Preparing for Emergency Expenses

Just like windfalls will come, and a person’s financial life will feel easy, emergency expenses will come as well.  Nobody likes it when sudden, unexpected expenses arise.  They are never planned, and they are always a source of anxiety and worry.  Regardless of how well a person manages their finances, at some point, they will experience an “emergency” that will require them to spend extra money. ...

How to Handle Inheritances

At some point in everyone’s life they will have a relative that passes away.  When this happens they are often given something that their loved one once owned.  It could be as small as their favorite watch, or as large as the family fortune.  In any event, an inheritance comes along to many people.  Most of the time you expect it, but there are times when the amount that comes in is unexpected and you need to...

Adding to Your Portfolio: Emerging Markets Investing

One of the more common asset classes among those who have a higher risk tolerance is emerging markets investing.  This sector is made up of businesses that are rapidly growing in countries that are now becoming industrialized.  It captures two of the areas that often see explosive growth: new businesses and new markets.  Emerging markets are primarily foreign and overseas, and often they are called developing...

Adding Socially Responsible Investments to Your Portfolio

More people are considering making socially responsible investments as a way to do well and do good at the same time.  This method of investing involves putting money into companies that have a proven track record of sustainability and ethics.  They are companies that look out for their employees, care for the environment, and have it written into their business plan that they desire more than just profits, but to...

Adding to Your Portfolio: Domestic Investments

The most popular investments are classified as domestic investments.  Most people think of the U.S. stock market when they think of investing, and on the U.S. Market are all companies that are based here in the United States.  While there are many other ways to invest, domestic markets are a great place for those who want to take more risk than being in bonds, but less risk than being invested in foreign...

Mutual Funds and ETF’s – The Basics

Most people know of stocks, and when we talk about investing we usually refer to the stock market.  This is just a small portion of the investment world, and most people will never even directly own stocks, instead preferring to stick with the less volatile mutual funds and ETF’s. When an investor hears the term “individual issues” they should immediately think “stocks and bonds.”  Stocks are shares of a...

Are You Ready to Join a Credit Union?

Credit Unions and banks provide almost identical services. Both types of financial institutions provide for savings and checking accounts, provide customers with mortgages, car loans and personal loans, provide credit and debit cards. Customers can bank online and arrange for direct deposit with credit unions.  Accounts at both types of institutions are insured. Credit unions even have business accounts. However,...

Minimizing Brokerage Fees

While you are setting aside money for retirement, make sure that you’re not paying too much for brokerage fees.  You should be commended for saving money for your golden years; however, you don’t want to find out that you’ve been paying much more in financial advisor fees than necessary.  The fact is, saving money costs money.  Commissions and asset-based fees are the two main ways a person can pay their...

Building an Aggressive Investment Portfolio

For younger investors or investors that do won’t need access to their money any time soon, a more aggressive investment portfolio may be best suited their long-term needs.  This portfolio will hold more equities in it, so the volatility will be higher than one with less equity exposure and more bond holdings.  With a longer time horizon the investor can wait for the portfolio to recover from the downturns. ...

Understanding Bank Fees

Banks and credit unions provide a number of ways to save or invest your money.  Unfortunately, this often comes with fees or charges.  After all, most banks are for-profit businesses and need to make money in order to continue to provide the services they do.  While most of the bank charges are open and people are well aware of them, many can sneak up on a person. Many bank fees are only associated with certain...