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Investing
How would you evaluate your knowledge about investing? Take a deeper dive into investing by reviewing our articles that discuss a variety of topics, including college savings, mutual funds, stocks, portfolio diversification, IRAs, estate planning and more.
Common 529 plan myths include that the money can only go toward college tuition, families must contribute a certain amount, gift tax doesn't apply, there are no contribution limits, account ownership doesn't matter, and families can only open an account in their state of residence.
Grandparents can support their grandchildren's education by opening their own 529 college savings accounts or contributing to parent-owned accounts, but should be aware of gift tax limits and the potential impact on financial aid when making contributions.
Investing during a recession involves strategic planning to help protect and grow assets despite economic challenges. Learn essential strategies for making wise investment decisions when the economy is down.
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of cash savings over time and can erode fixed investment returns, so it's important to hold some assets like stocks that may appreciate with inflation.
When opening an investment account, you should understand the different types of accounts and their tax treatment, as well as research firms and fees to find one that aligns with your financial goals. You may want to consult a financial professional for guidance on selecting the right account type and provider for your needs.
Financial assets are contractual assets that derive their value from ownership claims. Examples of financial assets include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, cash, checking/savings accounts, and certificates of deposit.
To start investing in your 20s, begin by setting aside a portion of your earnings regularly into an age-appropriate diversified portfolio, consider tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, and automate contributions for consistency and long-term growth.
Long-term investments focus on growth over 10+ years, while short-term investments prioritize capital preservation for under 3 years when quicker access to funds is needed.
Anyone can contribute to a 529 college savings plan, even if they are not the account owner. This allows grandparents, relatives, friends, and others to gift money to a child's college fund.
Diversification, calculated risks, small investments, and multiple retirement options debunk common investment myths about needing lots of money, performance guarantees, 401(k) exclusivity, gambling, and individual stocks.
Four ways to start investing with little money are 401(k)s if offered by your employer, IRAs which allow annual contributions up to $7,000, taxable investment accounts that offer flexibility, and savings accounts that provide FDIC insurance.
Compare 401(k) hardship withdrawals and loans: one may trigger taxes and reduced contributions, the other affects investments and cash flow. Consider alternatives and consult a professional for long-term goals.
Mutual funds aren't complicated. Learn all about mutual funds here and explore how they could help supplement your retirement savings — and help with diversification.
Learning investment terms is essential for navigating the world of finance and making informed investment decisions, enabling individuals to understand and participate in the complex realm of stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments with confidence.
Buying term and investing the difference means purchasing affordable term life insurance and investing the saved premium amount in other financial instruments to potentially grow wealth over time.
A diversified portfolio is a collection of investments spread across various asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, and alternative investments. The goal of diversification is to help manage risk by avoiding putting all your money into one type of investment.
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