97% of Mutual Funds Underperform
Twice a year the S&P publishes a report called SPIVA, which is a scorecard to see how mutual funds, aka active portfolio managers, are faring versus their passive index funds. SPOILER ALER: Active management is getting killed. The SPIVA report even controls for other variables such as style drift, survivorship bias, and avoids double counting different share classes of the same fund. This makes SPIVA the most accurate and reliable performance data available in the Active vs. Passive debate.
How Your Credit Score Works
Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, and it plays a crucial role in your financial life. A good credit score can help you qualify for loans at lower interest rates, save money on insurance, and get approved for apartments.
No Buy 2025
Frustrated with inflation, consumerism, and the clutter of "too much stuff?" Join the No Buy 2025 movement that is sweeping social media. The no buy movement refers to a challenge where people stop buying nonessential items for a period of time, often a year.
Passive Income Vol. 2: Municipal Bonds
Tax-free income and protection of capital?!?!… Its not an IUL, its municipal bonds!!
Passive Income Vol. 1: REITs
If unclogging toilets at 2am at your rental property is not your idea of passive income, then you may want to consider a Real Estate Investment Trust.
A Rudderless Boat
A rudderless boat only has the freedom to sail in circles.
Adaptive Planning Explained
Traditional financial advisors will help you with investments, but little else. Have you considered how many financial decisions you will make in the next 5 years?
Best Places To Park Your Cash
You should not be trying to time the stock market and move money in-and-out of your long term investments. These options are for emergency funds, liquid cash needs, or short term investment needs only. The bulk of your money should be invested with your long term strategy in mind.
Saving Money on Taxes
As 2023 comes to an end, people are asking about tax saving strategies. Here are a few to consider.
Common Investing Mistakes
Recognizing common behavioral mistakes can make a world of difference in your portfolio's performance. Here are three issues that often trip up investors and how to navigate them.
Avoiding Lifestyle Creep
Lifestyle creep is a phenomenon where people increase their spending as their income increases, leading to a higher cost of living and less disposable income. This can be a dangerous cycle that can lead to financial instability and debt.
Healthcare Plans
It's that time of year when you can sign up for a new health insurance plan or change your existing plan. It's important to choose a plan that meets your needs and budget.
The Death of Active Management
The latest SPIVA report card was just released showing a whopping 97% of mutual funds underperforming their own benchmarks. There is no legitimate excuse to be paying Wall St. mutual fund stock pickers anymore.
Combining Finances In A Relationship
Managing money in a relationship can be challenging, but sharing financial responsibilities can lead to stronger partnerships. According to a recent study by LendingTree, here's what we discovered about how American millennials view and manage their finances as couples.
Tax Planning Strategies
Tax evasion is illegal. Tax avoidance is encouraged. Here is how a financial advisor adds value with tax planning and strategy.
The Price of Real Estate
Census data speaks volumes about the uphill battle millennials face in achieving homeownership dreams. The numbers tell a tale of soaring home prices and stagnant wages, creating an increasingly challenging landscape.