Posts by Rachel Cautero:
The term “set it and forget it” is ubiquitous in the financial world, and with good reason. Regular contributions to your retirement accounts or investment portfolio can help keep you on the right track for your long-term financial goals. A systematic investment plan allows you to make regular investments in a mutual fund or other security. Here’s how to set one up, and why it’s a good idea. Read more
The process of divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. It can also be very complicated, as state laws tend to dictate who gets what property, assets and even debt in a split. Equitable distribution is a system by which many states divide property during a divorce. What does it mean and which states use it? Read more
If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “The more you make, the more you spend,” you’re likely already familiar with the concept of lifestyle inflation. Lifestyle inflation is when you increase your household spending as your income levels rise. Learn how this can hurt your long-term finances, and how to manage it. Read more
South Dakota does not levy either an estate tax or an inheritance tax. However, there are other South Dakota inheritance laws of which residents should be aware, including rules governing intestate… Read more
North Dakota does not levy an estate tax or an inheritance tax. But North Dakota has other inheritance laws of which you should be aware, including rules concerning intestate succession, probate,… Read more
New Hampshire does not charge an inheritance or estate tax. But if you inherit an estate from someone who lived in a state that does have such taxes, you may still have to pay it. In this detailed… Read more
Montana does not charge an inheritance tax, nor does it tax the estates of decedents who were residents of the state (or who owned property within its borders). In this detailed guide of Montana’s… Read more
Hawaii is has no inheritance tax, but it is one of 12 states with an estate tax. In this detailed guide of the Aloha State’s inheritance laws, we examine this estate tax, along with other key… Read more
Like many states, Delaware does not have an inheritance or estate tax. The First State also boasts the sixth-lowest property tax in the U.S., and has no gift tax, making it a relatively tax-friendly… Read more
South Carolina does not levy an inheritance or estate tax, but like all states, it has its own unique set of laws regarding inheritance of estates. In this detailed guide of South Carolina… Read more
Nevada does not charge estate or inheritance taxes. In this detailed guide of Nevada’s inheritance laws, we break down intestate succession, probate, what makes a will valid and more. If you’d like… Read more
Michigan does not have an inheritance or estate tax, but your estate will be subject to the Wolverine State’s inheritance laws. In this detailed guide of Michigan inheritance laws, we break down… Read more
Determining when to retire can be tough. There are various factors to consider, including your financial situation, your health, and the lifestyle you wish to enjoy once you retire. While the… Read more
Missouri inheritance laws are fairly tax-friendly, as the state doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax. You will, however, be responsible for federal inheritance taxes should the inherited estate… Read more
A wide range of studies shows the value of seniors keeping busy for their physical health, mental acuity and memory. That presents one of the few downsides of retirement: How do you keep busy when… Read more
You know how much you paid for an investment. But do you know how much it’s actually worth? While the value of most assets equates to market value, intrinsic value implies the investor’s perceived… Read more
If you’re a millennial, chances are, you don’t have a financial advisor. In fact, one survey found that just 11% of millennials regularly meet with a financial advisor, while 31% use either a robo… Read more
The term “garden leave” refers to a company’s practice of paying an employee who is leaving to stay away from work and delay seeking employment elsewhere for a period of time. They’re also usually… Read more
Divorce always presents financial issues, and that can be especially true later in life. A gray divorce refers to couples who get divorced late in life – usually after 40 years or more of marriage.… Read more
So you’ve got a few thousand extra dollars in the bank. Maybe you got a bonus at work, or a small inheritance, or a tax refund. Or maybe you’ve just been saving more than you’ve been spending lately.… Read more
Do you dream not only of an island getaway but of getting away to your very own island? Good news. It’s actually possible to buy an island, and it may not be as difficult as you think. However, you… Read more
There are numerous savings options for retirees, from 401(k)s to IRAs, and even HSAs. But there are other savings vehicles worth considering. A fixed annuity provides retirees with regular payments.… Read more
The work of a financial risk manager (FRM) and a chartered financial analyst (CFA) can overlap, but they have their own specialties. FRMs identify, price and mitigate risk, while CFAs generate… Read more
Socially Responsible Investing and Environmental, Social and Governance Investing have both risen in popularity among socially conscious investors. Learn the basics of each, how they differ and which… Read more
People often use yield and return interchangeably, referring to what you’ll earn from a fixed investment. However, there are some important differences to note for yield vs return. Learn the basics… Read more
