Personal Finance
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Roth vs. Traditional IRA: Key Differences & How to Choose
Here are some key differences between a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA to help you choose the best investment account for your personal situation.
Roth IRA Contribution and Income Limits 2023 and 2024
Roth IRA contribution and income limits generally are revised each year. These limits determine how much you can contribute to an IRA in general and to a Roth IRA specifically.
Roth IRA vs. 401(k): What's the Difference?
Let’s take a look at the differences between a Roth IRA and the two types of 401(k) accounts and what they tell you about which to use for retirement.
What Is the Secure Act 2.0?
President Biden signed the SECURE Act 2.0 into law in late 2022, bringing dozens of new provisions aimed at making it easier to save money and better prepare for retirement.
How to Make Roth IRA Withdrawals Tax- and Penalty-Free
Roth IRAs offer the possibility for tax and penalty-free withdrawals, but the rules are complex. It’s important to understand these rules to be sure you are getting the most out of your Roth IRA.
Open-End vs. Closed-End Funds: Differences & How To Choose
Open-end and closed-end funds are professionally managed portfolios that can provide diversification, but there are some key differences to consider before investing.
11 Ways to Get Free Financial Advice
Whether you're an experienced investor or just learning how to invest, these 11 resources show how to get free financial advice to reach your goals faster.
How Stock Prices Are Determined: The Factors that Affect Share Prices of Listed Companies
In large part, supply and demand dictates the per-share price of a stock. If demand for a limited number of shares outpaces the supply, then the stock price normally rises.
5 Tips for Finding the Right Financial Advisor for You
A financial advisor can be a key ally in helping you reach your financial goals. It is critical to find the right advisor for your individual needs.
Best Financial Advisors in 2024
Financial advisors can help get your portfolio set up for success. These are our top picks for a variety of investor types.
Bear Market vs. Bull Market: How Are They Different & What Investors Need to Know
A bull market occurs when securities are on the rise and increasing in value. Learn how to invest during a bull market, compared to a bear market, in this article.
What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA? Benefits, Limits, Conversion
The backdoor Roth IRA is a technique to allow taxpayers who earn too much to contribute directly to a Roth IRA to still be able to contribute to one using a backdoor approach.
What Are the Most Popular Crypto Scams to Watch For in 2024
Crypto scams take on my forms, including phishing scams, giveaway scams and more. Find out which cryptocurrency scams are most prevalent.
Can You (and Should You) Use an IRA to Buy a Home?
The issue of whether you can use an IRA, or if you should use your IRA to buy a house is complicated. It's important to understand all sides of this issue before making a decision.
What Are I Bonds? All You Need To Know
Learn how to benefit from high inflation with Series I Bonds, including tax benefits, annual purchase limits, and ways to avoid penalties.
Do You Need a Financial Advisor?
When you’re evaluating your finances, you might need an expert to guide you through the process. Here are eight reasons why you should consider hiring a financial advisor.
Should You Reinvest Dividends? A Practical Guide
Cash dividends provide immediate income, while dividend reinvestment lets you take advantage of the power of compounding. Learn the pros and cons of dividend reinvestment and DRIPs.
UTMA Account vs. UGMA Account vs. 529 Plan: Key Differences
UTMA accounts, UGMA accounts, and 529 plans are all designed to save for a child’s educational expenses—though the first two are custodial accounts that can be used for more than education. The best option depends on what you are trying to accomplish.
What Is an UGMA Account and How Does It Work?
An UGMA account is a custodial account that is established for a minor beneficiary and funded by parents or others. All money in the account must be used for the benefit of the minor beneficiary.
UTMA vs. UGMA: Which Investing Account for Minors to Choose?
UTMA and UGMA accounts are custodial accounts that are used to save for the benefit of a minor beneficiary. The acronyms hail from the state laws that put these accounts in place - Uniform Transfer to Minors Act and Uniform Gifts to Minors Act. Learn how to use them.
Custodial Roth IRA: What Is It And Where To Open One
What is a custodial Roth IRA and how does it work? Here’s everything you need to know about this retirement investment tool for children.
What Is A Bull Market? Definition, Characteristics and Tips on How to Invest.
A bull market occurs when securities are on the rise and increasing in value. Learn how to invest during a bull market in this article.
Pension vs. 401(k): Key Differences
They both provide retirement income—but you fund your 401(k)—maybe with an employer match—and your employer funds your pension. Here's how they work.
A Timeline of the Biggest Stock Market Crashes in U.S. History
As bad as the current stock market downturn feels, it’s hardly one of the biggest market crashes in U.S. history. There are strategies to survive and thrive in whatever happens with the market.
CDs vs. IRAs: Key Differences and How Do They Compare?
Certificates of deposit (CDs) and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are commonly used for saving and investing. Learn how these two ways to build assets compare.
The 7 Best Robo-Advisors of September 2024
Robo-advisor investment portfolios vary more than you might expect. Here are our latest recommendations for the best robo-advisors.
14 Best Online Brokers and Stock Trading Platforms 2024
The best online brokers offer a full range of investments, low fees, and user-friendly trading platforms. Here are our top picks for online brokers in 2024.
Best Investment Options for Kids
Choosing the best investments for kids can be challenging. Here are four options to help get you started.
5 Best Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms for Investors
Peer-to-peer lending platforms connect individual investors with people and businesses needing money. Here’s how they work.
What Is the Rule of 55 And How Does It Work?
You may have wondered whether it’s possible to withdraw money from your 401(k) without a penalty before age 59 1/2. You can if the rule of 55 applies to you. Here’s how.
Guide to Annuities: Definition, Types, Pros & Cons
An annuity is a contract between an insurance provider and an investor that can help you save for retirement and supplement your 401(k) or IRA disbursements.
What Is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Do You Need One?
Here’s what it means to be a certified financial planner (CFP), how they help clients, whom they’re right for, and more.
What Are Dividend Stocks, How They Work And How To Invest In Them
Dividend stocks are companies that make regular payouts to their shareholders. But not all dividend-paying stocks are worth investing in.
The rule of 72: What is it and how does it work?
Internal Revenue Code Section 72(t) allows you to take early withdrawals from your retirement account without paying a penalty by using a substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP) plan. Here’s what you need to know.
6 Proven Strategies To Invest In Real Estate in 2024
Real estate can be a lucrative investment, whether you invest directly in properties or indirectly through REITs, REIGs, and crowdfunding. Here are six ways to invest in real estate.
M1 Finance Review 2024: Is it the Right Investing Platform for You?
Thinking of investing with M1 Finance? Our in-depth review will help you better understand the automated investing platform. Learn more.
What Are the 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2024? All You Need to Know
The limits for 2024 are higher than those for 2023 because the IRS adjusts them for inflation and cost of living increases every year. Plans can be more complicated than they seem. Read on to learn more.
What is FIRE Movement: Financial Independence, Retire Early?
Learn how you can take control of how you spend your time and money—and stop working sooner—with the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement.
Which States Don’t Tax Retirement Income?
State taxes are a consideration when deciding where to live after you retire. Find out which states don’t tax retirement income.
9 Best Investments for Beginners in 2024
Investing your money can seem unsettling if you’re not sure which route to take. The best investments for beginners will help you get started.
Yieldstreet Review 2024: Not for Beginners, But A Solid Choice for Accredited Investors
Yieldstreet allows everyday investors to get in on alternative asset classes such as art, real estate, and venture capital—typically the domain of high-net-worth investors.
Best States to Retire to in 2024
The best state to retire in depends on your personal needs, but choosing states with low living costs and a high senior population can make things easier.
How to Invest $50K: 11 Proven Strategies
If you have $50,000 to invest, you have plenty of options, from low-risk CDs and Treasurys to alternative investments with higher risks and potential rewards.
Public App Review 2024: Pros, Cons, What Could Be Improved
The Public app has a lot going for it, but experienced investors will be underwhelmed. And that’s OK—Public doesn’t claim to be the most well-rounded choice.
How to Become An Accredited Investor?
Here’s what to know about accredited investors, how to become one, and the types of assets you can invest in once you have this status.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) 2024: Definition, Calculation, and Implications
Newly revised tax laws require you to take money from your retirement accounts once you turn 73. By calculating your RMD, you’ll avoid a tax pitfall.
What Are The Different Types of Stocks Available to Investors?
There are numerous different types of stock investors can choose from, including common, preferred, international, growth, income, and value stocks.
How to Plan for Retirement: 5 Steps
Retirement planning takes some effort, but the sooner you get started, the more flexibility you'll have later in life.
What Is Coast FIRE?
Coast FIRE is a strategy that involves saving enough to generate sufficient future retirement income, then working to pay current expenses before “coasting” into retirement.
What Is a Mutual Fund Expense Ratio and What Is a Good One?
Buried deep in your investment funds are costs known as expense ratios. If you understand what they are and how to minimize them, you can improve your investment performance dramatically.
Alpha vs. Beta in Investing: What’s the Difference?
Alpha measures an investment's return relative to a benchmark, while beta measures risk. Find out how these two metrics can help you pick investments that match your risk/return profile.
Dividend Kings List 2024: The Most Elite Group of Dividend-Paying Stocks
A dividend king is a stock that has increased its shareholder dividends for at least 50 years in a row. Learn more about this exclusive group of stocks and how to invest.
What is a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)?
A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) lets you accumulate more shares of the same company over time, generating higher potential long-term returns due to the power of compounding.
How to Check Your 401(k) Balance?
Trying to check your 401(k) balance with a former employer, but you haven’t been there in years? Here are some tips to help you out.
10 Best Index Funds for 2024
Index funds bundle a basket of securities into a single investment offering steady, low-cost growth. Learn more.
Inherited IRA: All You Need To Know
Inherited funds from a tax-sheltered retirement plan are treated differently from other inherited assets. Here’s a look at how inherited IRAs work.
Can You Have a 401(k) and an IRA?
You can have a 401(k) and an IRA, and contribute to both in the same year, most of the time. Learn more about the pros and cons of each—and their contribution limits—here.
SEP-IRA: Definition, Rules, How to Open
A SEP IRA is an easy-to-maintain retirement plan that lets self-employed people and small business owners make tax-deductible contributions towards their own and their employees’ retirements.
Investing for Kids: How to Open a Brokerage Account for Your Child
There are various types of brokerage accounts available for kids. The right type of account will depend on your personal financial situation and investment goals.
All You Need to Know About Tax-Advantaged Accounts
What are tax-advantaged accounts? Should I open one? What are the benefits? Here’s a helpful guide to the many types of tax-advantaged accounts.
What Is A Custodial Account?
A custodial account can help you save and invest on a child's behalf until they're old enough to take it over.
ETFs vs. Index Funds: Which Are Better?
ETFs and index mutual funds both offer a number of advantages for investors. Which type of investment is better for you? Learn more.
How to Use Your Roth IRA to Buy a Home
IRS regulations allow you to withdraw funds from your Roth IRA tax and penalty-free, provided you meet specific requirements.
Everything You Need To Know About The Spousal IRA
The spousal IRA allows a working spouse to contribute to a non-working spouse’s retirement savings. Here’s what you need to know.
Mega Backdoor Roth: What Is It, How It Works, What to Consider
A mega backdoor Roth lets you save an extra $43,500 in 2023, but not all workplace plans allow them.
8 Ways to Invest $1,000
A $1,000 investment can be the perfect way to save for a financial goal or jumpstart your retirement nest egg. Here are eight ways to invest $1K.
Best Roth IRA Accounts for September 2024
The best Roth IRA accounts come with low starting balance requirements, minimal fees (or no fees), and ample investment options and tools.
10 Ways to Invest $20,000
Looking for the best way to invest $20K? Here are 10 options to consider for growing your money and reaching your goals.
How Do Savings Bonds Work? An Essential Guide.
Savings bonds offer a safe haven with guarantees of principal and interest payments. Learn about the types of bonds, how they work and how to buy them.
6 Best Ways to Earn Interest On Your Money in 2024
The best way to earn interest on your money depends on your savings goals, but these six options may provide a great return.
Masterworks Review 2024: Investing in Fine Art Made Effortless
Masterworks makes fine art investments accessible to a broader audience by offering fractional shares and handling the research, acquisition, management, and sale of artworks.
Best Money Market Funds in September 2024
The best money market funds offer high yields with low fees, and don’t require a huge minimum investment. We’ve reviewed the money market funds to help you earn more interest with less risk to your portfolio.
IPO Stock: What It Is and How to Buy It
An initial public offering (IPO) occurs when a stock first goes on sale to the public. IPOs can be risky, so you should research before investing.
Best ETFs to Invest in September 2024
The best ETFs offer low fees, diversified holdings, and the best performance. We’ve reviewed the top ETFs in every major category to help you build your investment portfolio.
Best REITs to Invest in September 2024
Real estate investment trusts, or REITs, offer exposure to the real estate market without owning, financing, or managing physical properties.
What Is an UTMA Account and How Does It Work?
An UTMA account is a custodial account that can be used to fund college expenses and a wide range of other expenses for a minor beneficiary.
How Much Social Security Will I Get?
While it’s important to learn how to save and invest for retirement, it’s equally critical to learn how much Social Security you will get. Here’s how you can estimate that benefit.
Small Cap Stocks: All You Need to Know
Small-cap stocks have market caps between $250 million and $2 billion. They can bring diversification and higher growth potential to your portfolio—but also risk. Here's what you need to know.
10 Questions to Ask Your Financial Advisor
Asking the right questions can help you choose the right financial advisor. Here’s a list to get you started.
Equity Crowdfunding: What Is It, How Does It Work?
Equity crowdfunding is a way for startups and private businesses to raise capital online by offering equity ownership in exchange for a stake in the company.
5 Best Alternatives to Quicken in 2024
Quicken is a popular desktop-based app for tracking your money. Learn about the best Quicken alternatives here.
What Is a Financial Advisor?
Learn more about what financial advisors do, the different types, the pros and cons of working with one, and more.
Inflation investments: How to hedge against inflation
Move idle cash to inflation investments and consider increasing your risk tolerance to hedge against inflation's harmful effects on your wealth.
Best Custodial Accounts for Minors in 2024
The best custodial accounts for minors offer low fees, investment education, and a broad lineup of investment options. Here are our top picks.
Savings vs. Investing: Differences & How to Choose
Our saving vs. investing comparison explains expected returns, how they differ, their pros and cons, and which type of account you need to meet your goals.
What Average Rate of Return on 401(k) Can You Expect?
While you may be aware of how much money goes into your 401(k) every month, do you know what the average return on your 401(k) investments is?
RealtyMogul Review 2024: How It Stands Out, Where It Can Improve
RealtyMogul offers real estate crowdfunding to accredited and nonaccredited investors through public, non-traded REITs and individual properties.
How to Invest in Index Funds: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
How index funds work, why they’re so popular, and how to start investing in them.
5 Best Long Term Investments To Add To Your Portfolio in 2024
Will the 2024 investment picture look like 2023? If not, you’ll need to be positioned in the best long-term investments for 2024.
How to Invest in Art: 5 Ways
Art can diversify your portfolio and yield higher returns than traditional assets, whether you invest in blue-chip art, emerging art, art funds, or fractional art shares.
Fixed-Rate Bonds: All You Need To Know
Fixed-rate bonds allow investors to diversify their portfolios while preserving principal and earning a steady income. Learn more.
Options Trading: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Options trading allows investors to benefit from speculating about short-term price movements — but it can come with risks. Check out our full guide to trading options for everything you need to know.
9 Ways to Combat Inflation
You feel it when you buy food, pay your electricity bill and fill your tank. It’s inflation. While there’s no escaping it, there are ways to combat it.
6 Types of Real Estate Investments To Know Of
The best real estate investments can generate income and capital gains while diversifying your portfolio. Here are six real estate investments to consider.
7 Tips for Buying Rental Property
Investing in real estate can build wealth, but there are a lot of costs and much ongoing work involved with buying rental property. Here’s what you’re in for.
What Is a Defined-Benefit Plan?
A defined-benefit plan, also known as a “pension plan,” provides guaranteed retirement benefits to employees.
Sinking Fund: What Is It, Types & How to Set One Up
A sinking fund is a financial tool you can use to save money over time for a specific expense, such as a planned vacation or a home repair.
401(k) Rollover to a Roth IRA: What You Need to Know
If you are contemplating rolling over your traditional 401(k) to a Roth IRA, there are a number of things you need to know before deciding whether the move is advantageous or not.
Robinhood Review: Pros, Cons, and If It's The Right Platform for You
This review will provide a balanced evaluation of Robinhood, including a deep dive into the pros and cons of the broker’s app and whether it’s the right choice for you.
8 Alternative Investments to Diversify Your Portfolio in 2024
Alternative investments offer another investing option beyond traditional investments, such as stocks and bonds. Alternatives can help investors diversify their portfolios.
What Is Fat FIRE?
Fat FIRE is a retirement strategy that focuses on retiring early and living in abundance once you reach financial independence.
The Pros and Cons of Annuities
Annuities can help supplement your retirement income, but how do you know if it’s a good option for you? Learn more about the pros and cons of annuities.
What Is A Stock Split And What Causes It?
A stock split is when the share of a stock and its share price is split. Here’s how to invest in them.
ETFs vs Stocks: Pros & Cons of Individual Stocks vs. Funds
Stocks and ETFs have some similarities but are very different. Here’s what you need to know about stocks vs ETFs and your investing strategy.
Best Fixed Income Investments in 2024
The best fixed-income investments help your money grow with less risk than stocks. Here are some top options, with tips on how to get started.
How Many (& Which) Stocks Should You Own?
How many stocks do you have in your portfolio? Financial advisors generally recommend 20 to 30. But the specific number will depend on your investment goals and intended portfolio composition.
Best Ways to Invest In Penny Stocks
Are penny stocks a gamble or a real investment? You might rethink whether or not they belong in your portfolio when you learn what’s involved.
Rolling Over 401(k): An Essential Guide
When you separate from a job where you have an existing 401(k), you have options. Here’s how to roll over your 401(k) and the tax implications of doing so.
What is a solo 401(k)?
A solo 401(k) is a retirement account for self-employed individuals who need higher limits to fast-track their retirement savings.
9 Best Ways to Invest $100K
The best ways to invest $100K depends on your goals and risk tolerance. Here are eight options to consider.
What Is Wealth Management and Do You Need It?
A wealth manager helps you grow and protect your wealth and reach your financial goals, but they aren’t cheap. Here’s a closer look at wealth management to help you decide if it’s a smart investment.
Real Estate vs. Stocks: Which Will Get You the Best Return?
Real estate and stocks each have their pros and cons as investments—from income to capital appreciation to taxes. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether to invest in either or both.
What to Know About Buying an Investment Property
Are you thinking about purchasing an investment property? Discover everything you need to know with our comprehensive investment property guide.
Penny Stocks: How to Invest In Them
Here’s everything to know about penny stocks, where to buy them, and the risks associated with this investment.
IRS Eliminates 2024 RMDs for IRA Beneficiaries Subject to 10-Year Rule
The IRS eliminated 2024 RMDs for IRA beneficiaries subject to the 10-year distribution rule enacted by the SECURE Act of 2019—and suggested that a final ruling on this matter will be released in 2024.
Retirement Calculator: How Much Do You Need?
Not sure how much money you need to retire comfortably? Our retirement calculator makes it easy to figure out.
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management Review 2024
One of the largest banks in the world, JPMorgan Chase offers a suite of investing products including individual brokerage accounts and IRAs.
Best Ways to Save for Retirement
Retirement looms large over most Americans, but fear not. You can start saving for retirement anytime, including today. Learn more.
Everything You Need to Know About Tax Efficient Investing
Tax-efficient investing can help keep more money in your pocket. Here are the accounts, investments, and strategies you should look at.
What Is a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA)?
A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) is a retirement account that offers investors the chance to hold a variety of alternative investments inside of their IRA.
Private Equity Investing: Definition, Pros & Cons, How to Invest
Private equity investing is a way for high-net-worth investors to buy a stake in companies that aren't traded on public exchanges.
401(k) Matching: Meaning, How It Works, and How to Get the Most Out of It
A 401(k) match is a contribution made by an employer to match some or all of an employee’s contributions to a company retirement plan. Employer contributions can also be made on a nonmatching basis. Not all 401(k) plans offer a match.
Best Index Funds with Low Expense Ratios
Index funds offer a low cost way to invest and an easy way to diversify your portfolio among different investment styles.
457 Plan vs. 403(b) Plan: What’s the Difference?
Both 457 plans and 403(b)s are retirement accounts available to public sector employees—but each has its own rules, features, and benefits.
Mutual Fund Fees and Expenses for Beginners
Mutual fund fees and expenses are confusing. Funds with the lowest fees can improve your investment performance by thousands of dollars.
What Is a Stock Portfolio? Definition, Strategy, Considerations
An investment portfolio is a collection of assets designed to earn a return or grow in value over time, but the right portfolio for you depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Portfolio Diversification Explained: Definition, Importance, Strategy
Investment diversification is a way to mitigate investment risk while gaining exposure to several different asset classes or market sectors.
What Is The S&P 500?
Is the S&P 500 the best gauge of the U.S. stock market? We take a deep dive into how it works and how to invest in it.
Your 2024 Guide to Trading on Margin
Margin boosts your buying power and provides more investing options, but it also amplifies your losses. Here's what you need to know about margin trading.
What is Income Investing?
Income investing is a means for investors to generate ongoing income and cash flow from all or a portion of their investment portfolio.
A List of 11 GISC Stock Market Sectors
One way to encourage portfolio diversification is to add stocks from different sectors. There are 11 stock market sectors and understanding them can potentially help you become a better investor.
What Is A Roth 401(k)? Essential Guide 2024
A Roth 401(k) is a designated Roth retirement savings account funded with after-tax earnings and kept within an employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan.
What is a covered call? Pros, Cons, Strategy
A covered call is a basic options strategy that can generate investment income from stocks you own, but you could miss out on profits if the stock jumps in value.
Common Stock vs. Preferred Stock: What’s the Difference?
Common stock offers voting rights and exposure to the market. Preferred stock offers a fixed-rate dividend, but more modest capital appreciation. They have different risks, returns, and purposes. What to know before you invest.
How to Withdraw Early From a 401(k) (& Why You Shouldn’t)
Withdrawals from a 401(k) are a serious matter, as they can lead to financial penalties and deplete funds meant for your senior years. But a host of options can help you avoid this outcome, even in an emergency.
What Is a Fixed Annuity?
A fixed annuity is a retirement savings option that provides a fixed return so you can more easily budget for your lifestyle post-retirement.
What Are Employee Stock Options?
Employee stock options grant employees the ability to buy company stock at an advantageous price, and have upsides for both employees and employers.
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest?
Debating whether you should put extra cash towards mortgage payments or investing it? It’s a tricky decision, but both are worthy goals.
ETFS vs. Mutual Funds: How To Choose the Right Investment
ETFs and mutual funds are similar, but distinct investment vehicles that offer built-in diversification and other advantages for investors.
Mutual Funds vs. Stocks: Key Differences & Which Investors Should Pick
When you invest in a stock, you buy a share of one company. A mutual fund bundles stocks, bonds, or other securities together, offering instant diversification in a single investment.
Money Markets vs. Capital Markets: Key Differences
In the money markets, governments, banks, and others buy and sell short-term debt—and individual investors own bank accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, money market funds, and similar assets.
Paper Trading Explained
Paper trading lets you practice trading, try out ideas, and test-drive a trading platform before risking real money. Here's how to paper trade and improve your trading.
What is a P/E ratio, And What Is Considered A Good One?
Learn how to use P/E ratio as you make investing decisions about individual stocks.
Dow vs Nasdaq vs S&P: What's The Difference?
How do these three stock indices compare and which should you use to assess the economy and guide your investing strategy?
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