Most Americans look backward and only hope that Uncle Sam will return some of what they have already paid, but those with wealth look ahead and adjust their affairs according to the tax code.
Last week we listed the ways university student are enticed into using credit cards. This week we will examine the economical impact of those initially small and convenient monthly payments.
Although 60% of college student’s pay off their balance each month, that leaves 40% who do not.
Marvel only gets 31% of its revenue from publishing comic books.
Sand can be used to further diversify your portfolio.
Even if you only use index funds, you should blend dozens of them in an asset allocation aimed at reducing risk and increasing returns.
A lesser-paying job may be better for your long-term career because of the skills you will gain.
On average, international stocks appreciate more than US stocks. What’s more, companies located in countries with the most economic freedom typically appreciate more than the broader international average.
Learning how billionaires amass their wealth may expand your financial horizons and possibly stimulate some ideas that could lead to your name being added in the future.
Most people want to honor their debt. But many families have allowed their debt to spiral out of control, and they feel helpless, ashamed, and at a loss to know what to do. While bankruptcy isn’t anyone’s first choice, sometimes it is an important choice to consider.
Those actually seeing the movie in a theater provide only 14% of a film’s revenue.
Waiting for the higher payout is like buying longevity insurance.
One of the asset classes that we use to build diversified portfolios consists of hard asset stocks.
Rebalancing your investments can help boost your returns and minimize risk. This simple contrarian move can help you compound your investment gains over time. With the markets at an all-time high, this may be a good time to rebalance your portfolio.
If you don’t have the time or the interest, you may be the problem.
Only recently has Main Street been so fully invested.
Without taxes, you could leave work at 2:25pm.
It is possible to avoid driving a wreck without wrecking your finances.
Investors have been told, “Invest in what you know.” While this may have been a good adage for avoiding investing in companies with no business models, it is a poor rule of thumb to use when building diversified portfolios.
Stress released in one area results in delayed releases in other parts of the economy.
Check your retirement, your marriage and your mission.
Portfolio construction begins with the most basic allocation between investments that offer a greater chance of appreciation (stocks) and those that provide portfolio stability (bonds).
Investing isn’t about finding a four-leaf clover or the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Unlike the trusts which helped John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan keep their wealth in the family, this new breed of dynasty trust is not just for the mega-wealthy.
When you give to charity, you make an investment. By doing a little homework, you can be sure your gift makes the best possible return on investment. While giving is its own reward, giving wisely seems to double that reward.
Donor Advised Funds offer the charitably inclined new flexibility for managing gifts to charity. By funding an account, donors receive an immediate tax deduction for their contribution and gain the flexibility to direct payouts to charity on their own timetable.
Without a financial plan, your investments are controlling your dreams, not the other way around. You need a blueprint for your financial dreams to come true. That blueprint in sound financial planning is called an Investment Policy Statement (IPS).
Some 401(k) plan’s generous matching contributions are completely eroded by the plan’s excessive expenses.
Australia’s five-year annualized return was 24.10% compared to 14.98% for the MSCI EAFE and 6.19% for the S&P 500.
How much should I save this month? What return did I earn last year?
Even though 77% of Americans disagree with 62% of economists, let me assure you the economists are right.
An increase in the minimum wage often means a decrease in the pre-tax benefits that employees value more.
Financial planning is the process of aligning your financial choices with your life passions. Values transcend the cash and the numbers.
Belle measures Ebenezer’s love for her by what he spends on her directly. Investments count for nothing.
In order to make full use of these tax-saving tips, be sure to visit your tax professional before year’s end. Once January 1st rolls around, there’s little else you can do but pay up.
This year, the busiest day will likely be two weeks later on Monday, December 11th.
Solo 401(k)s permit you to contribute to the plan both as the “employer” and as the “employee.”
Before executing a conservation easement donation, you should be certain that it is in line with your financial goals.
Fewer than 20 percent of investors are financially literate.
P/E ratio tells you how many dollars you have to invest to receive $1 in earnings.
You can either pay now or pay more later.
Historically income taxes have not been this low since 1931.
More businesses migrate across state borders than national borders.
Virginians can take a $2,000 state tax deduction simply by flowing their money through a 529 account for a day.
Although the lender almost always wins, a reverse mortgage does offer a Band-Aid solution to pending cash flow problems.
The markets are brilliant long-term, but short-term they have the IQ of a gnat.
The party’s over for home owners who sought the lower initial payments of ARMs.
On average, international stocks appreciate more than US stocks, and stocks in countries with the most economic freedom appreciate more than the international average.
Delegating your morality to a fund’s screening process is like using a blunt instrument to do brain surgery.
Consider moving your official place of residence to your vacation house, live in it 760 days out of five years, and then take the exclusion.