M1 Finance Review – A Great Robo Advisor for Investors

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M1 Finance

Note – This blog post may contain affiliate links. While all opinions are my own, and I’m a long-time user and proponent of M1 Finance, I do receive a small compensation if you choose to sign up through the links in this article. When it comes to investing with robo-advisors, there are plenty of low-cost, automated trading platforms available today. While there are unique advantages (and disadvantages) to each one, the newest robo-advisor on the market called M1 Finance gives the more established, sophisticated investors great investing options. Developed by a 25 year-old Stanford graduate, M1 Finance simplifies the investment process for beginning and experienced investors alike. Unlike other robo-advisors, M1 Finance does not charge a fee, and it gives … Read more

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Mortgage

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12 Things You Should Know Before Buying A House

If you’re like most people, your mortgage is the costliest payment you make each month. Making your mortgage payments can be a struggle, whether you’re buying your first house or twenty years down the road in a house you’ve made your home. While you might feel stuck in the monotony of your mortgage payments, there’s hope. Read on for 5 ways you can save money on your mortgage today. #1 Improve your credit score One of the biggest factors lenders look at when deciding on APR is your credit score. FICO credit scores are the standard measure lenders use to assess your financial standing, and it can have a huge impact on your mortgage. WIth a $200k 30-year mortgage, for … Read more

Top 9 Crucial Considerations to Make Before Choosing a Bank

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How to Choose a Bank You Can Be Proud of Using

Are you tired of your bank taking advantage of you? Do you know how to choose a bank you can actually be proud of for a change? You should use a bank that treats you like a valued customer. Here’s what you need to know to find a bank worthy of your business. Are you falling out of love with your current bank, or were you never particularly fond of your current bank in the first place? Whether you’re sick of hidden fees, bad customer service, or you simply think there are better opportunities elsewhere, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to switch to another bank. Instead of letting emotions get in the way of choosing the best bank for your … Read more

USAA ETF Review – USAA Launches Its First Electronic Traded Funds (ETFs)

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When you’re trying to diversify your investment portfolio, it’s important to go beyond the usual options of stocks or bonds and consider new investment opportunities. There are many advantages to diversifying your portfolio. You’ll have lower risk thresholds, greater returns on investments, and potentially lower fees. What you invest in is just as important as who you invest with. A fund manager or investment platform with a poor history of returns could spell disaster for your portfolio. On the other hand, a successful company, platform, or organization could be tremendously helpful when it comes to getting the best returns on your investments. USAA-made ETFs are prime examples of new and promising investment options. The United Services Automobile Association offered one … Read more

5 Home Renovation Projects that Have the Worst Return on Investment

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Not all home improvement projects come with a high return on your investments. In fact, some home renovations can be downright disastrous for your budget and home value if you don’t do some careful research in advance to avoid throwing your money down the drain. It’s all about home-buying trends and preferences of potential buyers in your area. While “smart” appliances and home security upgrades are currently popular, you might be surprised to learn that luxurious additions to your home or backyard might actually hurt your home’s resale value! Why? Because buyers increasingly want low-maintenance homes for affordable prices, rather than flashy décor and immaculate landscaping that will require tons of time, effort, and money to maintain.  No matter what … Read more

Stockpile Review – Stockpile Is an Easy Way to Start Investing in Stocks

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What Is A Stock Split?

One of the biggest barriers people face when they want to get started in investing is the perception that they don’t have enough money to set aside in an investment portfolio. If you’re in a similar situation, then low-cost investment options are the perfect solution to help you build interest-accruing savings with minimal upfront monetary requirements. Take Stockpile, for instance, which allows investors to get started with as little as $5. Many of us can afford to invest $5-10 per month, though a platform as easy-to-use as Stockpile, you might find yourself investing more. To learn more about how Stockpile works and whether or not it’s a good fit for your financial situation, check out what Stockpile has to offer: … Read more