- How to Invest in Real Estate
For investors looking to diversify their portfolio, real estate is a great option. But 89% of Americans have never ventured into that kind of investing, according to RealtyShares, an online real estate investing platform. This is largely because of a lack… read more…
- How to Invest in Commodities
The investment world is full of an overwhelming number of options, including equities, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and more. Commodities may seem like just another one of the bunch, but these products offer a unique way to invest your money… read more…
- What Is an Angel Investor?
Angel investor is one of the terms you constantly hear bandied about on the news, in blog articles and maybe even in a few of your favorite movies. But don’t feel bad if you still ask yourself: What is an… read more…
- What Are Different Investing Strategies?
An investment strategy is a defined approach to investing that shapes the choices an investor makes for his or her portfolio. Different investment strategies assume specific tactics based on fundamental beliefs. For instance, value investing seeks stocks that are undervalued and… read more…
- What Is Asset Allocation?
Asset allocation is the mix of investments you choose for your investment portfolio. Picking the right mix is key to maximizing returns and minimizing risk as you invest. If you don’t get the mix right, you could miss out on… read more…
- How to Buy Gold
Gold can be an attractive investment for those who wish to protect themselves from the volatility paper currency and stocks experience. However, the process of acquiring gold is a bit more opaque than simply heading to an ATM. You need… read more…
- What Is a Broker?
If you’re doing anything related to money or investing, chances are you’ll have to deal with a broker. A broker is someone who serves as a conduit for you when purchasing a variety of things. There are a number of… read more…
- Bonds vs. Stocks
If you’re a relatively new investor, you may be wondering what types of investments you should be looking to put your money in. While there are plenty of different ways to buy them, it’s likely the actual investments you make… read more…
- The Rule of 72: What Is It, and How Can You Use It?
The rule of 72 is a simple formula that shows how quickly your money will double at a given return rate. It works by dividing 72 by your annual compound interest rate and seeing how many years it will take… read more…
- 529 Plan Qualified Expenses: What a 529 Can Be Used For
A 529-qualified expense is a government-approved reason to take money out of a 529 college savings plan – meaning you won’t have to pay a tax penalty. While tuition is the main qualified expense you think of when you get… read more…
- What Are 529 College Savings Plans?
Amid rising college costs and mounting student debt, parents are looking for more ways to lessen the financial burden of higher education. Luckily, 529 college savings plans can help. These unique savings vehicles offer several tax breaks for parents as… read more…
- 529 Plan Contribution Limits for 2025
Unlike with 401(k) plans and other retirement savings accounts, the IRS does not set annual contribution limits for 529 college savings plans. Instead, the states that sponsor individual 529 plans set parameters for the life of the plan. It’s imperative… read more…
- What Are 529 Plan Rules?
529 college savings plans offer several tax benefits and the potential to build your child’s college fund over time. Unlike with several investment accounts, the federal government allows your 529 plan earnings to grow tax-free. Your withdrawals will be tax-free… read more…
- What Is Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)?
When you’re getting started with investing, it’s important to research the options available to you. One such option, known as socially responsible investing (SRI), enables you to grow your money while doing good. It allows you to invest in social… read more…
- How Does Inheritance Work and What Should You Expect?
Inheritance is receiving assets from someone who has passed away. Many people are not prepared to pass on assets or receive them. As it turns out, the passing of property and assets doesn’t always go as expected or planned. Plus, though it may seem like a windfall, getting an inheritance is rarely as easy as… read more…
- Making an Investment Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making an investment plan involves more than just choosing a few stocks. You must also consider your current financial situation, as well as your goals for the future. It’s also important to define your timeline and determine how much risk you are willing to assume in order to determine your optimal asset allocation. These considerations… read more…
- How to Diversify Your Investment Portfolio
When creating an investment plan, understanding how to diversify your portfolio is one of the most important aspects. Diversification essentially means spreading your assets among a variety of investments. Doing this helps to mitigate risk and provides the potential to improve returns. A financial advisor can help you optimize an investment strategy for your financial… read more…
- What Is an Investment Advisor?
If you need help making investment decisions and managing your portfolio, you may want to seek the advice of an investment advisor. Investment advisors are basically financial advisors that, for a fee, provide guidance and management for your investment portfolio. These individuals… read more…
- Form ADV: What It Is and How to Read It
If you’re looking for a financial advisor, the Form ADV is an essential point of reference. In fact, this publicly available paperwork must be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by all financial advisor firms with more than… read more…
- What Is the Minimum You Need to Invest for a Mutual Fund?
Whether you’re new to investing or have been doing it for years, mutual funds offer a great way to invest your money. It allows you to invest in multiple stocks and bonds without the hassle of choosing and buying each… read more…
- What Is a Wrap Fee Program?
When you place your investments in the care of an investment manager or advisor, you’ll often run into various fees. The advisor can charge you a percentage of your assets, a transaction fee per trade, commission fees and more. To… read more…
- What Is a Wealth Manager?
A wealth manager is a subset of financial advisor that primarily offers high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients wealth management services. But a wealth manager’s role is far more comprehensive than just offering investment advice. They focus on a holistic suite of services… read more…
- 10 Best Investing Books for Beginners and Beyond
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned investor in need of a refresher, the best investing books can serve as a great way to sharpen your knowledge. With these best investing books for beginners, you can pick Peter Lynch’s brain, learn the history of Wall Street or simply decide if you are ready to… read more…
- How to Buy Bonds: A Complete Guide
There are a number of ways to buy bonds: directly from the U.S. Government, via a bond fund or with the help of a broker. Before you make your purchase, it’s important to understand what types of bonds there are, and how… read more…
- What Is an Institutional Investor?
Not all investors in the stock market are individuals who buy and sell their own hand-picked stocks and bonds. Some are large entities trading securities on a large scale, usually on behalf of individuals: Pension plans, mutual funds, commercial banks and more. Such entities are known as institutional investors, and they account for the majority… read more…