Dave Ramsey Says You Should Pay Off Your Mortgage Early. But Not Before Doing This
Financial guru Dave Ramsey advises that while paying off a mortgage early can reduce housing costs, it should come after clearing higher‑interest debt, establishing a solid emergency fund, and funding retirement. He stresses that a low‑APR mortgage often yields less return than disciplined investing in stocks or tax‑advantaged accounts. Ramsey also recommends allocating money for children’s college expenses via 529 plans before accelerating mortgage payments. The hierarchy prioritizes financial security and growth over the emotional appeal of a debt‑free home.
Tap The Brakes And Buy SPLV
Invesco’s S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is rated a strong buy for investors who want full equity exposure while limiting downside risk. The fund’s index has delivered a 10.44% average return and lost only 0.05% in down‑market periods, far better...
We Received a $10k Tax Refund. My Wife Wants to Save It, I Want to Splurge. What Should We Do?
Couple receives $10,000 tax refund; wife wants to save, husband wants to splurge. Financial experts recommend first ensuring an emergency fund of 3–6 months in a high‑yield savings account. Next, prioritize paying off any high‑interest debt and consider boosting retirement...
Take some Tips From ‘Hypermilers’ to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
Gas prices have surged to $4.16 per gallon nationally, nearing $6 in California, after a brief 16% dip following the April 7 Iran cease‑fire. With fuel costs eroding household budgets, drivers are turning to hypermiling—deliberate habits that squeeze every possible mile...
When Multiple Tax Rules Collide: Don't Pay a 50% Rate on Your Roth Conversion by Mistake
The Kiplinger Tax Letter warns that Roth conversions in retirement can trigger a hidden "tax torpedo," where multiple tax rules—Social Security taxation, capital‑gains brackets, and the new senior‑deduction phase‑out—apply to the same dollar. In a 65‑plus couple’s scenario, a $60,000...
April Brings Showers, Flowers and Your Financial Fitness Plan From a Financial Planner
April marks Financial Literacy Month, highlighting that only 33% of adults worldwide possess basic financial knowledge. The article breaks personal finance into wealth‑accumulation and wealth‑preservation stages, offering concrete actions for legacy planning, investment management, and family communication. It stresses updating...
Even 'Easy' Investing Strategies Can Get Complicated Fast: How to Keep the Magnificent 7 From Endangering Your Portfolio
The seven megacap tech giants—Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Alphabet, Nvidia and Tesla—now dominate the S&P 500, with Nvidia alone accounting for more than 20% of the index’s 2024 gains. Their outsized weight means that a cap‑weighted index is effectively a bet...
‘Spring Clean’ Your Finances: How to Overhaul Your Spending and Savings to Stay on Track
A March University of Michigan survey shows two‑thirds of Americans feel money‑related stress and confidence in personal finances fell 10 percent, driven by the U.S.‑Iran conflict, volatile oil prices and rising interest rates. The article urges readers to conduct a...
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly Vetoes Property Tax Cap Bill, Pitches Own Solution
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2745, a Republican‑backed proposal that would let a petition of 5% of voters freeze local government budget increases above 3%. Kelly argued the measure would not deliver real property‑tax relief...
Amazon Has a Gas Discount Most Prime Members Don’t Even Know Exists
Amazon Prime members can now cut gasoline costs by 20 cents per gallon on designated “Fuel‑Up Fridays” from April 3 through May 29, thanks to a partnership with BP’s Earnify app. The baseline perk, launched in October 2024, already offers a 10‑cent‑per‑gallon...
How Much Money You Should Have Saved by Every Age — and What to Do If You’re Behind
A 2022 Federal Reserve survey shows median retirement account balances ranging from $18,880 for those under 35 to $200,000 for ages 65‑74, far below the $1.46 million most Americans believe they need to retire comfortably. Fidelity’s age‑based guidelines suggest saving one‑times...
How One Small Move Before 65 Can Unlock a Bigger Social Security Benefit
A modest adjustment before turning 65 can significantly boost Social Security payouts. Delaying the claim, working an extra year, or using savings as a bridge lets retirees replace lower‑earning years in the benefit formula and qualify for Medicare at 65....
It’s OK to Postpone Saving for College Until You Have These 4 Financial Priorities Under Control
Financial planners say parents should secure an emergency fund, boost retirement savings, and eliminate high‑interest debt before prioritizing a 529 college account. For a $150,000 household, the guideline is three‑to‑six months of cash reserves, at least 10‑15% of income toward...
Real Estate Holding Company: How It Works, Pros and Cons
A real estate holding company is a legal entity that centralizes ownership of multiple properties while separating liability. Typically structured as a parent LLC or corporation owning subsidiary LLCs that hold individual assets, the model isolates risk and streamlines portfolio...
REIT Mutual Funds: How They Generate Income, Benefits and Risks
REIT mutual funds aggregate shares of publicly traded REITs, offering investors diversified exposure to multiple property sectors through a single vehicle. They generate income primarily via rental revenues passed through as dividends, which must distribute at least 90% of taxable...
What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Succession Planning
Succession planning is essential for small and mid‑size entrepreneurs to protect business value and secure personal financial futures. A Bank of America report shows 40% of owners still lack a plan, exposing them to operational disruption and reduced valuation. The...
Retirement Planning for Federal Employees: Services and Examples
Federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) receive a three‑part retirement package: a defined‑benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The pension formula is 1% of years of service times salary, rising to 1.1% after...
Namibia: Namdeb, NAMITVEST, MUN Drive Mining Investment
Namdeb, NAMITVEST Investment Holdings and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia have signed a payroll deduction agreement that lets mineworkers automatically invest in NAMITVEST products. The scheme, owned 25% by union members and their descendants, currently serves about 2,600 shareholders and...
The 3 Tax Changes Coming in April 2027 that You Should Prepare for Now
The UK will introduce three major tax changes in April 2027: pensions will be counted as part of an estate for inheritance tax, reducing the cash ISA allowance from £12,000 (≈$15,000) and limiting the full £20,000 (≈$25,000) allowance to stocks‑and‑shares, and...
How to Buy Gold
Gold surged to a record high in 2026, reinforcing its role as a hedge against inflation and a safe‑haven asset when stocks or the U.S. dollar weaken. Investors can acquire the metal directly as bullion—coins, bars, or rounds—or indirectly through...
How to Help Recession‑Proof Your Retirement Portfolio With Gold (and When to Hold Off)
Investors eye gold as a recession‑proofing tool because it often moves opposite to stocks. During the Great Recession, gold climbed from about $700 to $1,000 per ounce while equities crashed. Experts recommend modest, systematic allocations—such as $100 a month—to gain...
Weekend Essay: Saving for a Future We Might Never See
The essay argues that the chronic shortfall in UK retirement savings stems more from a cultural mindset than from purely financial mechanics. It highlights how pervasive “live‑now” attitudes, amplified by social media, clash with the long‑term discipline required for pension...
You Have Until April 15 to Get This $8,000 Roth IRA Freebie — No Matter What Your Income
The article reminds taxpayers that the deadline to fund a Roth IRA for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026, and that the backdoor Roth strategy lets anyone contribute up to $8,000 regardless of income. The backdoor involves a nondeductible...
The New ‘4% Rule’: Finding the Right Withdrawal Strategy
The classic 4% retirement withdrawal rule, which calls for taking 4% of savings in the first year and adjusting for inflation thereafter, is losing relevance as lifespans lengthen and living costs rise. Experts now recommend a flexible “guardrails” method that...
VXUS: Buying International Equity Still Has Upside - Strong Buy
Vanguard's Total International Stock Index Fund ETF (VXUS) has been upgraded to a strong‑buy as it offers a deep valuation discount to the S&P 500 and exposure to over 8,000 global stocks. The fund’s un‑hedged structure lets U.S. investors capture gains...
'Shark Tank' Star Kevin O'Leary Says You're Not Rich Unless You Have $5 Million in Liquid Assets
Kevin O'Leary, the "Shark Tank" investor, says true wealth requires at least $5 million in liquid assets, not just high‑value possessions. He argues that cash or Treasury bills provide a safety net that can generate roughly 5% annual return, enough to...
Mutual Benefits Bets on Structured Planning to Deepen Nigeria’s Savings Culture
Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc is intensifying its push for structured financial planning to raise Nigeria’s savings rate. The insurer highlights four tailored products—ISPP, CEP, MIP and PPIP—that blend disciplined contributions with life‑insurance protection. A PiggyVest Savings Report 2025, covering over...
Buy These 3 Invesco Mutual Funds for Exciting Returns
Invesco Ltd., with $1.72 trillion in assets under management and a global presence, highlights three mutual funds that have earned Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buy designations. The Invesco SteelPath MLP Select 40 fund posted a 20.3% three‑year annualized return, focusing on master limited...
This Creative Money Transfer Strategy Among Family Members Could Raise Red Flags with CRA
A Canadian couple used a CRA‑prescribed‑rate loan of roughly $370,000 USD to shift investment income, while the husband gifted about $74,000 USD to their adult son, who then transferred the same amount to his mother and back to the husband to reduce...
5 Quick Tax Tips for Retirees for 2025 and 2026, From a Financial Planner
Financial planners highlight five tax‑saving tactics for retirees filing 2025 returns and looking ahead to 2026. A temporary $6,000 senior deduction, a new car‑loan interest deduction, and a Medicare IRMAA reduction pathway give high‑income retirees fresh ways to lower taxable...
Why Staying Invested Is the Hardest, Smartest Choice Right Now
Recent U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran have spiked oil prices and rattled markets. While headlines push investors toward safe‑haven assets, historical data shows equity markets quickly price in geopolitical risk and recover. Maintaining a diversified, long‑term portfolio—backed by a stress‑tested...
Help Employees Maximize Tax Savings with HSA Expense Tracking
The article urges HR leaders to educate employees on health‑savings‑account (HSA) expense tracking as a core tax‑saving strategy. It highlights that employees can reimburse themselves years later, avoid a 20% penalty, and capitalize on the triple tax advantage of HSAs....
Concentrated Company Stock in Your ESOP? Waiting to Diversify Could Tank Your Retirement
The article warns that holding a concentrated position in an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) can jeopardize retirement security if diversification is delayed. It explains that ESOP participants become eligible to move up to 25% of their holdings at age...
I Lowered the Flow Temperature on My Gas Boiler to See if It Would Reduce Energy Bills — Here's What...
A homeowner reduced the flow temperature of a 24 kW Baxi EcoBlue condensing boiler from the typical 70 °C to 63 °C for the entire month of January 2026. Gas consumption fell from 2,412 kWh in 2025 to 2,246 kWh in 2026 – roughly a...
Work From Home Tax Claims Restricted After ATO Court Victory
The Australian Federal Court overturned an Administrative Review Tribunal decision that had allowed ABC presenter Ned Hall to claim $5,878 AUD (≈$3,880 USD) in rent and transport deductions for a home office during COVID lockdowns. The court ruled that rent and commuting...
Asset Allocation Still Dominates Outcomes as Investors Navigate New Inflation Era, Says William Blair
William Blair’s new asset‑allocation paper reaffirms that portfolio structure, not security selection, accounts for more than 90% of long‑term return differences. The firm highlights a shift toward a higher‑inflation environment that is eroding the historic inverse relationship between stocks and...
Could Investing $10,000 in IWM Make You a Millionaire?
The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) has posted an 8.06% average annual return over its 26‑year history, trailing the S&P 500’s roughly 10% long‑term average. A $10,000 investment growing at that rate would reach about $1 million after 60 years, illustrating the power...
Dave Ramsey Raises Red Flag on Social Security, 401(k)s
Personal finance guru Dave Ramsey cautioned that Social Security alone won’t sustain retirees, noting the average 2026 benefit is $2,071 per month, barely above the federal poverty line. He emphasized the need for individuals to build retirement savings, recommending a...
Top Affordable REITs to Boost Your Portfolio Income
Zacks Investment Research highlights four affordable REITs—Blackstone Mortgage (BXMT), Chicago Atlantic (REFI), Chatham Lodging (CLDT) and Redwood Trust (RWT)—that have earned a Zacks Rank #1, indicating a strong‑buy recommendation. These securities trade between $5 and $19 per share and deliver...
You Have Until April 15 to Get This $8,000 Roth IRA Freebie — No Matter W...
Tax day on April 15 is the final deadline to fund a 2025 Roth IRA, even for high‑income earners, by using the backdoor Roth strategy. The two‑step process lets anyone contribute up to $8,000 (plus a $1,000 catch‑up for those 50...
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Getting a Tax Refund? This New 5.00% Short-Term CD Could Be the Smartest Place to Park It
Nuvision Credit Union has launched a new five‑month certificate of deposit that pays a 5.00% APY, the highest short‑term rate available in the market. The CD is limited to a single $5,000 deposit per member, which aligns well with the...
American Airlines Hikes Checked Baggage Fees: What They Cost and How to Avoid Paying Them Entirely
American Airlines raised its checked‑bag fees on April 9 2026, charging $45 pre‑pay (or $50 at the airport) for the first bag and $55 pre‑pay (or $60 at the airport) for the second on domestic and short‑haul international routes. Pre‑paying saves $5...
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Best Jumbo CD Rates Our Experts Found Today, April 9, 2026: Up to 4.15%
Investors with $50,000‑$100,000 to allocate can lock in up to 4.15% APY on jumbo certificates of deposit, the highest rate listed for a 6‑month term by Consumers Credit Union. Jumbo CDs require large minimum balances and are offered primarily by...
Your Grocery Bill Will Be the Next Casualty of the Iran War. Make These Investment Moves Now to Counter Food...
The escalating conflict in Iran is pushing global oil prices higher, which in turn is inflating food costs worldwide. Simultaneously, a fertilizer shortage and mounting tariffs are tightening supply chains, threatening grocery bills for consumers. The article advises investors to...
How to Get $1,000+ in Travel Value Without Searching for Award Availability
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a 100,000‑point welcome bonus after $8,000 spend in three months, a modest $95 annual fee, and 3× points on travel, shipping, telecom and advertising purchases up to $150,000. Points are redeemable for $1,000...
Revolut Rolls Out AI Assistant for Daily Financial Tasks
Revolut introduced AIR, an AI‑powered personal assistant, to its UK app on April 9, enabling users to query spending, budgeting, investments and manage card controls through conversational chat. The feature can pause recurring payments, provide live exchange rates, and freeze...
NS&I Puts Green Savings Bonds Back on Sale with Improved Interest Rate
National Savings and Investments re‑launched its Green Savings Bonds this week, offering a higher fixed annual equivalent rate of 3.82% over a three‑year term. The bonds, which fund renewable, clean‑technology and now nuclear projects, require a minimum £100 investment and...
Student Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants Could Be Pricier to Access, After New Changes
The Education Department announced that the Trump administration will no longer use the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan’s low‑payment formula when calculating buyback offers for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). This change means borrowers who relied on the...
Intensive Option Webinar: Modern Portfolio Protection
Lawrence G. McMillan’s intensive webinar on modern portfolio protection outlines how options can be employed to manage downside risk while preserving upside potential. The session covers both surgical tools—such as collars and covered writing—and systematic approaches like index hedging and...
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How I'm Talking to New Clients About Risk Tolerance
Advisors often meet new clients who view stocks as overly risky, yet long‑term equity exposure is essential for wealth building. By distinguishing short‑term volatility from permanent capital loss, they can reframe risk tolerance around time horizons and cash‑flow needs. Historical...