Posts by Dori Zinn
Roth & Traditional IRAs
Age Limits for IRA Contributions
When it comes to retirement savings, your age can have a major effect on things. Depending on which type of retirement account you have, your age may define both when you can access your funds and how much money you can… read more…
Tax Credits & Deductions
How to Deduct Medical Expenses on Your Taxes
Paying for health insurance and medical bills can get expensive. Luckily, you can recoup some of those costs when you file your taxes by taking a deduction for medical expenses. To do so, the expenses in question must meet the qualifications outlined… read more…
Financial Planning
How to Buy a Plane: Costs, Upkeep and More
The cost of buying an airplane varies widely, influenced by factors like aircraft type, size and age. While used single-engine planes can cost around less than $50,000, larger jets can cost millions or even tens of millions of dollars. Beyond the purchase, upkeep expenses – such as fuel, maintenance, hangar storage, and insurance – add… read more…
Certifications & Licenses
A Guide to the Biggest Securities Licenses
Selling securities or financially advising clients requires a license, and which license a professional needs depends on a number of factors, including what type of securities are being offered for sale, what type of financial transaction is being conducted and… read more…
Financial Planning
How to Retire in Peru: Costs, Visas and More
When it’s time to retire, many U.S. retirees head south. While many stop in Florida or other southern U.S. states, some keep going for destinations in Central America or South America. One popular destination is Peru, where visitors and retirees… read more…
Financial Advisor
Investing in Direct Participation Programs (DPPs)
Direct participation programs (DPPs) are a specific type of investment to consider. They are non-traded, pooled investments, and they commonly invest in ventures like energy companies and real estate. This is a bit different from other pooled products like mutual… read more…
Financial Advisor
What Constitutes Insider Trading?
Buying and selling shares of company stock isn’t illegal. But what about when you do it for a company you work for or otherwise interact with? Insider trading can be tricky. One wrong move can turn savvy trading into illegal… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Buy a Boat
Owning a boat can be a great way to relax with family and friends — or just alone. And, for those interested in making a “statement,” nothing says luxury like sailing along in a big, immaculately appointed yacht. But if… read more…
Financial Planning
How to Retire in Canada: Healthcare, Housing & More
Many retirees like to head south in search of warmer climates. But what if you want to head north instead? Retiring to Canada has a range of benefits, like universal healthcare and reasonably priced housing. And if you’ve got family… read more…
Financial Advisor
The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
There are plenty of retirement plans for workers: 401(k)s and pension plans set up through your employer, IRAs you can manage on your own and Social Security benefits available to every American who’s paid into the system. Meanwhile, government workers have… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Retire on a $200,000 Inheritance
An inheritance may help boost your retirement savings. But whether or not it’s enough to live off of in retirement is a very personal question. If you’ve received about $200,000 and you’re wondering if your windfall makes you ready to retire today, you should consider fully assessing the math behind what you’ll need in retirement. There… read more…
Financial Planning
What Is Reinsurance?
You buy insurance to protect yourself and your things. So how do insurance issuers protect themselves? Well, reinsurance is insurance for insurance companies. It minimizes the risk of any single event, disaster or another emergency. Here’s a breakdown of how… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Invest in a Broadway Show
Are you ready to take your shot investing in a Broadway show? Instead of throwing your money into the stock market or even real estate, you may consider this potentially lucrative side of the entertainment world. Here’s what you can… read more…
Financial Planning
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Horse?
Owning a horse isn’t quite as expensive as you might think. However, you should still be ready to drop a few thousand dollars if you’re looking for an equine member of the family. It’s estimated that there are nearly 7.2… read more…
Market Insights
How to Buy an Investment Property
For conservative investors, the stock market holds huge risks. If that’s you, maybe you stick to high-yield savings accounts or low-cost index funds or ETFs. However, investors willing to take a bigger risk may invest in properties. Here’s how to… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Buy a Second Home With No Down Payment
Buying a home will be one of the most expensive purchases you ever make. Even on a tight budget, you can make it work. You can save up for an increase in monthly mortgage payments. You can even go in… read more…
Certifications & Licenses
CMA vs. CPA: Which Should You Choose?
Finding the right financial professional can be a bit of work. Even when you’ve narrowed the focus of precisely what you need, you may still have trouble finding the right expert to help you. When it comes to various accounting… read more…
Financial Advisor
CFA vs. CPA: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to picking an expert to help you manage your money, two of the more common types of experts are CPAs and CFAs. The former certification is typically earned by accounting professionals, while the latter certification is earned… read more…
Financial Advisor
Home Equity Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinancing
Owning a home is an expensive venture. But your home could be earning you money through equity and it might be time to convert that equity into cash. You could lower your interest rate, convert equity to cash or both through… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Use Gift Planning in an Estate Plan
Gift planning can be a key element in an estate plan. If it is done properly, an estate plan can ensure that your assets are given to the people and organizations you care about and it also minimizes the impact of… read more…
Financial Planning
Differences Between Short Term vs. Long Term Capital Gains
When you sell something, you’re likely looking to profit from it. Capital gains are profits from an asset sale, like your home, business, or stocks. Capital gains come in two different forms: long-term and short-term. Each faces a different tax… read more…
Financial Advisor
Private Equity vs. Venture Capital
When firms or people invest in companies, there are a few different ways to go about it. For example, there are venture capitalists and private equity firms. Both have interests in helping companies, but how they go about it isn’t… read more…
Financial Advisor
Real Estate Brokers vs. Agents: Which Should You Use?
Buying or selling a home is a major financial step. Whether you’re about to invest a lot of money in a property or make a lot of money from selling one, having the right real estate expert in your corner… read more…
Brokerage
Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA)
When you go to a doctor, you may prefer one who puts your health first. When it comes to your money, you likely want a professional with your interests in mind. An Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA) can work in your best interests. Here’s how people get that title and how they work for you.… read more…
Financial Planning
What Is an Investment Policy Statement?
Financial advisors often prepare for their clients an investment policy statement, which outlines your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and asset allocation. It may also list specific securities or sectors you want to avoid. Even if you don’t have an… read more…