(k) inheritance tax rules, any assets passed on from …
The 10 worst IPO failures of all time
An Initial Public Offering or IPO represents a company’s first foray into the world of publicly-traded stock. While an IPO can be highly anticipated by the …
Can you retire at 55? Let’s run the numbers
Can I retire at 55? It’s a question you might be asking yourself if you’re hoping to make an early exit from the workforce. While normal …
What are lifestyle funds & should you be investing in them?
Lifestyle funds are investment funds that base their asset allocation on someone’s age, risk tolerance, and investing goals. Individuals who want to grow wealth over the …
Want to know how the economy’s doing? Pay attention to these 9 things
An economic indicator is a statistic or piece of data that offers insight into an economy. Analysts use economic indicators to gauge where an economic system …
Here’s why your credit risk should matter to you
Credit risk measures the likelihood of incurring a loss if one party to a financial transaction fails to follow through on their obligations. Credit risk often …
