Money Questions and Answers

My 2016 Stock Market Predictions & Economic Forecast

Every personal finance writer, expert, pundit, and money blogger tries to make 2016 stock market predictions. I’ve made one for the past few years running. So, once again, I thought that it would be fun to make my own stock market predictions for 2016 and keep the tradition going. As always, I will follow my stock market predictions throughout the year with regular updates each quarter. Do you have any stock market predictions? Email me at Hank [at] MoneyQandA.com or leave a comment below, and we can track your stock market prediction as well throughout the year. 2016 Stock Market Predictions Here are my 2016 stock market predictions. I’ve included several other macro economic and IPO predictions too. I have included … Read more

What Is A Bond? A Great Infographic From Mint.com

by Hank Coleman

What are bonds? A bond is a loan from an investor to a company.

When we need a new car, we typically go to the bank and borrow money and purchase the car with a car loan. The same can be true for a company. They can go to a bank and borrow funds for a new factory or to expand a product line. Or, they can borrow money from individual investors. That’s where bonds come into play.

When a company, public or private, needs to borrow money, they have the option of issuing bonds for people to buy and invest in. Local, state, and the federal governments do the same and issue bonds.

Below is an excellent infographic from Mint.com which explains the ins and outs of bonds. It talks about what are bonds, how investors earn a return on their investments, and the like.

How To See Sporting Events and Concerts For Free

by Hank Coleman

I love Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, I’m a diehard Atlanta Braves fan. They crush my spirits every fall with their pitiful play. But, I still try and see as many baseball games as I can. But, games are expensive. So, I’m always on the lookout how I can see sporting events and concerts for free or at a steeply reduced cost.

Baseball games are expensive. In fact, Major League Baseball’s average ticket price increased 3.3% last season to $28.94, the steepest rise in six years. It’s estimated to cost over $211 for a family of four to see a baseball game in America according to the TMR’s Fan Cost Index, which tracks total costs over the years.

But, I’m here to tell you that you can see your beloved team for free. Here’s how…

How To See Sporting Events For Free

Sell Bobbleheads on eBay

Each year, most Major League Baseball give freebies and giveaways to their fans during select games throughout the year. The Atlanta Braves just announced their game promotions and bobbleheads that they will giveaway for the upcoming season.

Why do I mention this? I’m a collector. I love swag, and baseball swag is no different. In fact, I’ve started collecting bobbleheads from my favorite teams and players. I have quite a few from the Atlanta Braves, several of my favorite player Hank Aaron, and even a few from the year I lived near Kansas City going to Royals games.

Here’s a photo of my collection of my bobbleheads and memorabilia in my home office.

Tweaking Your Life Stage Investment Strategy

by Jeremy

No matter what your attitude is toward money, the one thing that we all have in common is the need for financial security. The safest approach is to start a savings account, but that won’t get you too far when it comes to big life events like buying a home, raising a family or getting ready for retirement. While it’s important to accumulate cash for emergency liquidity, it’s equally important to devise a smart investment strategy to grow your wealth. You have to make sure that it’s flexible enough to change as your life circumstances change. This approach requires you to think realistically about your future and get really specific about how much money you need to live comfortably at each … Read more

What’s in Your Pocket Change? How To Start Coin Collecting

by Guest Contributor

The following is a guest post. If you would like to write an article for Money Q&A, please visit our Guest Posting Guidelines page and then send me an email.

Could you imagine a hobby that would enhance your appreciation of art, while expanding your knowledge in politics, history, and geography? You should consider coin collecting. This would help you gain and strengthen organizational skills, which means you’d have better opportunities socializing with other people who have the same interest.

If the answer is yes, then coin collecting might be perfect for you. So, the question is, would it be practical to embrace such a hobby?

Would coin collecting be valuable once you hit your golden years? The answer is yes, and we’d bet a bottom silver dollar on it. Here’s why.

History of Coin Collecting

Coin collecting is very popular nowadays. In fact, a lot of collectors buy and collect coins for personal pleasure and enjoyment, but there are those who also see it as an investment.

In ancient times, coin collecting was a hobby that only appealed to royalty, and was known as the “Hobby of Kings”. Around the 14th century, coin collecting became seemingly popular and records of coin collecting began to mark history in numismatics. It wasn’t until the 19th century that coin collecting spread to other social classes.

Today, coin collecting is more systematized and extremely accessible. There are coin conventions almost anywhere you go, as well as a number of numismatic organizations to join.

Begin With Pocket Change

There are several levels of coin collecting. To start, here are some of the oldest coins that are worth more than the face value and could be in your pocket change.

Saving for a House Deposit When You’re Already On a Budget

by Guest Contributor

Have you struggled saving for a house deposit in the UK? You may have heard about the helping hand that first time home buyers are getting in the UK from the government, with the Help to Buy scheme and Help to Buy ISA.

Unfortunately in the US, we don’t have anything similar. And, saving for a house deposit can be extremely difficult for people looking to buy their first homes. Here are some tips for saving for a house deposit.

Tips for Saving for a House Deposit On A Budget

If you’re struggling with saving for a house deposit which can be such a daunting sum, here are some tips on saving for a house deposit and get your savings back on track.

Open a Separate Bank Account

Open a separate bank account for your savings. While this seems obvious, many people let their savings add up in the bank account their salaries are paid into, meaning that once your savings start to build up, it’s easy to accidentally dip into them.

Having your savings in a separate bank account also means you can choose the account that offers the highest interest rate to maximize your money.

Bank Any Surprise Cash

If you receive a sum of money you hadn’t planned for a tax return, a bonus at work or even money from friends or family, then bank all of it. No matter how large or small, putting these unplanned funds into your savings account rather than treating yourself.