- How to Open a Margin Account With Vanguard
Margin trading is the practice of buying securities with borrowed money. Like most brokers, Vanguard offers this feature to qualifying clients. No matter what broker you use, margin trading can be extremely risky. You may want to avoid this practice if you are an inexperienced investor, and especially if you do not have the assets… read more…
- Volatility and Risk in Investing: How Are They Related?
Investment volatility signifies the degree of change in the trading price of a financial instrument over time. Investment risk, on the flip side, relates to the potential for losses due to factors that affect the overall performance of the financial markets. So, if you prioritize steady returns, you might opt for investments that are less… read more…
- Dividend Investing: Is It Worth It?
Investing in dividends is a strategy that can yield significant benefits, particularly for those seeking a consistent source of income. Companies that pay dividends are often established entities with a history of generating profits. These profits are shared with shareholders in the form of dividends, providing them with regular income. This type of investment could… read more…
- How to Open a Margin Account With Schwab
Margin trading is the practice of investing with borrowed money. It is a high-risk strategy and should only be conducted by experienced investors, which is why most brokerages require you to apply for special permissions for a margin account. If you are interested in opening a margin account with Schwab as your broker, here’s what… read more…
- Top 10 Dividend Investing Books for 2025
Dividend investing can be a fantastic way to generate regular passive income, but first, you have to choose the right investments for your portfolio. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to determine which stocks are likely to be profitable. This is where the best dividend investing books can help you get started, offering… read more…
- Do REITs Offer Any Tax Advantages?
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are a popular investment vehicle for those interested in the real estate market without the direct ownership of property. However, understanding the complex tax structure is crucial for investors to make money with REITs. A financial advisor can help you figure out how this investment could fit into your portfolio.… read more…
- Tax Differences of ETFs vs. Mutual Funds
While investing is a significant step towards achieving your financial goals, navigating the ins and outs requires a keen understanding of the options available in the market. One such common crossroad encountered by investors is the choice between Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and Mutual Funds. Understanding the tax advantages of each might provide you with the… read more…
- How to Get Options Trading Permissions With Vanguard
Vanguard offers self-directed investors the ability to trade options, but you’ll first need special permission. Options provide unique opportunities to hedge risk or generate income, but they can be highly risky. For this reason, Vanguard requires brokerage account holders to complete applications providing details on employment, income and investing experience. After evaluating an application, Vanguard… read more…
- 10 Long-Term Investing Strategies to Consider
Building wealth typically doesn’t happen overnight. It requires diligence, planning and time. Adopting a long-term approach to investing can be a prudent choice for many individuals looking to grow their wealth. But with so many ways to implement a long-term investment strategy, it’s important to take a step back and consider the many tactics and… read more…
- What Is a Real Estate Partnership?
Imagine that two or more individuals decide to combine their resources and invest in real estate. This is the essence of a real estate partnership, a legal entity that is created to finance projects, divide risks and capitalize on the strengths and expertise of each partner. If you’re interested in investing with a real estate… read more…
- How to Buy I Bonds for a Child or Grandchild
Savings bonds for kids provide a reliable way to set aside money for the future while benefiting from government-backed security. I bonds, which are issued by the U.S. Treasury and earn interest that adjusts for inflation, are one option for your children or grandchildren. While not specifically designed for kids, I Bonds can be purchased… read more…
- How Risky of an Investment Are Mutual Funds?
Mutual funds are investment vehicles that pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds or other assets. Mutual funds have, indeed, become a common investment choice for many individuals seeking to grow their wealth without the work. However, like any investment, they come with their own set of risks.… read more…
- Choosing Between High Yield Savings and Investing
Choosing between investing your money and putting it in a high-yield savings account is a common decision when you’re looking to grow your wealth. High-yield savings accounts, which are typically offered by banks, are a secure place to park your money, offering a higher interest rate than a regular savings account. On the other hand,… read more…
- How a RIA Can Help Manage Your Real Estate Investments
Registered investment advisors (RIAs) give investment advice to clients in a fiduciary capacity. RIAs can help with managing a variety of investments, including real estate holdings. If you hold property in your portfolio or are considering adding this asset class, you may benefit from working with an RIA real estate expert. Looking for expert investment… read more…
- TWR vs. IRR: How Do They Differ?
The time-weighted rate of return measures how your investments have performed in a vacuum. Basically, for the assets that you purchased, it determines how much have they gained or lost value. Internal rate of return measures how your portfolio has performed based on your contributions, transactions and withdrawals. Given your money management strategy, this strategy looks… read more…
- Different Types of Portfolio Rebalancing Strategies
Successful investing is about more than just good choices. Real, long-term success comes from understanding the art of portfolio maintenance. Proper portfolio rebalancing aims to adjust your asset allocation based on current performance and goals. Here are common strategies that you can use to keep your investments on track. A financial advisor can provide insights… read more…
- Differences Between ETFs vs. Index Funds vs. Mutual Funds
ETFs, index funds and mutual funds are common types of investment vehicles that pool investor money to buy diversified portfolios of assets. However, each differs in structure, management and trading methods. When determining the asset allocation for your portfolio, it helps to understand key differences between an ETF vs. index fund vs. mutual fund to… read more…
- Bond Yields Are High and Prices Are Falling: What Does It Mean for Your Portfolio?
New bonds pay more and old bonds are worth less. This is the plain English version of what’s going on in the bond market right now. Translated to finance-speak, bond yields are on the rise while returns are steadily falling. For investors, it’s a good time to hold and an even better time to buy… read more…
- Municipal Bonds vs. Corporate Bonds
Municipal and corporate bonds are investment vehicles that differ in several key ways, including tax treatment, risk profiles and potential returns. Municipal bonds typically offer tax advantages—their interest is often exempt from federal income tax and sometimes state and local taxes, too. Corporate bonds, on the other hand, generally provide higher yields to compensate for… read more…
- What Is a Real Estate Limited Partnership (RELP)?
Real estate can be a stable and lucrative asset class. Yet, the process of acquiring, managing and selling properties could also be overwhelming for individual investors. This is where real estate limited partnerships (RELPs) come into play, offering an accessible route for laypeople to reap the potential rewards of real estate investment without managing the… read more…
- How Much of Your Paycheck You Should Invest in Stocks
Investing in stocks presents an effective way to grow personal wealth and achieve financial stability. But have you ever wondered how much of your paycheck you should invest in stocks? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, these key principles can help you make more informed decisions about your investments. A financial advisor can help you determine… read more…
- What Is Real Estate Appreciation?
Real estate appreciation refers to the gradual increase in the value of an owned property over time. This increase in value can occur due to various reasons, such as shifts in the real estate market, economic transformations or improvements made to the property itself. Appreciation is noteworthy, as it is one of the main ways… read more…
- Pros and Cons of Investing in Stocks
Investing in stocks means you’re purchasing shares of a company with the anticipation that these ownership stakes will appreciate in value over time. However, like any investment, it carries inherent risks and uncertainties. In the face of an ever-changing financial landscape influenced by factors like economic policies, technological advancements, and global events, understanding the pros… read more…
- Real Estate Crowdfunding vs. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Investing in real estate is an attractive venture for both seasoned and novice investors due to its stability and the potential for substantial returns. However, the traditional approach of purchasing property isn’t the only way to add real estate exposure to your portfolio. Real estate crowdfunding and real estate investment trusts (REITs) are two popular… read more…
- Forget About ‘Timing the Market’: Schwab Research Reveals the Optimal Way to Invest
Can investors realistically time the market to maximize returns, especially over the long term? According to a recent study from Charles Schwab, perfect market timing is practically impossible. The firm’s research showed that most investors are better off investing as soon as possible using a buy-and-hold strategy rather than trying to predict short-term peaks and… read more…