Last summer, the Walt Disney Company decided to remove its content from the Netflix platform, in order to deliver its films and TV shows to viewers via its own streaming service. In the face of declining revenues and shrinking audiences, the company judged that regaining control of its lucrative back catalog was the best way to boost its bottom line. Online streaming: watch what you want, when you want Customers increasingly prefer to watch movies and TV shows on online platforms, because subscription charges for cable channels have become … [Read more...] about Why Disney Wants to Buy 21st Century Fox
Tax Deductions for 401K Retirement Accounts Explained
A common myth about retirement planning is that 401k accounts are always superior to IRAs. On its face, this myth appears true. You can contribute significantly more to a 401k each year than an IRA. You can contribute $18,500 to your 401k, versus $5,500 to your IRA for workers under 50 years old. That contribution limit rises to $24,500 for your 401k versus $6,500 for your IRA for workers ages 50 and above. 401k contributions lower your tax burden year-after-year. Some employers even offer matching contributions of up to 3-6% for 401k … [Read more...] about Tax Deductions for 401K Retirement Accounts Explained
How to Save for College While Your Kid is in High School
If you’re wondering whether there is still adequate time to invest in a college savings fund for your kid(s), you should go ahead and make the leap anyway. You don't want to rely just on student loans to fund their education. You can invest with a robo-advisor or go through a traditional college savings plan broker, depending on your family’s college savings goals. How to Save for College While Your Kid is in High School Start Investing in a 529 College Savings Plan One of the most important things a parent can do while saving up for … [Read more...] about How to Save for College While Your Kid is in High School
Retirement Planning for Home Business Owners – How to Save for Retirement
Most know that Americans, particularly younger people from the Millennial Generation, are not saving enough for retirement these days, but another surprising group that isn’t saving is home business owners, according to CNBC. Without an employer-backed 401k or pension plan, home business owners are at a unique disadvantage when it comes to saving for retirement. Whereas you can currently contribute up to $18,000 annually to a 401k, with some employers offering a 3% to 6% match, IRAs are limited to $5,500 annually, or $6,500 if you’re 50 … [Read more...] about Retirement Planning for Home Business Owners – How to Save for Retirement
Why Now Is the Time to Start Saving for Next Christmas
Are you still reeling from your credit card bill after buying Christmas presents? You're not alone. Many Americans continue to put holiday spending on credit cards despite the warning signs of building consumer debt. But, you need to be saving for Christmas again already! According to the National Retail Federation, holiday retail sales increased 3.8% to $601.8 billion. More than $42 billion was spent online, a 10% increase in last year. We give generously to our friends and family members each holiday season. That's fine until you reach … [Read more...] about Why Now Is the Time to Start Saving for Next Christmas
Understanding the Difference Between Prequalification and Preapproval
People can confuse prequalification vs. preapproval for mortgages when they are applying for a loan. However, there are noted differences. For example, to become prequalified, you must give a loan officer income and debt information to determine the loan amount you can manage. Preapproval, on the other hand, requires more information gathering and checking on the part of the lender. In other words, the lender must compile your credit report data as well as determine your debt to income ratio. Preapproval makes it easier for you to shop for … [Read more...] about Understanding the Difference Between Prequalification and Preapproval
BusyKid Smartphone App Review – Tracking Chores and Teaching Kids About Money
A lot of young adults don’t understand how to save or invest money nowadays, and financial literacy rates continue to decline year after year. This is evidenced by the student loan debt crisis and stories of college students racking up tons of debt (student loans, credit cards, payday loans, etc.) while working minimum wage jobs. If you’re planning on having kids or you already have kids in your family, how do you plan to teach your kids about money? Of all the mistakes young parents can make, not teaching your kids how to manage money from … [Read more...] about BusyKid Smartphone App Review – Tracking Chores and Teaching Kids About Money
Everything You Wanted to Know About FHA Loans
The cost of housing is skyrocketing across the U.S., particularly for renters seeking affordable housing. While there are many benefits to renting a home, you don’t have to pay for repairs or property maintenance. Some utilities might be covered in your monthly rent, the freedom to move. But, many people still aspire to the American Dream of owning a home. But if housing prices continue to rise as mortgage lenders are still hesitant about lending in a post-recession economy, how can you possibly manage to save up the massive, 20% down … [Read more...] about Everything You Wanted to Know About FHA Loans
Buying Your First Rental Property – How to Know if You’re Ready to Invest
If you already have a steadily growing investment portfolio of stocks, bonds and mutual funds, then perhaps it’s time to add a new type of investment to your collection: rental property. Investing in rental properties can be an immensely rewarding venture, but it demands a lot of planning and financial involvement to be successful. Buying Your First Rental Property Are you ready for investing and buying your first rental property? Here are some things to consider while making your decision: What’s Your Current Financial Situation? To get … [Read more...] about Buying Your First Rental Property – How to Know if You’re Ready to Invest
StreetShares Review – How to Invest in Small Business Loans for Growing Businesses
Although the unemployment rate for American veterans is on the decline, the creation of fulfilling work for veterans transitioning to civilian life remains a challenge. Veterans have an immense variety of skills to offer employers, but in some cases, working for themselves might prove more rewarding. This is why StreetShares was founded in 2013 - to give veterans greater opportunities to get the funding and information they need to start businesses of their own.
How to Invest in Small Business Loans
If you want to earn great returns on your … [Read more...] about