Money Questions and Answers

The Ultimate Guide to Earning a 10% Rate of Return on Your Investments

Are you getting the best rate of return on investment? Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine annually discusses ways to boost your investment yield in its latest issue. I have to say that I am always pretty disappointed with their recommendations. I love the magazine, but I didn’t really care for a list of mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). But, I wanted concrete ideas on how to earn a 10% annual rate of return on my investments. US Treasuries are earning less than 1% and money market funds are not fairing much better. Certificates of deposit are barely scraping by at 2% or so even for the longest maturities. But, are these levels going to last? The stock market has … Read more

How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Financial Sector

by Guest Contributor

Today, countless finance organizations rely on artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to streamline day-to-day processes. A recent survey of business leaders shows that the industry’s most widely used applications of AI tech were voice assistants for customer service and financial reporting for operations. The survey demonstrates how AI technologies are transforming the financial services industry. This short guide gives you a closer look at this transformation and offers valuable insights to encourage you to invest in automation for your fintech business. AI in the Finance Sector AI in the finance sector involves the use of new technology like machine learning (ML) to replicate human intelligence and decision-making. These solutions elevate how financial institutions manage, analyze, invest, and protect assets. These new … Read more

Top 5 Simple Tips for Investing in a Gold IRA

by Guest Contributor

With recent worldwide economic volatility, many people turn to physical gold as an alternative investment option. You can diversify your investment portfolios and safeguard your retirement savings against market downturns. Below are five important tips to help you make a sound decision when considering an investment in a gold IRA. 1. Know the Rules and Regulations Gold IRA investing has specific rules and regulations that investors must comply with. For example, the IRS requires that any gold in a gold IRA meet specific fineness standards and be stored in an IRS-approved depository. The investor must appoint a qualified trustee or custodian to oversee the investment, handle the transactions, and store the gold. 2. Consider the Costs Involved Investing in gold … Read more

The Role of Form 1099 in Options Trading Taxation: What You Need to Know

by Guest Contributor

Exploring the reams of options trading isn’t just about picking smart choices for your investments; it also means knowing how taxes work. One big aspect of taxes in options trading is Form 1099. The goal is to help you see why Form 1099 is important and how it enables you to calculate tax on options trading. Here’s an article to help you understand the basics of Form 1099 step by step. Form 1099: A Simple Breakdown Form 1099 is a tax document that records different types of investment income, including the revenue generated from options trading. Brokerage firms issue this document at the close of each tax year, summarizing your trading activities and providing insights into gains, losses, and other … Read more

Top 7 Characteristics of a Great Accountant

by Guest Contributor

Accountancy is becoming an increasingly competitive profession, and employers have high demands for accountants they hire to audit their revenue. It is important to stand out to get the best opportunities, and certain characteristics will help you achieve this with the best accountant. This article contains a comprehensive and detailed discussion about some qualities a good accountant should possess. Whether you own a business enterprise or are an aspiring accountant yourself, this article will shed light on all that it takes to excel in this field. 1. Sharp Analytical Skills Being able to think analytically is a crucial skill needed to be a great accountant. You need to be able to interpret and assess large pieces of financial data and … Read more

What Is Financial Resilience? Top 7 Steps to Find More Resiliency in Your Life

by Hank Coleman

What is financial resilience? Financial resilience refers to the ability of an individual to withstand financial shocks and maintain a stable financial situation despite unexpected events. And there are several great ways that you can work to build financial resiliency. Financial resilience encompasses factors such as having an emergency fund, diversifying investments, reducing debt, and having a solid financial plan. Financial resilience allows individuals and organizations to weather financial storms, bounce back quickly from financial setbacks, and confidently pursue long-term financial goals. An individual can gain financial resilience by taking the following steps: Building an Emergency Fund Building an emergency fund provides financial resilience by creating a safety net for unexpected events. An emergency fund can help individuals handle unexpected … Read more

How to Save Money on Valentine’s Day Gifts

by Hank Coleman

Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate romantic love between partners, but it is also a day to show love to friends and family. People typically celebrate by exchanging gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, or cards, and by spending quality time together. The holiday has roots in ancient Rome and has evolved into a widespread celebration of love and affection. Whether it is a romantic dinner, a thoughtful gesture, or simply spending time with loved ones, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to express love and appreciation for those in your life. Here are some tips to help you save money on Valentine’s Day gifts: Remember, the most important thing is to show your loved one how much you care, and … Read more