Money basics: Learn more, earn more & grow more!
The holidays are a wondrous time when thoughts can't help turning to shopping. And lots of spending for the holidays. I'll be taking a few weeks off, but in the meantime, I thought I'd leave you with just a few words about spending. As good as it … [Continue reading]
If you have any loans, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to pay them off. And if so, exactly when should you use savings to pay off loans? It's a good question. Loans feel like a burden. And it would probably feel great to never have to … [Continue reading]
Well, the real question is how to handle a stock market downturn and still stay sane! As much as we love to see the value of our investments continue to climb, markets do come down. And, they go up again. Eventually. But when they do take a … [Continue reading]
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 reading]
If you're thinking about loaning money to a friend or family member, there are some important things to consider. The most obvious thing, of course, is what happens if they don't pay you back. And how do you preserve the friendship if that actually … [Continue reading]
I'll admit I was a little nervous about opening an account with Ally. First, I never worked with a bank that was online only. Second, I didn't know much about Ally bank, although I had heard of it. Could I trust it with my money? And I know I'm … [Continue reading]
A good stock broker is someone you can rely on to give you solid advice and protect your interests. Trust is key. And you get that by building an ongoing relationship with your broker. They should also be someone who remembers you exist. Especially … [Continue reading]
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 (APR) says 1.49%. So why is my APY higher than the interest rate? The simple … [Continue reading]
Do you ever wonder what a Finance MBA knows that you don't know? Is it really all that special? Well, I believe that knowledge truly is power. So with that idea in mind, I put together this basic financial literacy guide to help you strengthen your … [Continue reading]
A friend of mine said these simple words to me "Where can I learn how to buy stocks?" She's over 50 and has never bought stocks before. And she thinks it's finally time to learn what everyone else seems to already know. Although I have other posts … [Continue reading]
A friend recently asked me about "portfolio theory" and why I talk so much about diversified investing. Basically, investment diversification is making sure that you balance the types and amounts of investments you have. And it's absolutely one of … [Continue reading]
Afraid to invest? You're not alone in that. And if you're a woman, it's even more common to feel that way. But why should women especially be so fearful of investing? There are quite a few studies out there that show women and men have pretty much … [Continue reading]
Welcome! Money is something we deal with every single day. A necessary evil to some. A wonderful friend to others. But too many of us don't really understand how money works. The same goes big time for the world of banking and finance. HOT OFF THE … [Continue reading]
One of the best examples I know to help explain the "value of money today" concept comes from Popeye. As his pal Wimpy tells us quite often: "I'd gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today." So Wimpy gets his burger today, but you have to wait … [Continue reading]
Most people have little if any understanding of bonds, and so they wind up investing in stocks and stock funds and pretty much anything else. But bonds are a major type of investment, so I created this handy-dandy guide to bonds to help you increase … [Continue reading]
Have you ever thought about money as a friend? I just read a wonderful article by Dorlee Michaeli. In it she talks about the power your “money story” can have over your entire life. I can’t agree more. So much of what’s going on with you now, … [Continue reading]