How Do Money Market Mutual Funds Work? Just like individuals, the government, corporations, and banks often need to borrow money for a short time to make ends meet. Unlike most individuals, however, the scale of this borrowing is phenomenal. The money market is the name given to the arena where most of this short-term borrowing… Read more
What Cash Management Tools Are Available? There are a number of short-term cash management instruments available to the individual establishing a sound cash management program. These alternatives include money market mutual funds, Treasury bills, and certificates of deposit. Money market mutual funds simply pool investors’ dollars and purchase large denomination money market instruments. Individuals invest… Read more
How Long Will It Take to Double My Money? Before making any investment decision, one of the key elements you face is working out the real rate of return on your investment. Compound interest is critical to investment growth. Whether your financial portfolio consists solely of a deposit account at your local bank or a… Read more
How Can I Keep My Money from Slipping Away? As with virtually all financial matters, the easiest way to be successful with a cash management program is to develop a systematic and disciplined approach. By spending a few minutes each week to maintain your cash management program, you not only have the opportunity to enhance… Read more
529 Lesson Plan: High Scores for 529 College Savings Program Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings plan that has no age restrictions and no income phaseout limits — and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition? Consider the 529 college savings plan, an increasingly popular way to save for higher-education expenses,… Read more
What Is Dollar-Cost Averaging? Every investor dreams of buying into the market at a low point, just before it hits an upswing, and garnering a large profit from selling at the market’s peak. But trying to predict market highs and lows is a feat no one has ever fully mastered, despite the claims by some… Read more
What Stock and Bond Alternatives Do I Have? Many prudent investors may have at least some of their holdings in stocks, corporate bonds, or both. In fact, when most people think of “investing,” they think of Wall Street and the stock markets. Many fail to realize that there are a number of ways to invest… Read more
What College Investment Options Do I Have? As tax laws change, college investment planning becomes increasingly complex. The most beneficial strategies for creating a college fund are quite similar to other investment tactics. Investment products that are tax deferred, tax exempt, or transferable without tax consequences can be especially advantageous. This could be even more… Read more
How Can I Save for My Child’s College Education? Once you’ve determined how much it could cost to send your children to college, your next prudent step is to develop a systematic investment plan that may help you to accumulate the necessary funds. What are your funding options? Which would be appropriate for your situation?… Read more
What Is Asset Allocation? Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there.” This is certainly true when it comes to investing: If you don’t know where you’re headed financially, then it is not as vital which investments make up… Read more