How to Invest

May 27, 2023Investors who buy and sell stocks and options usually know how much they pay their broker per trade, but many people don’t know that bond trades also carry broker fees. Commonly called “markups,” these bond commissions are often baked into… read more…

April 18, 2025If you’re preparing to invest $200,000, or an amount in that range, with the goal of growing it to $1 million, you’re in a strong position to build significant long-term wealth. Reaching a seven-figure portfolio is achievable with the right mix of planning, discipline and market insight. We’ll review some key strategies, investment options and… read more…

May 8, 2023From buying groceries to gasoline to automobiles, inflation has hammered Americans’ purchasing power. In fact, the most well-known metric of inflation has soared to a four-decade high. A myriad of factors has come together to increase inflation in 2021 and… read more…

July 24, 2025While it’s not possible for individual investors to buy shares in a private company, it is possible to own them. Whether it’s through stock options or accredited investing, if you own shares in a private company, you can sell them. In most cases, the easiest option is to sell your shares of stock back to… read more…

July 17, 2025Most individual investors cannot directly invest in private companies due to internal guardrails that limit decision-making to select individuals. Only institutional and accredited investors are allowed to be direct investors in non-public private companies, but you can  invest in private companies indirectly via ETFs and mutual funds. . Do you have questions about managing your… read more…

May 24, 2022The term “18-hour city” describes a medium-sized urban area with the potential to become a large metropolis in the ranks of New York, San Francisco, Chicago and similar “24-hour cities.” Some real estate investors see opportunities to achieve above-average returns by acquiring properties in 18-hour cities, where prices are still moderate but, because of their… read more…

May 19, 2022Biden’s administration has authorized an American license to finance and invest in a private company in Cuba. This could be the first of its kind since the beginning of the U.S. embargo on the island-nation over six decades ago. While the investment is worth a maximum of $25,000, the owner of the license says that… read more…

August 21, 2025U.S. savings bonds are a low-risk investment product backed by the U.S. government. Used by generations of Americans to generate a stable return on cash savings, savings bonds are purchased through the U.S. Department of Treasury and earn interest over time. However, knowing how to redeem savings bonds is important for any investor. The process… read more…

May 10, 2022Carbon credits are becoming a popular idea for investment as governments begin to take the threat of climate change seriously. While ideally this will become an active investment option in the future, at the moment there are relatively few ways to get into this market; mostly because it doesn’t really exist yet, at least in… read more…

May 8, 2023Lucid Motors is a California-based publicly traded company that was founded in 2007 and sells electric vehicles. Like Tesla, this company focuses on the luxury market. If you’d like to invest in the electric car company Lucid Motors, here’s what… read more…

May 8, 2023Fifth-generation wireless, otherwise known as 5G, is a big deal, a highly anticipated next step in wireless service. If companies can distribute it as advertised, it has the potential to completely replace cable modems and traditional wifi, with benefits to… read more…

July 24, 2025There are two main ways to invest in private equity. The first, and most common, is to invest through a private equity firm. However, it’s also restricted to accredited investors. These are investors who are wealthy or experienced or both. The second way, and most accessible, is to invest in ETFs and other funds that… read more…

March 28, 2023As you take steps to meet your financial goals, it is always important to keep in mind long-term planning. Long-term investment planning ignores the daily fluctuations of the market and, instead, focuses on strategic steps that offer significant value over… read more…

February 26, 2025A health savings account (HSA) provides a tax-advantaged opportunity to grow funds to cover future medical expenses.  The funds can be contributed tax-free, grow tax-free and be withdrawn tax-free for qualified medical expenses. But it’s important to find HSA investments… read more…

May 8, 2023Experts advise investors to build a diversified portfolio to minimize volatility and generate consistent returns. One of the ways that you can achieve diversification is to add hard assets to your investment portfolio. Hard assets are investments that are tangible… read more…

February 26, 2025Investors use thematic investing to identify opportunities that could drive long-term growth. These types of investments are usually focused on a trend. Let’s break down how this strategy works, compare advantages and disadvantages for your investments and examine popular examples… read more…

August 31, 2023Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have become household names and continue to grow in popularity. However, to invest in securities in the U.S., you must be at least 18 years old. So if you want to give your children access to crypto,… read more…

April 25, 2025When you have hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars to invest, there are many ways to grow your money and earn passive income. If you are looking for smart investments to build your wealth, here are five options… read more…

May 8, 2023Investing for your children might be a strange concept to grasp – children don’t usually have income, so why would they need you as a caretaker to add yet another financial responsibility to your plate? The answer is more forward-looking… read more…

July 3, 2025Whether you’re planning for the future or already have a strong financial foundation, it is always wise to put careful thought into the decisions you make for your money. If you have $500,000 to invest, choosing the right investments can set you up for long-term growth and financial security. Using SmartAsset’s investment calculator, we explore… read more…

April 29, 2025College costs continue to rise, creating financial pressure for many families. Even an in-state public university averages $27,146 per year for tuition, fees and living expenses, according to a 2025 report from Education Data Initiative. That figure nearly doubles to $58,628 per year at private institutions. To prepare for these expenses, many families turn to… read more…

April 17, 2025If you came into an extra $40,000, how would you use it? It might be tempting to put that money into something instantly gratifying, like a vacation. But for some, it may be wiser to use those funds to invest in your future. In a few situations, that might mean paying down debt first. Or… read more…

July 10, 2025Investing in royalty income can provide long-term returns to investors seeking to fund retirement or diversify a portfolio beyond stocks and fixed-income securities. Owning rights to royalties provides a steady income that tends to be insulated from fluctuations in the… read more…

May 8, 2023Rivian is an American electric vehicle manufacturer. Founded in 2009, this firm isn’t one of the big car companies that have dominated the market for years. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the main rivals to Tesla. Instead, this newcomer… read more…

March 8, 2022Lithium, the lightest metal on the periodic table of elements, has emerged as a metal of choice for many 21st century electronics and electrical devices. In particular, it is the basis of the lithium-ion battery, as well as consumer products such as computers and smartphones. While any investment in future-oriented technology is a gamble, since someone… read more…