Five stocks to consider buying now
With the market finding its way through tricky economic territory, investors will have to strike a careful balance between offensive and defensive moves. These five stocks will help you finesse your approach with a blend of classic safety plays, companies that will shine as the economy recovers, and companies poised to profit in a post-pandemic world: American Electric Power (AEP, $81):... READ MORE
Coronavirus relief act waives 2020 RMDs
The recent coronavirus relief legislation, or CARES Act, made several important changes affecting charitable deductions as well as Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). It increased the charitable contribution deduction that a taxpayer is entitled to claim for cash contributions made to most public charities during the 2020 calendar year. Prior to the CARES Act, contributing to... READ MORE
How virus affects your investments
Americans already worried about their health are now frightened about their finances. Global financial markets spiraled into bear market territory in record time thanks to the virulent, cross-border spread of the coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 infection. As the number of U.S. cases surged in mid-March and President Trump declared a national state of emergency, the specter of ... READ MORE
What do you know about financial fraud?
Promissory notes and Ponzi schemes are the leading products or schemes that are likely to trap investors in 2020, according to Christopher Gerold, the president of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). Also on the top five list (based on investor complaints and ongoing investigations) are real estate investments, cryptocurrency-related investments, and... READ MORE
Tax reduction via opportunity zone funds
It’s tough to think of a highly appreciated asset as the problem child in a portfolio. The goal is to choose investments that will flourish, after all. And those strong performers are typically the ones you love best and hold onto the longest. But things can get complicated when it’s time to let go — when that stock stops growing and you’re ready to sell, or when you’re... READ MORE
Questions to ask before investing money
Many people who ask me about investments or setting up an appointment often preface it by saying, “I’m sorry, this is probably a stupid question, but…” Most people are afraid to ask questions about their investments for fear of sounding ignorant or admitting in some way that they don’t have all of their “stuff together.” But there truly are no stupid questions when it... READ MORE
How to give your portfolio a stress test
“You need to manage your stress.” How many times have you heard those words from your doctor or spouse — or maybe said them to yourself? The thing about stress is that the problems it causes often lurk beneath the surface. It’s easy to ignore the effects of stress until they lead to a major health problem — high blood pressure, headaches, stomach issues or even a heart attack.... READ MORE
Avoid these financial pitfalls in retirement
Investing is a challenge at any age, but as you reach retirement, it becomes especially important to avoid making mistakes. When you’re younger, you have more time to recover from a bad investment or market downturn. However, when you are older and your investments are providing your income, it’s important to preserve your nest egg. There are things you can do to protect your... READ MORE
Earn higher yields while doing good
What if you could measure your investment performance not only in terms of yield and total return but also by the number of small businesses financed, tons of waste reduced and affordable homes created? A growing number of “impact” investments allow investors to do just that — while also earning decent yields. Impact investments belong to a broader principles-based investment... READ MORE
Understand the risks inherent in bonds
It’s important for investors interested in bonds to understand the potential pitfalls. For example, some don’t realize that there is an inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. When interest rates increase, the value of bonds decreases in value, and vice versa. Regardless of the quality of the bond or bond fund you invested in, if interest rates increase... READ MORE
