We hear the word "credit" used all the time. Credit scores. Credit report. Good credit. Bad credit. Credit history. Credit card. All those credit bureaus. Credit line. And of course credit rating. But what do all those credit terms really … [Continue]
Stock Market Averages When You’re About To Retire
It can be really scary to see stock market averages taking a roller coaster ride just as you're about to retire. So I'm adding this very short post to help bring you comfort.Not that anyone can guarantee anything or make the numbers do what you … [Continue]
Beyond the Basics: Tips To Help You Understand Stocks
If you're thinking that you don't understand stocks join the club. Many people feel that way. And for some the confusion is enough to keeps them from ever investing. But that can also keep them from ever finding a comfortable balanced investment … [Continue]
About Those “Insider” Online Stock Tips
A friend of mine sent me a link to some online stock tips. Looking to invest in stocks for the first time, she did some googling. And she was excited to show me what she found -- suggestions for stocks in a growing industry she was especially … [Continue]
Saving Money Is Hard. I Feel So Deprived!
People often tell me that they feel so deprived when they try to go on a financial diet. Much like real dieting, saving money is really hard. The effort alone can leave you in a what feels like a psychological state of deprivation. Also like a diet, … [Continue]
Are You Wasting Money on Food That’s “Healthy”?
No one wants to waste money. It's too hard to come by. But wasting money on food that's supposed to be healthy for you -- well, that feels like an outright sin.So what exactly is "healthy food"? And exactly when, if ever, should we be spending … [Continue]
APY vs Interest Rate: Why Is Annual Percentage Yield Higher?
When I went online to check on the new CD I just opened, I noticed something interesting. The bank listed the Annual Percentage Yield (APY) as 1.50%. But the Interest Rate says 1.49%. So why is my APY higher than the interest rate? The simple answer … [Continue]
How To Help Your Kids Understand Money
One of the best things my mother did for me early on (and there were many) was to open up a bank account for me. If you help your kids understand money at a young age, they will have a better chance becoming comfortable with it.When I was young, … [Continue]
Owning Stocks: What You Need To Know
If you're thinking about buying some stocks, it helps to arm yourself with some facts. First thing you need to know about owning stocks is that they are investments that you can buy, sell, or hold. And they come in shares. And they let you own a … [Continue]
Stock Basics: How Do You Make Money From Stocks?
Seems like a simple enough question: "How do I make money from the stock market?" Well, the answer depends on things that are not so simple, including your own personal tolerance for financial risk.You can make money from stocks and related … [Continue]
Why Can’t I Save Money Even When I Try?
"Why can't I save money?" you ask. For those of us who can save, it pretty much becomes a habit. And for others who never seem to save a dime, the habit is to always push a little more when it comes to spending.Unfortunately, old habits are hard … [Continue]
Difference Between Bond Coupon and Bond Yield
You probably never imagined you'd care about bond coupon vs bond yield, but if you're thinking of investing in bonds, you should care. When you invest in bonds, there are a few key things you need to know. Your broker should be able to give you that … [Continue]
Buying Stock: Tips I Learned Early On From a Pro
I grew up in a relatively poor family where no one talked about the stock market. And when I went to college, I majored in Theater. So what finally gave this small-town girl the courage for my first time buying stock?You might be surprised, but … [Continue]