- Illinois Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Illinois levies no inheritance tax but has its own estate tax. In this article, we break down Illinois inheritance laws, including what happens if you die without a valid will and where you may stand if you’re not part of the decedent’s… read more…
- Oregon Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Oregon charges its own estate tax in addition to the federal estate tax, but it doesn’t charge an inheritance tax. What follows is a guide to the state’s inheritance laws, including what happens if there is no valid will; how Oregon state law treats different family situations; and special inheritance laws specific to Oregon. Do… read more…
- Maryland Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Maryland levies both an inheritance tax and an estate tax, in addition to the federal estate tax. Here is an overview of what you need to know about probate and how the state’s laws vary according to different family situations,… read more…
- What to Do When You Retire to Keep Busy
A wide range of studies shows the value of seniors keeping busy for their physical health, mental acuity and memory. That presents one of the few downsides of retirement: How do you keep busy when you are suddenly, and permanently, out… read more…
- What Is Intrinsic Value?
You know how much you paid for an investment. But do you know how much it’s actually worth? While the value of most assets equates to market value, intrinsic value implies the investor’s perceived value of an asset. Learn the… read more…
- What Is Common Stock?
Investing in stock is a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially build wealth. Most investors tend to buy common stock. That security grants the stockholder partial equity ownership of a corporation. Here’s a breakdown of the ins and… read more…
- A Guide to Education Planning
The cost of a college education is at an all-time high, leaving many Americans wondering how to best save money to pay for tuition and other college costs. There are many options available to help you save, including 529 plans,… read more…
- New Jersey Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
New Jersey no longer has an estate tax, but it still has an inheritance tax – albeit one with a number of exemptions. We break down New Jersey inheritance laws, including what happens if you die without a valid will… read more…
- Using the Fed Model to Value Investments
When deciding between two securities, the main factors to consider are risk and return. Investing in stocks is relatively risky, but over the long term, there’s great potential for returns. Bonds, especially government bonds, entail very little risk but also… read more…
- A Guide to Stock Trading Strategies
In the dynamic world of finance, stock trading strategies play a pivotal role in shaping investment outcomes. Whether you’re a seasoned trader or a newcomer to the stock market, understanding various approaches can enhance your ability to make informed decisions. From day trading to long-term investing, each strategy offers unique benefits and challenges. By exploring… read more…
- What Is a Risk Profile?
Every investor has a different risk tolerance with regard to their investment selections. A risk profile is a broad view of an individual’s risk tolerance. A risk profile can also refer to potential threats to an organization. However, our use… read more…
- What Are Interest Rate Swaps?
In recent years, interest rate swaps have become an important component of the fixed-income market. With an interest rate swap, investors will typically exchange or swap a fixed-interest payment for a floating-rate interest payment. Investors use these contracts to hedge… read more…
- Finding a Financial Advisor for Millennials
If you’re a millennial, chances are you that you may already consider working with a financial advisor. In fact, one 2021 survey says that 65% of the millennial investors are likely to begin working with an advisor over the next two… read more…
- What Fiduciary Duty Means (and What It Doesn’t)
When looking for a financial advisor to work with, an important question to ask is whether they’re fiduciaries. Advisors who are required to adhere to a fiduciary duty are held to different ethical standards than those who are not. Knowing… read more…
- How to Buy a House With Cash
Although most people who buy a home will finance their purchase with a mortgage, some have enough liquidity that they can afford to pay cash. Doing so will save you a lot of money in interest payments and speed up… read more…
- What Is Long-Term Care Planning?
Long-term care includes a number of personal care services that may be required for people who have ongoing health conditions. Setting up a plan for this is important to ensure that you or your loved ones are taken care of… read more…
- What Is the Cost of Independent Living for Seniors?
When retirement approaches, one of the biggest decisions to make is where you’ll live, including whether to stay in your current home or move to an independent living community. One of the main considerations is the cost of independent living,… read more…
- A Guide to Assisted Living for Seniors
Getting older means your needs and abilities may change when it comes to managing day-to-day tasks and staying healthy. Moving to an assisted living facility may be a solution to if you’re less able to manage your affairs or need… read more…
- How to Buy an Apartment Complex
If you’re looking for a source of income and capital appreciation, you may want to consider buying an apartment complex. An apartment complex is generally categorized as a residential property with five or more units. Compared to single-family residences, duplexes, triplexes and… read more…
- Should You Really “Sell In May and Go Away”?
“Sell in May and go away.” It’s investing advice that some people advocate as a strategy for managing a portfolio through the summer months. The phrase grew out of the observation that markets often underperform during summer. That led to… read more…
- Can You Learn to ‘Trade the News’?
News events can have an impact on the price of individual securities, as well as on market sectors and the stock market as a whole. This creates an opportunity for investors. The practice of managing your portfolio in response to… read more…
- How Garden Leave Works
The term “garden leave” refers to a company’s practice of paying an employee who is leaving to stay away from work and delay seeking employment elsewhere for a period of time. They’re also usually asked not to divulge sensitive information… read more…
- How to Invest in Emerging Market Bonds
If you’re like most investors, your exposure to the bond market is likely limited to U.S. government debt. Treasury bonds have been popular investments for consumers since World War II and are by far the most well-known major debt instruments. These… read more…
- Hot Money: Definition and Examples
Hot money refers to a type of short-term investment strategy where investors shift their funds quickly between financial markets to capitalize on interest rate changes. This practice often involves moving money across countries and currencies, seeking the highest returns in the shortest time. The term “hot” reflects the transient nature of these investments, as the… read more…
- Stash vs. Acorns: Which Investing App Is Better?
Stash and Acorns are money management apps that offer investors the opportunity to automate investment and savings. But which one is best? With all of the different features, fees and investment options available, picking the right one for your needs… read more…