An index fund is a type of mutual fund that aims to track the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Nasdaq, rather than beat it. An index fund is easy to buy and has low maintenance costs. Index funds are also some of the lowest-cost mutual funds available today. In general, an investor can purchase an index fund in one of two ways: buying directly from the mutual fund company or broker or …
Category: Investments
Real estate investing is challenging, and buying properties to renovate and resell them is even more challenging. However, if you have the money, time, and patience for this type of investment, flipping houses can also be profitable. No matter how much time you spend watching HGTV or reading renovation magazines, it won’t be enough to prepare you for the financial risks and challenges of flipping houses for profit. It’s not a walk in the park, but with dedication and perseverance, …
Professional investors and casual investors alike have a growing appreciation for the benefits of passive investing. With the growth of smart-beta indexes, enhanced indexing strategies, and other innovations, it’s become easier than ever before to build a portfolio that tracks a particular segment of the market, such as value stocks or small-cap businesses. Moreover, the fee structures associated with these indexers are generally very favorable — much more so than typical actively managed funds. The expense ratios for many index …
You have a job, and you earn money. However, what happens to that money? Do you spend the majority of it on expenses such as rent, food, clothing, and other day-to-day costs? If so, how much do you save each month? If you can’t answer these questions right now, that’s okay. Many people struggle with this at first because it requires them to be more aware of their personal finances. But that doesn’t mean things are hopeless—you just need some …
When you’re ready to buy your first home, it can feel like there are a million things to think about. From mortgage options to different types of property, the world of buying your first home feels like a labyrinth of confusing choices. It doesn’t have to be that way though! When you boil it down, buying your first home is simply about picking the best place for you and your budget. Thinking about these considerations ahead of time, with the …
You’ve probably heard of sites like Zillow, Trulia, Redfin, and Realtor.com. These platforms are popular places to find properties for sale and real estate agents. But what if you want something a little different? Maybe you’re looking for a fixer-upper that needs renovation? Or maybe you want to find an unusual property with unique features or characteristics, like an old mill or a Victorian home? These niche real estate websites might come in handy in your search for properties that …