Author: Rebecca Lake

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Why do investors like junk bonds? Should I like them, too?

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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 …

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Will getting divorced wreck my retirement plans?

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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 …

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Has the average stock market return gone up or down over the last 30 years?

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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 …

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Opening up your first IRA? What you need to know

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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, …

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Does it really make sense to start a retirement account for my child?

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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 …

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Are we in a bull market right now? How to tell

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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 …

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How much income do couples need to survive & thrive in retirement?

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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. …

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Why you should always negociate, even if the salary offer is pretty good

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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 …

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Do you have sound money values? Here’s how to tell

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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 …

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25 high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree

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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 …

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457 vs 401(k): What’s the real difference?

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  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 …

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Even if you can retire at 62, should you really do it?

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  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 …

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15 high-income skills to learn in 2023

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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 …

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Will running Christmas lights take a not-so holly jolly bite out of your wallet?

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  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 …

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Average net worth in every state

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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 …

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14 questions that will get your budget in shape for 2023

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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, …

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Are you addicted to money and don’t even know it?

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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 …

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10 signs you’re finally financially stable

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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 …

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This is how much you should have in your 401(k) by 30

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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 …

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23 ways to make extra money from home

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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 …

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Should you be saving money or paying down debt?

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  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, …

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Seniors, these 12 retirement mistakes could cost you big

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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; …

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5 moves you should make when choosing a financial advisor

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  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 …

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Want to retire early? You need to know about this rule first

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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 …

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Inherited a 401(k)? Here’s how to minimize taxes

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  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 …

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The 10 worst IPO failures of all time

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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 …

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Can you retire at 55? Let’s run the numbers

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  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 …

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What are lifestyle funds & should you be investing in them?

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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 …

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Want to know how the economy’s doing? Pay attention to these 9 things

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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 …

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Here’s why your credit risk should matter to you

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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 …