Investing

July 24, 2024There are many ways to learn about investing, but there’s often no substitute for good advice. And a good book on finance and investing is a great place to start. Here are six books for personal investing to start you down the path. Once you have a handle on investing and how you want to… read more…

July 24, 2024Personalized investment management involves building a portfolio that is tailored to your needs. With this approach to investing, you or your financial advisor create a plan and portfolio based on specific goals, options and preferences. It varies from a systematic approach, in which your advisor would help you invest in a series of assets defined… read more…

July 23, 2024Every investor wants to know where their money is going.  The point of investing is for your money to grow. Sometimes, you’re trying to achieve a specific goal, such as to retire, buy a home, or take a big trip. Other times you just want to put your money somewhere more fruitful than a savings… read more…

July 22, 2024Coverdell education savings accounts (ESAs) are a popular choice for families looking to save for education expenses. But are contributions to these accounts tax-deductible? In short, no, the contributions themselves are not tax-deductible. Though Coverdell ESAs offer other significant tax advantages that can help families grow their education savings more effectively. If you’re interested in… read more…

July 22, 2024When it comes to planning for a child’s education, it can help to understand the differences between 529 college savings plans and prepaid tuition plans. Both options offer valuable benefits for covering future college costs, yet are suited to different financial strategies. Comparing these two plans helps families make more informed decisions about the best… read more…

July 22, 2024A property dividend is a distribution of physical assets, rather than cash, given to shareholders of a corporation. This unique form of dividend can include real estate, inventory, or other tangible assets owned by the company. Unlike traditional cash or stock dividends, property dividends can sometimes be more valuable depending on market conditions. This method… read more…

July 22, 2024Tax efficient mutual funds are designed to minimize the tax liabilities on your investment income, making them an attractive option for investors looking to optimize their after-tax gains. These funds use strategies such as low turnover rates and tax-loss harvesting to reduce taxable distributions. A financial advisor can also help you analyze the growth potential… read more…

July 22, 2024The gross expense ratio (GER) is a metric used by investors to assess the total annual cost of managing a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF). This ratio is expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average net assets, and includes management fees, administrative costs and other operational expenses. A financial advisor can help you… read more…

April 4, 2025A qualified dividend meets specific IRS requirements, allowing it to be taxed at the lower capital gains rates rather than the higher ordinary income rates. To qualify, the dividend must be paid by a U.S. corporation or a qualified foreign entity. The investor must also hold the stock for a minimum holding period. By meeting… read more…

July 19, 2024Financial planning is important for real estate investors to maximize returns, manage risks and maintain long-term financial stability. Understanding cash flow, for example, is one important piece of financial planning, as real estate investors should have enough rental income to cover mortgage payments, taxes and maintenance costs. Meanwhile, diversification can also help mitigate risk, while… read more…

July 19, 2024Depreciation allows property owners to deduct the costs of buying and improving a property over its useful life. In turn, this reduces taxable income, offering significant tax benefits. To take advantage of these benefits, however, it’s necessary to know how to calculate depreciation on rental properties, which may involve consulting a financial advisor who focuses on… read more…

July 19, 2024Managing a rental property independently can be both rewarding and challenging. But managing properties is more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Effective property management also involves handling tenant disputes professionally and enforcing lease agreements consistently. You may want to work with a financial advisor to help you determine which types of investments are a… read more…

July 19, 2024A commercial real estate investment strategy involves purchasing, managing and leasing commercial properties to generate rental income, appreciate asset value and achieve long-term financial returns. Each strategy requires careful consideration of risk tolerance, investment goals and market conditions. If you’re thinking about investing in commercial real estate, a financial advisor can help you analyze different… read more…

March 7, 2025A bond fund is an investment pool that primarily consists of bonds and other debt securities. Investors in bond funds are essentially lending their money to entities like governments, municipalities and corporations, which in turn promise to pay back the principal along with interest. Unlike individual bonds, bond funds offer the advantage of diversification, reducing… read more…

July 19, 2024A bond yield spread represents the difference in yields between two different bonds, typically of varying credit qualities or maturities. This spread is an important indicator for investors, providing insights into the risks and returns of different bonds. For example, a wider spread often signals higher risk associated with a lower credit quality bond when… read more…

July 18, 2024Real estate investors use different strategies with specific risk and return profiles. Core investing focuses on stable, income-generating properties in prime locations. Core Plus investing is similar but involves slightly higher risk for potentially greater returns. Value-Add investing involves acquiring properties that need significant renovations or operational improvements. Opportunistic investing is the most speculative, targeting… read more…

November 20, 2025AI-powered tools can provide predictive analytics, helping investors forecast market changes and make informed decisions. Additionally, AI can streamline property management, optimizing rental pricing and maintenance schedules to maximize returns. From virtual property tours to automated transaction processes, AI enhances efficiency and reduces costs. Embracing AI technology in real estate investments not only can offer… read more…

July 18, 2024Digital real estate investing has emerged as a new opportunity for those looking to make money in real estate. As the internet continues to grow, so does the value of virtual properties, including domain names, websites and digital storefronts. This form of investing mirrors traditional real estate in many ways, requiring research, strategic purchasing and… read more…

July 18, 2024From rental income to property appreciation, there are many ways to make money in real estate. The real estate market offers diverse opportunities, including residential, commercial and industrial properties. However, each type of real estate investment has unique advantages and challenges, making it essential to think through your financial goals and risk tolerance before making any decisions. There… read more…

July 16, 2024Rent-to-own is a popular option for individuals who want to move into a home while working towards ownership. This arrangement allows renters to lease a property with the opportunity to buy it at the end of a predetermined period. During this lease term, a portion of the monthly rent payments may contribute towards the home’s… read more…

July 12, 2024Residual income refers to the amount of disposable income left after paying all personal debts and obligations. In corporate finance, residual income is the profit remaining after accounting for the cost of capital. This is different than passive income, which refers to income that is earned without any active involvement. Whether you’re retired or in… read more…

July 12, 2024Compound interest is a transformative financial concept that can dramatically increase the growth potential of your investments. By earning interest on both your initial principal and the interest that accumulates over time, your money can grow at an accelerating rate. Compound interest, which often plays a pivotal role in building wealth, highlights the importance of… read more…

July 22, 2024Real estate investment can be a lucrative, but costly, endeavor. This is why many investors seek strategies that minimize risk while still offering growth potential. These low-risk real estate investing strategies include buying and selling rental properties, real estate investment trusts (REITs),triple-net leases, and more. By focusing on these methods, or discussing them with a… read more…

July 12, 2024Floating rate funds primarily invest in financial instruments with variable interest rates, such as loans and bonds. Unlike fixed-rate investments, the interest rates of the assets in floating rate funds adjust periodically, typically in response to changes in market interest rates. This characteristic makes floating rate funds an attractive option for investors seeking to reduce… read more…

July 17, 2025Flipping houses can be a profitable venture — even if you lack the funds to make a direct purchase. Those wondering how to start flipping houses without using their own money have several strategies to explore. Partnering with investors, using hard money loans, or engaging in wholesaling can provide the necessary financial backing without the… read more…