How to make the most of rising CD rates
As the Federal Reserve hikes interest rates, banks have been more generous in boosting yields on short-term certificates of deposit than on other types of deposit accounts. Even brick-and-mortar institutions — which lag Internet banks when it comes to pushing up rates on deposit accounts — are loosening the CD purse strings. Recently, with a $5,000 minimum deposit you could earn as... READ MORE
Ways to maximize returns on your cash
Savers with high cash balances face a conundrum: How can they earn competitive yields without sacrificing federal deposit insurance coverage? As the Federal Reserve raises interest rates, the question takes on greater urgency. Some banks are now offering yields north of 2 percent, which is the Fed’s inflation target, “so for the first time in more than a decade, savers are in a... READ MORE
Here’s how I size up which stock to buy
I like to buy shares when a company’s price-earnings ratio is less than the sum of its earnings-growth rate and its dividend yield. My goal is to find stocks that investors have mispriced — when the P in a P/E is too low, given a company’s prospects for increasing profits and its dividend payout. My formula is a version of the dividend-adjusted PEG ratio, long favored by Peter... READ MORE
Lower blood pressure may prevent dementia
Lowering blood pressure more than usually recommended not only helps prevent heart problems, it also cuts the risk of mental decline that often leads to Alzheimer’s disease, a major study finds. It’s the first time a single step has been clearly shown to help prevent a dreaded condition that has had people trying crossword puzzles, diet supplements, and a host of other things in hope ... READ MORE
Name beneficiaries to limit cost to heirs
An article appeared recently on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal written by Warren Kozak, whose wife died earlier this year. Kozak indicated that his bankers had never recommended to him and his wife that they should name beneficiaries on their savings accounts. Kozak was under the false impression that the savings account in his wife’s name would automatically transfer to ... READ MORE
Get your feet wet in water-related funds
As natural resources go, oil tends to get more attention from investors than clean drinking water, even against the backdrop of headline-grabbing shortages in Flint, Michigan, South Africa and elsewhere. But a few funds are showing that investing in utilities and water infrastructure and technology companies can pay off, especially for long-term investors looking to diversify their... READ MORE
Money market funds offering juicier yields
For years, money market mutual funds have paid practically nothing. But each time the Federal Reserve lifts short-term interest rates, yields on money market funds tend to rise in tandem. “That’s one of their most attractive qualities,” said Peter Crane, president of Crane Data, a money fund research company. Many money funds yield more than 1 percent, and Crane expects yields on... READ MORE
Bitcoin and blockchain. Why all the hype?
I can’t tell you the number of phone calls I’ve fielded about bitcoin in recent months. The shocking rise of cryptocurrencies last year triggered a wave of media attention on this new form of money as an investment. Even my kids have asked me about it, and are investing themselves. For early adopters of cryptocurrency, 2017 was a good year. Bitcoin started that year at about $1,000... READ MORE
How corporate tax cuts may affect stocks
Stocks rose for months on hopes that tax cuts will fuel a surge in corporate profits and dividend increases. But despite some volatility lately, you haven’t missed the rally — it should last well into 2018, especially for the parts of the market that may benefit the most. One way to cash in is with shares of small and midsize firms. Such companies tend to pay taxes at higher... READ MORE
Five cheap stocks to buy for $20 or less
Stocks with low share prices can be a cost-effective way for small investors to diversify their portfolios. But even after a bumpy few weeks, the market remains near all-time highs and is as expensive as ever, making quality cheap stocks more and more difficult to find. Before a rising market tide lifted almost all boats, it wasn’t too tough to find stocks for less than $10 that... READ MORE
