What is the benefit of investing in individual stocks vs. buying a mutual fund?
For most people, mutual funds are an easy way to invest in the stock market. They give you diversification, and free you from spending an ... Read More...
I keep hearing that I only need 70% to 80% of my current income once I retire. Is that really enough to live on?
I would be happy if I never heard those numbers quoted again. Ever since you started working, I’m sure you have heard the argument about why you ... Read More...
With the stock market flat and poor yields on bonds and treasuries, is my best bet for saving money a CD with a 4% yield?
In this kind of market, any little thing you can do to save a bit more, at a slightly higher rate, should not be overlooked. Here are four things ... Read More...
What is the advantage of paying my mortgage bimonthly, instead of monthly?
The idea is pretty simple. Instead of paying your mortgage 12 times a year, you pay half your mortgage every two weeks. Because you are, in ... Read More...
My two mutual funds were stars and now they seem to tumble daily. What should I do with them?
The first thing you want to find out is whether it is just your funds that are under-performing, or is it all the funds like them. Wall Street has ... Read More...
I have accumulated a large amount of stock through my company's automatic investment plan. Should I continue to purchase stock in this manner?
Please, please, please diversify. And do so immediately. Here’s why.
It is certainly true that “Invest in something you know” is one of ... Read More...
Does it make sense to have your retirement income in more than one account?
You’ve diversified your stock portfolio because you know that you shouldn’t keep all your financial eggs one basket; the same can be done for ... Read More...
Can you tell me how best to mix up my stock portfolio? How much should be in stock, bonds, CDs, mutual funds?
You are definitely on the right path. You don't want to have your future goals depend on one investment, no matter how secure that investment ... Read More...
More and more people I know are planning to retire at age 62. Is there any reason to wait until I am 65?
With the retirement age steadily drifting lower—most people now retire in their early 60s—here is a radical thought: Wait to retire.
As ... Read More...
