High-net-worth individuals often underestimate the value of their jewelry collection. Often, people do not think of jewelry as an investment, but view the purchase through an emotional lens. As more pieces are accumulated, the value of the collection can be quite significant. As a collection grows in value, it is important to review how you are safeguarding this asset.
For millennials, also referred to as Gen Y, retirement can seem light-years away. While retirement might feel like a lifetime away, the actions that people take in their 20s and 30s will often define what that retirement future looks like.
In a world where a college degree is more important, and expensive, than ever, America’s student debt continues to balloon. Total U.S. student debt reached an all-time high of $1.31 trillion last year, the 18th consecutive annual increase in a row. Continue reading “Student Debt in America: The Baby Elephant in the Room”
If you have paid attention to the news recently, chances are that you have seen at least one report that mentions a company’s data being breached by cyber hackers. While the possibility of a business being susceptible to such a threat is a serious concern, individuals should be equally wary of hackers aiming to steal their own identity. Continue reading “Identity-Theft Insurance — Is It Worth It?”
Unless you live in an area flush with public transportation, chances are you will likely need to acquire a vehicle of your own multiple times throughout your life. Figuring out what car is the best-fit is never easy, as one must evaluate their financial situation, lifestyle, and well-being to ensure that the automobile will suit them for years to come. Continue reading “Leasing Versus Purchasing a Car — What to Do?”
Donating to charity directly from your IRA can have multiple benefits if you are over the age of 70½ and required to make annual withdrawals, known as required minimum distributions (RMDs). These RMDs may end up forcing you to withdraw more than you wish, forcing you to liquidate and possibly increasing your tax burden. Continue reading “Making Charitable Donations Directly From Your IRA”
As we approach the New Year, you may be having another one of those classic moments of self-reflection. Will I finally become more organized? Can I commit myself to losing those few pounds that I have been meaning to for so long? Do I embark on that family trip to Europe which I have longed for? Continue reading “New Year’s Resolutions”
The holiday season is a time filled with the spirit of giving. According to a study from Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, 24% of total donations are made in the small window between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. The annual surge in giving has led nonprofits to nickname this period as the “Giving Season.”
Continue reading “Get in the Holiday Spirit by Giving the Smart Way”
This isn’t your father’s holiday shopping season. The gradual trend from brick-and-mortar shopping to online has brought unprecedented speed and convenience to the once overwhelming task of finding the perfect gift at the best possible price. Unfortunately, it has also brought out a new generation of thieves and con artists. Here are some simple steps that you can take to ensure you aren’t getting scammed this holiday season.
Continue reading “Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold by Scams This Holiday Season”
Following the election of Donald Trump last Tuesday, expectations for growth and inflation have risen, driven by promises of tax cuts and infrastructure spending. In return, mortgage rates have surged by about 0.25% since the election, according to Bankrate. When taken in context with recent moves in the capital markets and the expectations of a December Fed rate increase, it could easily be concluded that the proverbial switch has been flipped and that the mortgage market has just begun to break out of a prolonged period of low rates.
Continue reading “Mortgage Rates Are Moving… Should You Refinance?”
