Investors face an ever-expanding array of investment options, and it’s important to understand basic distinctions between types of investment vehicles before making a choice. Mutual funds and ETFs are similar in that in that they are pooled investments offering investors a convenient means of … [Read more...] about Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Passive or "index" funds are those that try to track/mimic, rather than outperform, the returns of a benchmark/index such as the Standard & Poor (S&P) 500 as closely as possible, purchasing all or a representative sample of its securities. In the case of actively managed funds, on the other … [Read more...] about Passive vs. Active Funds
Federal securities laws categorize investment companies into three basic types: 1. Open-end companies; 2. Closed-end companies; and 3. Unit investment trusts (UITs). Open-End Companies In the case of open-end funds/companies, investors and fund companies buy and sell fund shares directly with … [Read more...] about 3 Types of Investment Companies
In May 2016, U.S. college graduates owed an average of $37,172, a 78% increase from 2006 figures, according to data compiled by student loan expert Mark Kantrowitz. Fortunately, college grads with good credit and a steady full-time income are excellent candidates to refinance their loans—that is, … [Read more...] about Student Loan Refinancing 101
The expected return on your investments could dictate some pivotal spending choices you'll need to make with your money. At some point, for instance, you may be faced with the dilemma of whether to use money in excess of your fixed expenses to pay down debt or to put it towards your investments … [Read more...] about How to Estimate Investment Return
When the time comes to start thinking about how to go about paying off loans and you do some Googling to figure out the best way to do it, you'll likely encounter conflicting advice that may leave you baffled. In this article I'll explain why targeting loan payments based on their highest interest … [Read more...] about Debt Snowball vs Debt Avalanche
Rebate apps offer a simple, low-effort way to maximize your shopping savings. Since discovering them last year, I've been getting a few dollars back after each trip to the grocery or drugstore. You can combine rebates with in-store sales and promotions as well as manufacturer coupons, sometimes even … [Read more...] about Save Money with Rebate Apps
Establishing and maintaining excellent credit is an essential step of attaining financial security. Even if you're on top of your month-to-month expenses and have no need for credit now, don't shy away. Chances are, there will come a time in your life when you'll need help in paying off large … [Read more...] about Credit Scores 101
