After you started investing in the stock market for a while, you are probably thinking about diversifying beyond stocks, bonds, and REITs. A common next step for many investors is investing in a rental property. Personally, that is what I did, and as a fairly seasoned real estate investor, I feel that it is important … Read more
Personal finance can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Making the most of your money starts with five building blocks, or the 5 Pillars of Personal Finance: (1) Earn, (2) Spend, (3) Borrow, (4) Save and Invest, and (5) Protect. 1. Earn The ability to make more money is the single most … Read more
As a sole proprietor, independent contractor, or self-employed individual, you may be eligible to receive assistance under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Below are key details released by the SBA on April 2, 2020: What is the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)? It is an SBA loan program that helps businesses keep their … Read more
As states and cities issue stay-at-home orders and businesses are forced to shut down due to the current pandemic crisis, more and more people are financially impacted. Homeowners are among those affected by job loss and economic slowdown. If you are one of the homeowners affected, you are probably looking for help with your mortgage … Read more
A health savings account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account that you can use for medical expenses. You can take advantage of an HSA when you choose a qualifying health insurance plan; typically a high deductible health plan (HDHP). Recently, our employer switched to an HDHP that offers lower monthly premiums in exchange for a … Read more
Investing in the stock market is a risky business if you don’t know what you’re doing. Even if you do, it’s possible to lose a lot of money. Personally, I relied less on picking the winning investments, and embrace investing strategies that are proven to enhance investment performance and build wealth over time. It is … Read more
One of the best ways to start investing is to use the services of an online stockbroker. However, there are so many brokers that it can be difficult to determine which one is best. There is no universal “right” answer because the right broker for you depends on your investing style and other considerations. Table … Read more
If you keep a lot of money in your checking account, moving your money to a high-interest checking account may be a good move. Below is a list of highest yields checking accounts. Your principal is protected, and you’re guaranteed a positive return on investment. Before you sign up, review the requirements carefully because many … Read more
A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most popular option for home purchases. However, you probably have seen some advertisements that encourage you to refinance your 30-year mortgage into a 15-year one. If you are a Dave Ramsey fan, you know that he is against taking out a 30-year loan and encourages you to use cash … Read more
Although online payment is prevalent nowadays, you may still find yourself in a situation where you need to write a check. For example, when you pay a contractor that doesn’t take a credit card payment or when you write a deposit check for your home purchase. If you are not familiar with how to write … Read more