Category: Finance and Investing 101

Many believe that income tax refunds are not beneficial to anyone but the government. By allowing more money than necessary to be deducted from your paycheck in taxes each week, these investors state that you are essentially giving the government (via the IRS) an interest free loan. Today, we will…

Credit Unions are a great way to get a loan and improve your credit score. Many people overlook this small gem, and continue to be declined for credit opportunities when using traditional banks and financial institutions. Do not allow your poor credit rating hinder you from improving your financial health.…

One of the things that confront many adults today is a lack of experience with how stock markets work or which stocks to invest in. In a number of cases this can be attributed to not being exposed to the stock market and equity investing at an early age. Think…

Here are some of John C. Bogle's, former CEO of the Vanguard Group and founder of the "index" fund, timeless investing lessons and market philosophies. I know it reaffirmed some of my changing views around investing and saving for retirement. 1) Beware of market forecasts, even by experts. As the new year begins,…

With my son approaching another birthday, I’ve started thinking more seriously about his schooling from elementary to college/university. My parents paid for a significant part of my education and I would like to do the same for my son. Given the rising cost of tertiary education, I figured the earlier I save…

After a volatile year of trading I have decided to streamline and simplifying my longer term investing strategy. In a nutshell this means going from holding a bunch of stocks, sector ETFs and mutual funds to just holding three low-cost index funds that provide the diversification and exposure I need.…

We, as human beings, have a set system of beliefs embedded in our personalities: political beliefs, religious beliefs, moral and ethical beliefs. These have been formed within us since childhood by our upbringing, our experiences, and our environments. It’s tough to change these beliefs, and for that reason, when you…

The IRS has provided a $500 increase in tax deductible 2013 401(k) and IRA contribution maximums. Employer sponsored 401k plan contribution maximums have risen from $17,000 to $17,500. IRA limits have risen to $5,500 from the 2012 maximum of $5,000. These increases may not seem like a lot at first glance but over a number…

See the latest Capital Gains rates and exclusions in this article. _____________ [Updated following Fiscal Cliff Deal] With legislation now in place to avert the fiscal cliff many investors will be breathing a sigh of relief as the tax rates on capital gains, dividends on investments did not rise as…

Just like any other business minded person, financial (investment) advisors and planners are in it for the money – they have to make a living, and they’re doing it on your dime.  Don’t ever doubt that they are terrific salespeople as well as financial advisors. So, taking their word as…

Income from mutual funds and stocks that invest in real estate backed mortgages has never been higher. With returns of 8-15% these alternative investments – when used appropriately – can substantially increase portfolio income and growth. Much of the success of these funds is due to the difficulty that Americans…

When you sell a capital asset like a stock, bond, cryptocurrency or investments you own, the difference between the amount you sell it for and what you paid for it (cost basis) is classified as a capital gain or a capital loss. Capital gains and losses are further classified as…

Everyone is now feeling the effects of higher prices and rising costs. Also known as inflation. As consumers, no one likes inflation. However as investors, there are some good ways to profit from rising inflation, or at least buffer your portfolio from falling asset prices. Before we can figure out…