The Great Debate Continues: Active vs. Passive
Whether it’s sports, music, or politics, life holds any number of “great debates”– debates that never seem to reach a conclusion. In investments, that great debate asks the question, “Active or Passive Investing: Which is Better?” The fascinating aspect of this debate is that equally intelligent people can argue polar opposite positions, leaving the rest […]
ViewGlobal vs. International: What’s the Difference?
With international stock markets comprising about 41.6 percent of the world’s capitalization as of 2022, a broad range of investment opportunities exist outside the borders of the U.S.1 For investors who are looking to diversify their mutual fund portfolio with exposure to companies located outside the U.S., there exist two basic choices: A global mutual […]
ViewA Decision Not Made Is Still a Decision
Whether through inertia or trepidation, investors who put off important investment decisions might consider the admonition offered by motivational speaker Brian Tracy, “Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.” This investment inaction is played out in many ways, often silently, invisibly, and with potential consequences to an individual’s future financial security. Let’s […]
ViewManaging Money as a Couple
When you marry or simply share a household with someone, your life changes—and your approach to managing your money may change as well. The good news is it’s usually not so difficult. At some point, you will have to ask yourselves some money questions—questions that pertain not only to your shared finances but also to […]
ViewMortgages in Retirement
Anyone who has gone through the process of mapping out their retirement knows there can be a lot to keep in mind. Saving, investing, anticipating medical costs, and making sure you have enough tucked away for years to come is just the start. One question many people overlook is: “Should I pay off my mortgage […]
ViewYear-End Charitable Gifting and You
Are you making charitable donations at year’s end? If so, you should know about some of the financial “fine print” involved, as the right moves could potentially bring more of a benefit to both you and your chosen charity. Keep in mind, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for […]
ViewStrategies for Managing Student Loan Debt
If college were a party, then student loans are the hangover. Unfortunately, the “hair of the dog” won’t cure this headache, but here are some ideas for managing your student loan debt. The programs listed are not intended as tax or legal advice. They may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal […]
ViewThe Lowdown on Those Free Credit Scores
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 provided individuals with valuable rights to the credit information companies keep on them, but did you know that the credit score provided to you may be different than the one provided to lenders? The first thing you should know is that you have a right to […]
ViewCountering Counterfeit Currency
Believe it or not, the agency responsible for protecting U.S. currency is the United States Secret Service. The agency was founded on July 5, 1865, as part of the Department of the Treasury to combat the widespread counterfeiting of currency happening at the end of the Civil War.1 Combating counterfeiting remains core to preserving the […]
ViewInvesting with Your Heart
Some individuals believe that return on investment shouldn’t be the only criterion for how they invest their money. For them, the social impact of investing is just as important – perhaps more important. The history of socially responsible investing stretches as far back as the mid-18th century, but its more modern form began taking shape […]
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