- SEC Rules and Regulations Investors Should Know
The Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates much of the U.S. financial industry. This guide goes over the most prominent rules that the SEC enforces. Many of these regulations are focused on information being available to investors. The SEC wants… read more…
- Managed Volatility Investing Strategies and Funds
Managed volatility investing strategies are designed to mitigate some of the risks associated with uneven stock market movements. Managed volatility mutual funds have become increasingly popular for helping investors to balance downside risk in their portfolios without sacrificing returns during… read more…
- Comprehensive Guide to Tax Planning Strategies
Taxes can have a major impact on your financial and investing plans. Planning out your taxes ahead for these costs can make your financial plan much more tax efficient. While many people only think about taxes when they’re filing in… read more…
- Real Estate Brokers vs. Agents: Which Should You Use?
Buying or selling a home is a major financial step. Whether you’re about to invest a lot of money in a property or make a lot of money from selling one, having the right real estate expert in your corner… read more…
- Sole Proprietorship Defined and Explained
A sole proprietorship is a simple type of business or enterprise that is owned and run by a single person. Sole proprietorships are subject to different rules than other types of businesses and can protect owners from personal liability while… read more…
- How An Interest Rate Cut Affects You
Interest rate changes can have a huge impact on your personal finances, income, investments – even employment. They affect how much you pay for loans, from credit cards to mortgages; they influence the price you pay for a cup of… read more…
- What Is a Long Position? Definition and Examples
A long position is what you take when you expect security to rise in value. Someone who has taken a long position in a given security has purchased that security, or take a long position with a call option. It’s… read more…
- What Is Blockchain, and How Does It Work?
Blockchain, the digital technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is finding profitable applications in more and more industries. Blockchain is often described as a decentralized currency network, which means it is not controlled by a larger entity, like a government. Investors interested in… read more…
- Stop-Loss vs. Stop-Limit Orders
Investors often use trading instructions, known as orders, to specify actions they want within their portfolio. Stop orders, for instance, are triggered to buy or sell when a selected asset reaches a certain price. The two primary types of stop orders are stop-loss and stop-limit. A stop-loss order enables buying or selling when an asset… read more…
- Taft-Hartley (Multiemployer Pension) Plans
Planning for retirement can involve a lot of moving pieces, from saving funds in your 401(k) to building a diversified investment portfolio to – if you’re lucky – managing a pension plan. If you are one of the rare workers… read more…
- How Mean-Variance Optimization Works in Investing
For many investors, the financial markets are governed entirely by mathematical equations applied to aspects of a security’s price and trading volume, among other variables. They evaluate rates of return, volatility, means and averages to figure out which securities will… read more…
- Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Investing
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing offers investors a way to grow their portfolio while doing good. This investment strategy has two goals: generating a financial return while also promoting a positive impact for the environment, social issues and corporate… read more…
- A Guide to Small Business Tax Deductions
If you own a small business and run it for a profit, you can likely deduct the costs incurred. Small business tax deductions reduce your taxable profits and, therefore, business taxes. From home office expenses to advertising bills, here are… read more…
- Trading Fees: What Do Brokers Charge to Trade?
Trading fees from a brokerage can kick in when you’re buying and selling shares of stock, mutual funds or other investments. That’s true whether you’re trading in an online brokerage account or through a traditional full-service broker. Every broker is… read more…
- What Is Corporate Governance?
Corporate governance refers to policies and processes that run corporations. A company’s corporate governance is of particular concern to investors. It often reflects a company’s direction and health. Learn the basics of this important business principle, why it matters and… read more…
- A Guide to Investing in Asset Allocation Funds
An asset allocation fund invests in a mix of asset classes, like stocks and bonds, in fixed percentages. It provides built-in diversification to investors. They can make it easier for the investor to maintain a portfolio. Read on to discover… read more…
- What Is a Master Limited Partnership (MLP)?
Master limited partnerships or MLPs are a way to invest for high yields, beyond traditional stocks and bonds. MLPs can trade on an exchange just like a stock. If you’re looking to shake up your investments, a master limited partnership… read more…
- How Dynamic Asset Allocation Works
Dynamic asset allocation is a way to manage risk in your portfolio and generate above-market returns by moving with market trends. This type of approach combines elements of passive investing with active investing to help keep your portfolio balanced according… read more…
- How Capital Preservation Works With Investing
When selecting assets for a portfolio, it’s important to consider an investor’s risk tolerance. While some investors are willing to take on more risk to achieve a greater return, others may forgo any risk to preserve their capital. Capital preservation… read more…
- All About Uniform Probate Code
Uniform Probate Code (UPC) ideally standardizes the various state laws relating to wills and trusts. It also ideally simplifies the probate process. However, only a handful of states have use it. Probate can be a be a time-consuming process, and Uniform Probate Code, might shorten probate time. Do you have questions about estate planning? Speak with a… read more…
- 7 Tax Planning Strategies for Your Small Business
Smart business tax planning can make a big difference for your company. Each of the more than 30 million small businesses in the U.S. probably has a different ideal tax planning strategy. However, there are some generally applicable approaches. Many or… read more…
- What Was the Series 62 Exam and License?
Before it was retired in 2018, the Series 62 license was one of the most common certifications among financial professionals, allowing them to become registered representatives authorized to trade corporate equities and debt securities. Read on to learn what you… read more…
- How to Make a Business Continuity Plan
Businesses don’t know when disasters might strike or how big a bite they’ll take from their income. A business continuity plan is important for businesses trying to predict the unpredictable. It can help prevent problems and aid recovery while providing… read more…
- What Is a Trade War? Definition and Examples
A trade war is a conflict between two countries marked by rising tariffs and other similar protectionist actions. Remember, a tariff is a tax put into place by one country on imported goods or services from another country. Learn the… read more…
- Infrastructure Funds: Definition and Examples
We build our everyday lives over infrastructure. It includes water and sewer services, utilities, shipping and waste management. An infrastructure fund invests in companies providing these systems. Such funds can decrease volatility in a portfolio. Here’s what to know about those funds before you invest. For advice on whether these funds should be part of… read more…