Making Budgets Work
Missing your target on your budget does not mean your budget won’t work. You just need to set more realistic targets.
Preparation Tips for a Budget
We offer six easy tips for creating your own budget.
Mutual Fund Basics
Investing in individual common stocks can be an expensive endeavor. Commissions to the broker on every buy and sell can add up over time. Many investors instead choose to invest in mutual funds based on the misconception that mutual funds do not charge commissions. In reality, mutual funds, even funds that are no-load funds, can be costly to buy, sell or simply hold.
Reading a Financial Prospectus
Once an investor makes a decision to purchase shares of a mutual fund, all aspects of the fund must be fully understood. Under the Securities Act of 1933, new issues of a security must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a prospectus must be provided to all purchasers of the new issue.
How to Maximize Your Dollars When Purchasing a Home
While it is advisable to put a 20% down payment for a home purchase, you should calculate the best use of your money if you have more than 20% to put down. You may find you get a better return if the money were invested, rather than reducing your mortgage loan.
IRA Basics
Traditional IRAs allow you to save for retirement on a tax deferred basis, while Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax contributions.
Reconciling Your Bank Account—Old-Fashioned?
Each month when you receive your bank statement, you should reconcile your checkbook register to your account statement. In this article we provide the steps and tips to keep your account balanced.
Employee and Employer Fringe Benefits
Fringe benefits are one of the overlooked benefits when considering a new job. These might garner you a discount on merchandise or services, or earn you points and rewards that you can use personally.
Qualified Retirement Plans Introduction
Qualified retirement plans provide a method for business owners and employees to save money, tax deferred, for their retirement.
First Financial Steps Part 4: Investing in IRA and Other Accounts
When investing in an IRA, you have limitless choices, unlike an employer-sponsored plan. We have some suggestions to get you started.