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 … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Guide to Earning a 10% Rate of Return on Your Investments
What Is a Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payment?
If you have a 15 or 30-year mortgage, it may seem like it will take forever to pay off your debt. Thirty years, or even 15 years, is a very long time to continually have to make payments on something even though it is your house. However, there is a trick to the mortgage payment system that allows you to pay off your mortgage even quicker than you expect with little pain out of your pocket. It is called a bi-weekly mortgage. What Is a Bi-Weekly Mortgage? A bi-weekly mortgage is just like it sounds. You make mortgage payments every … [Read more...] about What Is a Bi-Weekly Mortgage Payment?
American Express Platinum Card Review – Earning Reward Points and Exclusive Benefits
One of the most sought-after American Express cards is undoubtedly the American Express Platinum Card, which offers a tremendous variety of benefits to its cardholders and a sweet introductory spending bonus as well (40-60,000 Membership Rewards® points or even 100,000 MR points if this is your first American Express Platinum Card and are able to find this elusive offer). Of course, these benefits come with a hefty annual fee – which is not waived during the first year the way many other cards do for new cardholders – yet the benefits could … [Read more...] about American Express Platinum Card Review – Earning Reward Points and Exclusive Benefits
Top 4 Reasons You Need an Emergency Fund Now More Than Ever
Do you know how to build an emergency fund? It's easier than you think to start building an emergency fund. But, you need to start now! Having an emergency fund is an essential part of everyone’s financial planning. There are many reasons that you need an emergency fund, and there has never been a greater need to protect yourself and your family than today because of the often chaotic economic climate lately. How to Build an Emergency Fund With the economy often unpredictable, it is even more crucial to be prepared for the … [Read more...] about Top 4 Reasons You Need an Emergency Fund Now More Than Ever
3 Big Money Mistakes American Workers Are Making
We all make mistakes with our finances. I’m not talking about making hard decisions and choosing which bills to pay and which to leave for another month. These are simple financial choices and the biggest money mistakes American workers are making with their paychecks. The economy is still struggling, and far too many employees are turning away free money and lending other money from their hard-earned paychecks to the government free of charge. Three Biggest Money Mistakes... 1. Not Capturing Their Employer Match According … [Read more...] about 3 Big Money Mistakes American Workers Are Making
4 Strategies to Afford a Digital Nomad Life
The following is a guest post by Molly Barnes, author of the Digital Nomad Life. If you'd like to contribute a guest post to Money Q&A, check out our guest posting guidelines. Most people look forward to their annual vacation, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some downtime. While a traditional one or two-week vacation may be refreshing, do you find you’re left wanting more out of your travel experiences? What if you could spend every day traveling? Seriously meaningful traveling — not just a week here or a long weekend there. Did you … [Read more...] about 4 Strategies to Afford a Digital Nomad Life
How to Protect Your Retirement Savings from Market Losses
Since the 2008 meltdown, adults of all ages have been justifiably concerned about their retirement plans and wondering what they should do if the markets head south again as they approach retirement age. While volatility in the markets is inevitable, there are ways to protect your retirement savings even if there’s a downturn (or even a recession) during your retirement years. If you’re currently saving for retirement but haven’t fine-tuned your portfolio’s asset allocations to pre-emptively shield yourself against a market downturn, then … [Read more...] about How to Protect Your Retirement Savings from Market Losses