- How to Transition to Dividend Investing: Strategies & Examples
Switching to dividend-paying stocks can help you build long-term wealth and steady income. Unlike growth investing, which focuses on rising stock prices, dividend investing centers on companies that regularly pay out part of their profits to shareholders. This approach can offer both income now and growth over time, which may appeal to those nearing retirement… read more…
- What to Invest $100k in for a Diversified Portfolio
Wondering how to build a diversified portfolio with $100,000? With this amount of capital, you have many options to spread your investments across different asset classes. A balanced approach might include a mix of stocks through index funds or ETFs, bonds for stability, real estate investment trusts (REITs) for property exposure and perhaps alternative investments… read more…
- How to Invest $500k for Monthly Income
Investing $500k for monthly income involves choosing a mix of assets that can provide steady cash flow while managing risk, liquidity and taxes. Common strategies include putting portfolio funds into dividend-paying stocks, bond ladders, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and annuities. No single approach is optimal for all income investors. The goal is to balance… read more…
- How to Invest $1 Million for Monthly Income
Learning how to invest $1 million for monthly income starts with understanding the tradeoffs between yield, risk and liquidity. The more you prioritize one feature, the more it may affect the others. Investors can tailor their strategies to reflect their own objectives and preferences. The right approach often depends on your time horizon, tax situation… read more…
- What Is Key Rate Duration and How Do You Calculate It?
Key rate duration measures a bond’s sensitivity to shifts in interest rates at specific maturity points along the yield curve. Unlike traditional duration metrics, which assume parallel interest rate movements, key rate duration isolates changes at different maturities to assess their impact on a bond’s price. This metric is particularly useful for evaluating exposure to… read more…
- Money Market Yield: What It Is and How to Calculate It
Money market yield measures the annualized return on short-term, low-risk investments like Treasury bills and commercial paper. It helps investors compare the earnings potential of different money market instruments while accounting for the impact of compounding. The calculation involves adjusting the discount rate of a security to reflect a 360-day year, making it useful for… read more…
- How to Make Passive Income: Ideas and Examples
Passive income is money earned with little ongoing effort or involvement after an upfront investment of time, funds, or resources. Unlike traditional income, which is earned through direct labor or services, passive income streams allow for ongoing earnings with little ongoing work. There are various ways to make passive income, from investing in real estate… read more…
- What Are Alternative Fixed-Income Investments?
Alternative fixed-income investments can offer a diverse range of options beyond traditional bonds, allowing investors to generate regular income with different risk profiles. These investments typically include assets like real estate investment trusts (REITs), private credit funds and infrastructure projects, which are all designed to offer yields that may outperform conventional fixed-income securities. If you… read more…
- Fixed-Income Investments for Long-Term Investing
Fixed-income investments are a cornerstone of many long-term financial strategies, offering stability and a steady stream of income. They are often associated with conservative approaches, but can play a useful role in a variety of investment styles, especially when markets are volatile. Using fixed-income investments as part of a long-term vision can help you build… read more…
- 5 Types of Fixed-Income Investments
Fixed-income investments offer both regular interest payments and return of principal at maturity. This combination of features can make these assets attractive for investors looking to preserve capital while earning a predictable income stream. Plus, as an asset class with low correlation to other popular investments such as stocks, fixed-income holdings can help diversify a… read more…
- How to Create Multiple Streams of Income in Your 20s
Building multiple income streams in your 20s can be a smart way to work toward financial independence and stability. With fewer financial obligations and more flexibility, this could be a good time to take on risks and explore different income options. Doing so can also help protect you from economic downturns and job loss while… read more…
- How to Invest in an Automated Business
Automated businesses are enterprises that operate with minimal human intervention. They rely on technology, software and systems to handle routine tasks. These businesses focus on identifying scalable opportunities, analyzing potential returns and ensuring that the automation technology in place is both reliable and efficient. With a strategic approach, investing in an automated business can Investing… read more…
- How Beginners Can Invest in Bonds
Investing in bonds can be a smart way to diversify your portfolio and reduce risk. Bonds are essentially loans made to corporations or governments in return for regular interest payments and your principal at maturity. For beginners, bonds offer a more stable and predictable income when compared with stocks. If you’re interested in building an… read more…
- 10 Passive Income Ideas for Investors
Investors can generate passive income in a variety of ways ranging from buying dividend-paying stocks and rental properties to participating in peer-to-peer lending and earning royalties from creative work. Passive income options require varying levels of initial investment and maintenance, but all share the potential for generating income with minimal active involvement. Understanding and incorporating… read more…
- 8 Passive Income Investments to Consider
From dividend-paying stocks and real estate investments to peer-to-peer lending and high-yield savings accounts, there are numerous options to grow your wealth with minimal effort. These passive income investments can provide a steady stream of capital without active management. Understanding the variety of passive income investment opportunities available can help you choose the best fit… read more…
- How to Check the Value of Your U.S. Savings Bonds
Checking the value of your U.S. savings bonds is straightforward and can be done online through the TreasuryDirect website. Once logged into the portal, you’ll either automatically see the value of your bond or you’ll need to enter its series, denomination and issue date. This process allows you to keep track of your investments and… read more…
- Residual Income: Definition, Ways to Earn It, Examples
Residual income refers to the amount of disposable income left after paying all personal debts and obligations. In corporate finance, residual income is the profit remaining after accounting for the cost of capital. This is different than passive income, which refers to income that is earned without any active involvement. Whether you’re retired or in… read more…
- Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) vs. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and certificates of deposit (CDs) are entirely different products. They are purchased through different markets, have different risk and reward profiles, and are even regulated through different sections of the law. In most cases, an ETF is good for growth. These are generally equity-heavy funds based on diversified, often returns-oriented, assets. A… read more…
- How to Create a Dividend Investing Strategy
Unlike capital gains investing, wherein a portfolio generates money when you sell its underlying assets, income investing involves generating income by holding dividend-paying stocks. Income investing can be a good way to generate compounding returns with the goal of living off your dividends without diminishing your capital. However, dividend investing also tends to generate lower… read more…
- How Interest Rates Impact Your Bond Investments
Bonds play an important role in a well-diversified investment portfolio, offering a predictable income stream and potential stability to balance the volatility of stocks. These fixed-income securities have an inverse relationship with interest rates. When rates rise, bond prices fall and vice versa. Understanding the mechanics of bonds, the factors influencing interest rates and the… read more…
- Pros and Cons of Investing in Treasury Bonds
When it comes to building a diversified investment portfolio, understanding the pros and cons of investing in Treasury bonds is essential for making informed financial decisions. These government-backed securities have long been considered a cornerstone of conservative investment strategies, offering a unique combination of safety and predictability that few other investments can match. Treasury bonds… read more…
- How to Negotiate for Equity in a Startup or Private Company
Equity can make you rich. But that’s a bold claim for most workplaces. If you’re lucky enough to work for a future unicorn then, yes, getting a share of ownership really can set you up for life by age 40. That, however, is rare. Nevertheless, stock options and other forms of equity can be an important… read more…
- Is Your 401(k) Socially Responsible?
Can your retirement savings make a difference in the world, other than ensuring a secure financial future? Many individuals today are steering their focus toward aligning investments with personal values. The environmental, social and governance (ESG) lens allows your investment strategies to magnify the impact on society. So, ask yourself, are your retirement savings making… read more…
- What to Do When Your 401(k) Loses Money
Investing in a 401(k) is chosen by many employees, offering a convenient and often successful method to save for retirement. While a 401(k) may often be a wise decision, it comes with risks, and understanding how to handle market fluctuations affecting your account value is crucial for long-term financial security. When your portfolio drops it… read more…
- What Is the Participation Rate in an Annuity?
The participation rate in an annuity refers to the percentage of the index’s return an insurance company credits to the annuity. If we consider the participation rate to be 80% and the index increases by 10%, the annuity gets credited with an 8% (80% of 10%) return. This is an important element to consider when… read more…