Are your choices based on evidence or emotion? Information vs. instinct. When it comes to investing, many people believe they have a “knack” for choosing good investments. But what exactly is that “knack” based on? The fact is, the choices we make with our assets can be strongly influenced by factors, many of them emotional, that we may not even be aware of. Deal du jour … [Read more...] about Making Investment Decisions
Market Update (July 2021)
In this Q2 recap: U.S. economic growth strong as reopening widens. Europe’s recovery picks up steam; Stocks reach new record highs, face new interest rate and inflation landscape. THE QUARTER IN BRIEF The second quarter began by building on the first-quarter’s gains, with stretches of sideways trading and incremental increases that led to multiple record highs over the c … [Read more...] about Market Update (July 2021)
Translating Stock Market Jargon
Have you ever been confused by the jargon used on Wall Street? Allow me to translate some esoteric stock market terms into plain English. Blue chips: Stocks with a history of consistently strong dividend payments, issued by huge corporations with solid management. In addition, a nickname for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which includes 30 companies that usually deserve … [Read more...] about Translating Stock Market Jargon
Inflation & the Real Rate of Return
Is your money gaining or losing purchasing power? The real rate of return is an important personal finance concept to understand. It’s the rate of return on your investments after inflation. The real rate of return indicates whether you are gaining or losing purchasing power with your money. So with inflation checking in at a 5% annual rate, does that mean any i … [Read more...] about Inflation & the Real Rate of Return
Market Update (June 2021)
In this month’s recap: Stocks traded in a narrow range as technology and other high-valuation companies were under selling pressure. U.S. Markets Stocks traded in a narrow range in May, with technology and other high-valuation companies under selling pressure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.93 percent while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.55% per … [Read more...] about Market Update (June 2021)
End-of-the-Year Money Moves. 2020 Edition
Here are some things you might consider before saying goodbye to 2020. What has changed for you in 2020? For many, this year has been as complicated as learning a new dance. Did you start a new job or leave a job behind? That’s one step. Did you retire? There’s another step. Did you start a family? That’s practically a pirouette. If notable changes occurred in your perso … [Read more...] about End-of-the-Year Money Moves. 2020 Edition
2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More
Numbers to know for the new year. On October 26, the Treasury Department released the 2021 adjusted figures for retirement account savings. Although these adjustments won’t bring any major changes, there are some minor elements to note. 401(k)s. The salary deferral amount for 401(k)s remains the same at $19,500, while the catch-up amount of $6,500 also remains u … [Read more...] about 2021 Limits for IRAs, 401(k)s and More
Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous
Thanks to a couple of factors, some investors are thinking about this move before 2020 ends. Roth IRAs have attracted retirement savers since their introduction in 1998. They offer the potential for tax-free retirement income, provided Internal Revenue Service rules are followed. Do Roth IRAs seem even more attractive these days? Perhaps. You can cite two factors: … [Read more...] about Why Roth IRA Conversions May Now Be Advantageous