Facebook Libra has been in the news a lot lately. This cryptocurrency was envisioned as a so-called stablecoin. Libra was designed carefully to avoid the huge fluctuations faced by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The plan was to offer a more stable currency, backed by stable securities. Sponsors like Visa, Mastercard, and Paypal seemed just about ready to get on board with… Read more →
Author: Etienne Kiss-Borlase
How to Max Out Your 401K
One of the more common investment vehicles available to workers is the 401(k) plan. As of 2019, employees can invest up to $19,000 in a 401(k) plan. Those who have reached at least 50 years of age can contribute $6,000 in catch-up contributions for a total of $25,000. This is admittedly a pretty high figure for many families to hit.… Read more →
How to Make Money Without Getting a Second Job
Most people want disposable income and walking around money so they can have a more enjoyable lifestyle, but for those who are otherwise content with their current employment situation, it might not be a viable option to switch careers. In this day and age, it is easier than ever to have a lucrative side gig in addition to having a regular job. Read more →
Understanding Retirement Annuities
There are multiple options for investors saving for retirement including employer-sponsored and self-employed pension plans, 401k or 403b plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), and deferred annuities. Here is some information to help you understand retirement annuities and how they can fit into your financial plans. What is an annuity? Financial institutions, mainly investment and insurance companies, offer annuities… Read more →
Personal Finance Habits that Everyone Should be Following
Millions of Americans are deep in credit card and student loan debt. There is a big fear of an upcoming retirement crisis because people have so little saved for their golden years. Much of the problem in American personal finance stems from the lack of good financial habits. Here are three great habits that everyone should follow. Set… Read more →
Five Top Fintech Companies in the USA
Financial technology continues to be one of the most exciting emerging industries in the United States. As businesses begin to brace for the changes brought to us by fintech companies, early adopters stand to gain the most from these innovations. Let’s look at 5 of the top fintech companies in the USA and examine how they can help everyday… Read more →
Financial Advice for Married Couples
One of the biggest challenges faced by modern couples is finances. Getting ahead of their finances takes planning, education and consistency. Although disagreements over finances can and do come up, there are some simple steps that can keep such disagreements to a minimum so you can focus on what is really important. Maintain Separate and Joint Accounts A simple… Read more →
Six Finance Books that all Financial Professionals Should Read
Make the most out of your career, and stay ahead of the major trends in the financial industry. For a competitive edge, add these six books to your bookshelf. Security Analysis Published in 1934, this book positioned Benjamin Graham and author David Dodd to pick the nation up from out of the Great Depression. With both writers being business… Read more →
How to Be a Better Investor
Achieving a high level of financial freedom will involve more than making money. It will also require more than saving money under a mattress or in a savings account. The best way for a person to increase their level of financial independence is through investing. However, the average American doesn’t do all that well this process. Here are some tips… Read more →
How to Spend Your Tax Refund
According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average tax refund was just over $3,000 in 2018. Many Americans treat their tax refund as a gift. However, a tax refund is not a gift. Tax refunds are the government’s way of returning money that workers overpaid in taxes throughout the year. Since tax refunds are workers’ hard-earned cash, this list has… Read more →