Investment Knowledge Center

A recent study from Northwestern Mutual found that the average American believes they’ll need $1.46 million to retire comfortably. That number is interesting, and I’m sure it accurately reflects the average. However, I sometimes cringe when I see these stats because I know some people will read them and get the wrong idea, concluding they… Continue reading I Am a Retirement Planner, & Here’s How Much You Really Need to Retire

Figuring out the best way to invest your money in stocks can be challenging, especially for novice investors. Many variables can affect your portfolio’s performance, and several factors are outside your control. One thing you can control is how your money will be managed. Using a robo-advisor has advantages, as does having an actively managed… Continue reading Why I Chose a Managed Investment Account Over a Robo-Advisor

Self-employment offers plenty of perks, but there’s one thing you don’t get when you work for yourself. There’s no employer-sponsored retirement plan waiting in the wings to help you save and invest for the future. You’re not without options, however. There are retirement accounts designed for freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners in mind.… Continue reading How I Max Out My Retirement Account as a Freelancer

A startup is a company that is still in the beginning stages of development. While the “beginning stages” of a company can be defined in very broad and loose terms, a defining feature of any startup is that it has not yet gone public. In many cases, a startup may still be in the idea… Continue reading How Can Average People Invest in Startup Companies?

To issue financial securities such as stocks and bonds, an issuer typically has to register those securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) before they can be made available to the investing public. A notable exception exists for offerings that will be made only to accredited investors.  An accredited investor is a person or… Continue reading What Is an Accredited Investor? Is It Worth It to Become One?

The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates in its last 10 consecutive meetings. The majority of people who track economic and financial data have been anticipating these moves, given the expanding economy and rising inflation. But what does a rate hike mean? And, to go a step further, what does it mean for you specifically… Continue reading Fed Rate Hikes and What They Mean for Your Retirement Money

Whether you’re new to investing or have been doing it for years, you may want to consider socially responsible investing or SRI. This is particularly true if you’re looking for a way to give back and make a positive difference in the world. Take a closer look at what SRI is and how it works… Continue reading What Is Socially Responsible Investing? How to Get Started

The history of investing has been full of innovations and trends. Cryptocurrency is the latest of these crazes, leading to a stock vs. cryptocurrency debate. As cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum have jumped in value, millions of investors have tried to profit from the rise of digital payment systems. Some people have even stopped… Continue reading Stocks vs. Cryptocurrency: Which Is Better for Investing?

By investing, you can build wealth and put your money to work. It’s the key to long-term financial security. If you’d like to invest but don’t have a lot of money at your disposal, micro-investing is certainly worth considering. It can allow you to invest small amounts of money that may eventually turn into thousands… Continue reading Should You Try Micro-Investing? How to Start

As retirement grows nearer, the thought of living without a steady income becomes scarier for some people. One way to ensure regular payments for the rest of your life is to purchase an annuity. In particular, you can choose between an immediate annuity or a deferred annuity. These retirement insurance plans offer the peace of… Continue reading Immediate and Deferred Annuities: What’s the Difference?