Mutual funds that contain front-end loads are one of the worst investments for individual investors. In a typical front-end load fund, the investor pays a 5.75% commission just for the privilege of buying into the mutual fund. What most people…
Is your Advisor Working for You?
If you use an investment advisor who simply puts you in mutual funds, you need to find out how he/she is getting paid. Did you know that front-end loads charged by some mutual funds are essentially sales commissions paid to…
Are IRA Maximum’s a Good Idea?
President Obama recently proposed a cap on individual retirement accounts at $3 million, saying that amount is sufficient to fund a reasonable retirement while raising revenue for the Treasury. Many people were upset by this proposal, and while I think…
The Importance of Non-Retirement Savings
Saving is a critical part of any financial plan. Spending less than you make and putting away the difference for the future is the first step to financial freedom. Since we know saving is necessary, the question becomes what is…
Tracking Your Net Worth
The best way to reach a goal is to have a goal. To have a goal though, you need to know where you are today and where you want to go. Measuring and tracking your net worth is an important…
Five Dumb Financial Moves
The Wall Street Journal had a very interesting and appropriate article this week about five really dumb financial moves people are currently making. You might need a subscription to read the whole article, but here’s the five specific moves and…
Benefits of Dividend Reinvestment Programs (DRIPs)
As a stock investor you have the opportunity to make money two ways. First, the price appreciation of the stock and second, the dividends the company pays to shareholders. Throughout the last 80 or so year, dividends have accounted for…
Retire Before 40?
A growing segment of the population is embarking on a plan being called ‘extreme early retirement.’ These individuals are families are looking to ‘retire’ by the time they are 40. Retirement isn’t exactly the right term, because the goal is…