I have made it clear that I am an optimist and wouldn't dare bet against the stock market. Although there have been many pessimists predicting the reverse, I strongly believe that stocks will rise and the world won't end. I think American businesses will continue to provide value to consumers and …
investing
Am I Crazy for Paying Down My 2.875% Mortgage?
When I was a $hitty Financial Advisor, the thought of paying down a sub-5% mortgage was ludicrous. The logic was simple: Why payoff a loan at 5% (or less) when I can invest and earn 7% (or more)? But, as I've gotten older and realized that money management is more about psychology than …
The 5 Best Investment Resources You’ve Never Heard Of (And They’re All Free)
“Improve finances” is the second most common New Year’s resolution right behind “lose weight.” For many Americans, “improve finances” is code for “I should save and invest more.” But, investing (and, specifically, knowing where to start) can be intimidating. So, I've compiled the best investment …
5 Important Lessons I Learned About Investing as a $hitty Financial Advisor
I always wanted to be a Financial Advisor. And then I became one and quickly realized that my dream wasn't everything I thought it would be. There were 3 things, in particular, that drove me nuts and ultimately led to my demise. Most people hate to think and talk about money. We spend more …
The Importance of Diversification Explained in Super Simple Terms
Check out this window: Question: What happens when a rock is thrown at this window? Answer: The entire thing shatters. Next, check out this window: Question: What happens when a rock gets thrown at this window? Answer: 1/4 of the window shatters. Lastly, check out this …
Everything You Need to Know About Investing in Layman’s Terms
At some point in the last century, leaders from every industry came together and agreed to forego the English language in favor of incomprehensible industry-specific jargon. The main objective was to put up walls around each industry so that "outsiders" would no longer be able to understand what's …
The Actual Math Behind Paying Down Your Mortgage vs Investing
One of the most popular debates among Personal Finance enthusiasts is that of “paying down debt” versus “investing.” For example, people ask: “Should I pay down my mortgage or add to my 401(k)?” -or- “Should I pay off my student loans or open a Roth IRA?” Although the debt and the …