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7 Investment Options That Are Just Right For Retirees

March 29, 2024 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Retirement is that golden era when you can finally enjoy the fruits of your labor and watch the grass grow. But let’s be honest, after the 100th episode of your favorite 90s sitcom, even the sofa starts feeling a bit… well, less cushy. Here’s the scoop on seven investments that are perfect for your golden years. Just remember – this is not investment advice, just some helpful ideas!

1. The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Think of dividend-paying stocks as the gift that keeps on giving. You invest in a company, and bam! Every so often, they share a piece of their profit pie with you. It’s a win-win – you get a steady stream of income, and you still own your slice of the company. Perfect for a retiree looking to spice up their income without selling off assets.

2. Your Real Estate Empire Lite

If you’ve ever fancied being a real estate mogul, now’s your chance. Real estate income funds might just be your ticket. These funds pool money from investors to buy properties, and they distribute the rent among investors. It’s like owning real estate, but you get to keep your hands clean and your sleep uninterrupted!

3. The Snug Safety Blanket

For those who prefer their investments to be reliable and not flashy, treasury securities are a perfect match. They’re backed by the U.S. government and are about as safe as investments come. You won’t double your money overnight, but you’ll sleep soundly knowing it’s not going anywhere either.

4. The Retirement Paycheck

Annuities are the financial world’s equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet. You pay an upfront fee, and in return, you get a steady stream of income for a set period or even for life. It’s a way to ensure you keep getting a “paycheck” even when the work emails have long stopped. Just be prepared to put in a hefty initial amount.

5. The Steady Eddy

Not everyone’s looking for a rollercoaster ride in their retirement. For the Steady Eddies out there, a high-yield savings account offers a no-frills way to earn a bit more on your cash reserves. It’s not going to buy you a yacht but it’s much better than letting your money laze around, earning next to nothing.

6. Stability Meets Income

Investing in bonds means you’re giving a loan to either a corporation or a government entity. In return, they promise to pay you back with interest over a set period. This investment is essentially a steady and reliable stream of income, making it an attractive option for anyone who is looking for more financial stability.

7. Direct Impact Investing

Peer-to-peer lending platforms allow you to give direct loans to individuals or small businesses needing capital. This can mean you earn higher interest rates compared to traditional savings accounts. At the same time, you’re also helping someone’s dreams come true! Of course, you do need to be careful of the risk, particularly since these loans are not backed by traditional financial institutions.

Expanding Your Portfolio

Retirement doesn’t have to mean putting your feet up and watching the world go by – unless, of course, that’s your thing. If you’re looking to add a little to your financial portfolio, these seven investment options can give you some stability and income. Just remember, the key is to find the balance that works for you.

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Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.

Filed Under: Investing, Personal Finance Tagged With: investing, investment, Retirement

15 Smart Financial Decisions to Make Before You Turn 40

March 21, 2024 By Tamila McDonald Leave a Comment

Turning 40 might make you feel like you’re under pressure to make all the right financial decisions as quickly as possible. But fear not! You don’t need to be Warren Buffet to make these right choices before you turn 40—all you need is a sprinkle of wisdom and a hearty dollop of determination. Whether you’re a savings superstar or a debt dodger, here are 15 smart financial decisions you should make before the big four-zero.

1. Embrace Budgeting

Forget what you know – budgeting isn’t just for accountants or Excel nerds. The right budget can be a lifesaver, as it can keep you from making unnecessary expenses and steer you toward your financial goals. You might be surprised at how much you’re actually spending or how much money you have left over!

2. Reduce Your High-Interest Debt

High-interest debt is one of the biggest obstacles to financial freedom, and there are some things you can do to stop it. Prioritize paying off these debts to reduce the amount of money you’re wasting on interest payments. This will free up more of your income for savings and investments, which can drastically help you on the way to financial freedom.

3. Build an Emergency Fund

If you follow anything on this list, make sure it’s this one! You won’t realize how important an emergency fund is until you have one. It’ll help you cover unexpected expenses without relying on credit cards or loans. You should aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses to give you a safety net for whatever the future may hold.

4. Start Saving for Retirement Now

Retirement might seem a while off, but the sooner you start saving for it, the better. Put some money into something like a 401(k) or IRA, especially if your employer offers matching contributions. These accounts benefit from compound interest over time, which will make your early contributions significantly more valuable. Start saving a small percentage of your income and gradually increase the amount as you make more money.

5. Begin Investing Wisely

Investing can be a powerful way to grow your wealth over the long term. We can’t tell you exactly where to invest your money, as that’s a completely personal decision. However, we do recommend speaking to a financial advisor to find out the best investments for your financial situation and personal goals.

6. Improve and Maintain Your Credit Score

A good credit score can save you thousands of dollars in interest over your lifetime. It’ll also help you get lower rates on mortgages, car loans, and other forms of credit. The best ways to get a good score are to pay your bills on time and keep your credit utilization low. You should also regularly check your report to make sure there are no mistakes.

7. Make Sure You Have Insurance

You might think that insurance is pointless. Sure, it’s more of a safety net than anything, but it’ll definitely help to protect your finances after unexpected accidents. Health insurance and auto insurance are legal necessities, and you should also consider life and homeowner’s insurance, too. Annually review your coverage to ensure it meets your current needs and doesn’t leave you exposed to any serious financial risks.

8. Think Carefully About Owning a Home

Owning a home can be a part of building wealth, but you should only do it when you’re financially ready. Is your job stable enough to cover the cost of one? How’s the local real estate market? Are you prepared (and willing) to handle any maintenance and unexpected repairs? There are a ton of questions to consider, and you should also be mindful of additional costs like taxes and insurance.

9. Practice Living Below Your Means

Another important thing to remember is to live below your means. Spend less than you earn and avoid unnecessary debt. In the short term, this might seem frustrating, but it’ll help you in the long term by allowing you to save and invest more. Focus on spending money on things that bring true value and happiness to your life.

10. Educate Yourself Financially

Nothing beats a strong understanding of personal finance.If you’ve got some extra time, invest it in learning on https://cangafltd.com/ about things like budgeting and investing. There are plenty of free resources, like online courses and podcasts, to help you make informed financial decisions. You can even visit your local library to see if they have any courses running.

11. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation

As your income increases, you might be tempted to increase your spending proportionally – but don’t do it. You can avoid lifestyle inflation by maintaining a relatively constant standard of living, which allows you to allocate more money toward savings and investments. This will help your finances grow long-term.

12. Use the Power of Compound Interest

Compound interest essentially means you can earn interest on interest, and it’s more helpful than you might think. It can turn modest savings into a lot of wealth over time! Start saving and investing as early as possible to maximize the benefits of compound interest, which will help you to secure your financial future.

13. Explore Side Hustles

A side hustle can help your income, providing extra money that can be used to pay down debt or save. Look for opportunities that match your skills and interests. There are plenty of freelancing sites that you can sign up for to show off your skills. It can help you make money and, who knows – it could even become a new career or business opportunity!

14. Automate Your Finances

One of the easiest things to do is automate your financial transactions. Whether you’re paying bills, putting money into savings, or making investments, automating your finances means you’ll never miss a payment. This set-and-forget approach simplifies money management and will also mean you avoid late fees and penalties.

15. Network Effectively

Building a strong professional network can lead to new job opportunities and business opportunities you may never have dreamed of. Try taking part in online forums and community groups to widen your network. At the very least, you’ll meet some new people, and at best, you might form genuine relationships that could lead to financial opportunities.

In The Future

Clearly, if you’re trying to get financially stable before 40, there are several steps that you can take. But the most important thing to remember is that you need to plan proactively and be disciplined with your savings. None of these steps can guarantee you’ll get there on time, but they’re all steps in the right direction.

Tamila McDonald

Filed Under: Personal Finance Tagged With: debt management, Emergency Fund, financial education, investing, money management, money saving, Personal Finance, Retirement

7 Key Offerings Rental Properties Need to Succeed in California

April 6, 2022 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

Rental properties are hyper-competitive when they set out to attract the perfect renters. Knowing what renters in your area desire is key to winning this competition. In California specifically, there are some crucial offerings rental units can use to make them stand out amongst other local choices. For property investors and owners looking to profit massively in 2022, here are seven key offerings rental properties need to succeed in California, and how they can make your unit appear brand-new in a durable, affordable manner:

1. Commute-Friendly Location

Californians are often living either in or nearby a major metro area. With high housing costs, many of them rely on strong public transportation, or quick road routes, to get to work every day. With this in mind, properties that have convenient, nearby access to these luxuries are certain to not only rise in value, but they will attract more professional renters. Renters in less metro-heavy areas will not have to keep this offering in mind, however. If nothing else, avoiding areas that are actively anti-commute-friendly is crucial if you want to ensure renters flock to your rental property.

2. Home Office Space

Especially in 2022, there are much fewer people who are commuting to work day after day. Working from home has been a calm, production-boosting experience for many American workers, and California’s massive size makes it home to perhaps the most at-home workers in the United States. Reinventing a space within a rental property unit to either be explicitly set up for a home office space, or making it so it can accommodate one easily, is an excellent feature to attract professional, working class renters. Additionally, the attention to detail in how you set up the space within your rental units will show potential how professional you are in presenting the property, and allow you to maximize your ROI on property investments in 2022.

3. Ample Storage

Speaking of Californians living in metro areas, there’s one feature that can absolutely charm them and make you stand out from the competition immediately: having ample storage space built into your rental units. Whether the storage is included in the unit itself, or somewhere accessible in the rental lot area, Californians who are used to more cramped rental units will breathe easy knowing they will finally have the breathing room within their own apartment that they’ve been dreaming of. Rearranging or refitting the layout of a unit to create creative storage space solutions will showcase your versatility as a property owner as well.

4. Modern Amenities

Having your rental units outfitted with modern amenities that come packed in with the cost of rent will help you gain qualified, reliable renters at a lightning fast rate (and retain them). From “smart” appliances, to updated electrical outlets, to bidets, knowing what your ideal renter desires from a modernized apartment space is key in implementing this step. Finding affordable, durable and trendy solutions to packing modern amenities into your rental units will be especially helpful if you decide to go down this route. With the help of financing, making these updates will become that much more accessible.

5. Plant-Friendly Spaces

Californians are known for their love of plants, and having plants a plenty in an apartment or rental home is incredibly trendy in 2022. Not only do plants provide more oxygen in a space, but they boost the mood of occupants as well. Not only will they grow in their pots, but they’ll grow in your heart. While providing plants themselves is not affordable or sustainable, creating spaces in your rental units that are plant-friendly is key. From light-heavy window spaces to airy locations, there are plenty of solutions to making plant lovers feel confident about renting their living space from you.

6. Competitive Rental Prices

Although it’s a simple idea, simply understanding how you can both bring in a massive passive income, while still pricing your unit in an affordable, competitive way, is key to succeeding in the Californian rental property market. Despite job growth and economic growth over the last half of the year, the economy is still having some trouble, so giving your renters more breathing room with their income is sure to help attract them into signing a lease.

7. Eco-Friendly Features

California is one of the most eco-friendly, green places in the United States. Finding ways to make your rental properties more energy-efficient will make residents of the state appreciate your property more. Solar panels, plumbing changes and eco-friendly amenities are all great ways to achieve this quality. Beyond attracting people to your property, these changes will save costs in the long run as well (especially since California offers incentives for property owners to “green” up their properties).

It’s Time to Attract the Perfect Renters

Renters are always looking out for their dream apartment or rental home. With these seven qualities embedded into your properties, you’ll have a massive leg up on the competition. As you implement them, you’ll boost your passive income to an impressive new level with rental properties in 2022.

Filed Under: Investing Tagged With: investing

The Most Famous Forex Traders Ever

April 16, 2020 By Susan Paige Leave a Comment

The Forex market has produced some of the most successful traders in the world over, since its inception. With most professional traders earning big, it comes as no surprise that there are some traders who have far exceeded others in terms of incredible results and consistency over their career. A select few have even reached international stardom, who have left their footprints in the investment industry.

A lot of these individuals offer guidance and inspiration for other traders who look to improve their results. They often take meticulous risks leading by example on how a forex trader should function and plan. This article aims to present five of the most successful forex traders in the world at the moment.

Stanley Druckenmiller: Hailing from a middle-class suburb in Philadelphia, Stanley Druckenmiller started out his journey in 1977 as a bank management trainee. He formed a company after four years called Duquesne Capital. He then gained attention and success for managing George Soros’ money, another big, internationally known trader. He worked as the lead portfolio manager for Quantum Fund from 1988 to 2000.
Andrew Krieger: Andrew Krieger is another successful trader having joined Banker’s Trust after leaving Solomon Brothers in 1986. He immediately became known as a successful trader and got rewarded by the company by having his capital limit increased to $700 million. This was significantly more than the standard $50 million limit allotted. These turn of events were to help him find a perfect position to profit from during the 1987 market crash known as “Black Monday”.
George Soros: As mentioned before George Soros is an internationally famous forex trader, born in 1930. After escaping Hungary which was occupied by the Nazi administration at that point, Soros began his financial career at London based Singer and Friedlander in 1954. After working at a series of financial firms , he established Soros Fund management in 1970, which would go on to generate $40 billion in profits over the next 5 decades.
Soros rose to international fame after netting a profit of over $1 billion after short selling $10 billion worth of GBP. He became known as the trader who broke the Bank of England. He is also included in the list of the 30 wealthiest individuals in the world.
Bruce Kovner: Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1945, Bruce Kovner didn’t even initiate trading till 1977. At age 32, he borrowed against his personal credit card, buying soybean futures contracts, netting a $20,000 in the process. After joining the Commodities Corporation as a trader, he booked millions in profits, gaining a solid industry reputation. Bruce Kovner founded the Caxton Alternative Management company in 1982. It has since grown into one of the world’s most successful hedge funds, with an estimated $14 billion in assets.
Bill Lipschutz: Bill Lipschutz started his trading journey while attending Cornel University in the 70s. He started his success by turning $12000 to $250,000. He learnt a hard lesson on risk management after he lost his entire stake after a poor trading decision. After learning the lessons, he migrated to Solomon’s newly formed foreign exchange division. He became an immediate success, earning an estimated $300 million per year for Solomon by the end of 1985. From 1995, he has held the director of portfolio management position at Hathersage Capital Management.

Using IQ Options for Trading

All the above traders started from somewhere, overcoming various obstacles to become what they are today. They provide the inspiration required to many small scale traders to dream big and achieve profits. For that, they need a reliable broker they can trust.

IQ Option- a safe and trustworthy broker for trading Forex, is a multi-asset brokerage platform that offers several classes of tradable assets and instruments. It offers a mix of Stock CFDs, forex CFDs, stock CFDs, and cryptocurrency CFDs along with binary and digital options, all under a single platform.

IQ Option is registered at Cyprus, regulated under the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. It is available in 213 nations around the world, requiring a minimum deposit of only $10 and minimum trades at $1. IQ Option also offers a demo account where traders can try out the platform before diving into the real-time trading environment.

Conclusion

The article names and discusses in brief, some of the most successful forex traders in the world, which constantly being updated with success stories from around the world.

Filed Under: Investing Tagged With: forex, investing, trading