Posts by Mark Henricks
Investing for Beginners
Should You Invest $100k in Stocks or Real Estate?
Choosing between investing $100,000 in stocks or real estate requires considering your priorities. Stocks provide liquidity, allowing quick access to funds. They also historically average around 10.5% annual returns, though they’re subject to market swings. Real estate offers tangible assets with potential rental income and tax advantages, but requires active management and time to sell.… read more…
Income Investing
What to Invest $100k in for a Diversified Portfolio
Wondering how to build a diversified portfolio with $100,000? With this amount of capital, you have many options to spread your investments across different asset classes. A balanced approach might include a mix of stocks through index funds or ETFs, bonds for stability, real estate investment trusts (REITs) for property exposure and perhaps alternative investments… read more…
Pensions & Other Retirement Accounts
What Are the Pros and Cons of a Defined Benefit Plan?
Defined benefit plans, often referred to as traditional pensions, offer a reliable stream of income in retirement. These plans can provide peace of mind with guaranteed income, but they also tend to be less flexible than defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. They are also not available to most private-sector workers. Whether you’re evaluating a job… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Invest $10k in Real Estate: Strategies and Examples
Even $10,000 can be enough to start investing in real estate, a historically stable asset class that also offers appealing income and appreciation potential. Whether you’re looking to generate passive income, diversify your investment portfolio or participate in real estate appreciation without direct ownership responsibility, there are strategies suited to your needs. From fractional ownership… read more…
Income Investing
How to Invest $500k for Monthly Income
Investing $500k for monthly income involves choosing a mix of assets that can provide steady cash flow while managing risk, liquidity and taxes. Common strategies include putting portfolio funds into dividend-paying stocks, bond ladders, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and annuities. No single approach is optimal for all income investors. The goal is to balance… read more…
How to Invest
What Are Inverse/Short Gold ETFs?
Inverse or short gold ETFs are investment vehicles designed to profit when the price of gold declines. Unlike traditional gold ETFs, which track the price of gold and increase in value when gold prices rise, inverse gold ETFs move in the opposite direction. These funds are popular among traders and investors who want to hedge… read more…
Financial Advisor
Gold ETFs vs. Physical Gold: Pros and Cons of Each
Investing in gold has long been considered a reliable hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Modern investors interested in using gold as a hedge can choose between purchasing physical gold or investing in gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). Both options offer exposure to this precious metal, but each comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages that can… read more…
Financial Advisor
Tangible Assets: Definition, Classifications and Examples
Tangible assets are physical items with concrete worth that can be touched, seen and quantified on a balance sheet. Unlike their intangible counterparts, such as patents or goodwill, tangible assets have material substance and typically play key roles in a company’s day-to-day operations. From the buildings that house businesses to the equipment that powers production,… read more…
Financial Advisor
Types of Long-Term Care Insurance: Traditional vs. Hybrid
Long-term care insurance helps cover costs associated with extended medical care that aren’t typically covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. As healthcare costs continue to rise, these policies have become increasingly important components of comprehensive retirement planning. Each type has distinct advantages and potential drawbacks depending on your financial situation, health status and long-term… read more…
Financial Advisor
How Much Do You Need to Retire by 2060?
The year 2060 is a long time off, but now is not too early to start planning for retirement when it rolls around. With evolving economic landscapes, fluctuating inflation rates and changing life expectancy, determining the right amount to save can seem daunting. However, understanding the fundamentals of retirement planning can help demystify this process.… read more…
Financial Advisor
How Much Do You Need to Retire by 2070?
Changes to the economic landscape, falling life expectancy and even potential changes to Social Security benefits all mean future retirees face challenges unlike those of past retirees. Even looking as far as 2070, however, some timeless retirement planning recommendations still hold. It remains essential to consider factors such as inflation, healthcare costs and lifestyle expectations… read more…
Financial Advisor
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Your 50s?
Retiring in your 50s requires careful financial planning and, first and foremost, a clear understanding of how much you need to retire comfortably. The amount necessary to retire in your 50s can vary significantly based on lifestyle choices, healthcare needs and the cost of living in your desired location. It’s also crucial to consider factors… read more…
Tax Policy
New Jersey vs. New York: Which Is Better for Taxes?
Comparing New Jersey vs. New York taxes highlights differences in how income, property and sales taxes affect residents on both sides of the Hudson River. New York typically imposes higher income tax rates, especially on high earners, while New Jersey’s property taxes rank among the highest in the country. Sales tax rates are also different,… read more…
Financial Advisor
Form 1045: How to Apply for a Quick Tax Refund
Form 1045 is a tax form that can allow taxpayers in certain situations to apply for a quicker refund of taxes paid in prior years. The form, officially known as the Application for Tentative Refund, can be used by filers who have unused general business credits, net Section 1256 contract losses or carryback of a… read more…
Market News
Timing the Bottom: Is It Still a Good Time to Invest in NVDA?
Investors may be able to achieve superior returns with less volatility from investments in NVDIA stock by timing their investments over a long period rather than investing all their funds immediately. Dollar-cost averaging, a popular strategy for timing investments, generally leads to slightly lower returns compared to investing a lump sum. However, investors who use… read more…
Financial Advisor
Form 1099-Q: What Is It, Who Files It and Who Gets It?
The Form 1099-Q tax document goes out to taxpayers involved in educational savings plans, such as 529 plans or Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. Financial institutions issue these forms to report distributions made from these accounts. Typically, the financial institution managing the account has the responsibility of filing the form with the IRS. The institution also… read more…
Market News
Tesla Delivery Numbers Q1 2025: What Investors Need to Know
Tesla’s first-quarter deliveries slumped to 336,000 compared to 387,000 in the first quarter of 2024, a 13% drop. Meanwhile, it produced 362,615 cars for a -16% decrease year over year. Energy storage products saw deployment growth at 156% since last year, with 10.4 GWh delivered in Q1. The electric-car maker’s shares tumbled in the hours… read more…
Financial Advisor
Risk Appetite vs. Risk Tolerance: What Are the Differences?
Risk appetite and risk tolerance are often used interchangeably, but these financial terms represent distinct concepts. They also play somewhat different roles in shaping investment strategies and financial planning. Risk appetite refers to the level of risk an entity is willing to pursue to achieve its financial goals. It is a strategic choice that aligns… read more…
Financial Advisor
Risk Appetite: Types, Purpose and How to Determine It
Risk appetite is a term for the level of risk an individual or organization is willing to accept in pursuit of their goals. This concept is relevant to investors as well as businesses aiming to align their strategies with their risk management frameworks. Understanding and addressing risk appetite enables individuals and companies to better navigate… read more…
Financial Advisor
Social Security Fairness Act: Are Payments Retroactive?
The Social Security Fairness Act addressed long-standing concerns related to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The WEP and GPO had reduced Social Security benefits for millions of public sector employees. The act’s provisions have significant implications for retroactive payments and the anticipated timeline for benefit adjustments. Consulting a financial… read more…
Financial Advisor
Installment Sale: What It Is and Tax Benefits
An installment sale is a way of selling an asset that calls for the seller to receive payments over time rather than in a single lump sum. This type of sale is commonly used in real estate and business transactions. It can allow the seller to spread out capital gains taxes and potentially reduce their… read more…
Financial Advisor
Personal Banker vs. Financial Advisor: Who to Work With?
When it comes to managing your finances, choosing the right professional to guide you can make all the difference. Two common options are personal bankers and financial advisors, each offering distinct services tailored to different financial needs. A personal banker typically works within a bank, assisting with everyday banking needs such as opening accounts, securing… read more…
Financial Advisor
Form 1099-INT: What Is It, Who Files It and Who Gets It?
When tax season rolls around, one of the most common documents taxpayers receive is Form 1099-INT. This form, issued by banks, credit unions and other financial institutions, reports interest income earned over the tax year. If you’ve earned at least $10 in interest, you can expect to receive a Form 1099-INT from the institution that… read more…
Financial Advisor
Form 1099-B: What Is It, Who Files It and Who Gets It?
Form 1099-B is a tax form issued by brokers or barter exchanges to both the IRS and the taxpayer. It provides details about sales of stocks, bonds, or other securities. Typically, brokers are responsible for filing this form with the IRS, while investors receive a copy. Investors then use the information on the form to… read more…
Financial Advisor
Form 1310: How to Claim a Refund for a Deceased Taxpayer
Form 1310, officially known as the “Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer,” is a document that allows you to request a tax refund on behalf of someone who has passed away. If you are an executor or personal representative of a deceased individual, you may need to know to properly complete and… read more…