Introduction: 8 Advantages of Investing In Mutual Funds

mutual fund guide

There is a boat load of information published about mutual funds. That's probably because, for most of us, these investments will comprise the vast majority of our retirement portfolios. Mutual funds also account for the core choices within most corporate 401k, 403b, and other pension plans, as well as Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs). … [Read more...]

3 Ways Mutual Funds Make Money for Investors

3 ways mutual funds make money

Believe it or not, modern mutual funds as we know them have been around since 1924. The first one in the United States was created by the Massachusetts Investors' Trust in Boston, Massachusetts. Yet today, certain aspects of mutual funds still seem mysterious to many people. Of course, most people know that a mutual fund can invest in hundreds of … [Read more...]

The Truth About Mutual Fund Fees and Expenses

truth about mutual fund fees and expenses

If you want to ensure that the profits earned by your mutual funds aren't being siphoned off by fast talking mutual fund companies, you should read this article. In it, you'll learn about the various types of mutual fund fees and expenses, and which funds will provide the best investment deal. In the mutual fund world, the common lingo for … [Read more...]

Which Mutual Funds to Choose and When: The Money Shifting Strategy

moneyshifting

When it comes to deciding which mutual funds to choose and invest in, the biggest factor that comes into play is the economic health of the nation and the world. And the most important indicator of an economy's health and investing environment is its interest rates. So if someone advises you to put your money into a particular stock, bond, or money … [Read more...]

How to Invest in Stock Funds

how to invest in stock funds

Unless you're nearing retirement, the biggest chunk of your investment portfolio will probably be comprised of stock mutual funds. So in this section of the guide, I'm going to walk through how to invest in stock or equity funds. After completing this section, you should to able to move forward with confidence in the mutual fund choices you make … [Read more...]

How to Invest In Bond Funds

how to invest in bond funds

While you can purchase individual bonds issued by the federal government, state municipalities, and corporations, the least risky way to do it is through mutual funds. Using this approach, you're relying on a bond expert to select and manage a large portfolio of many bonds that match your investment risk tolerance level. So in this article, I'm … [Read more...]

How to Invest In Money Market Funds & Conclusion

how to invest in money market funds

When it comes to investing in money market mutual funds, your mindset will be a bit different than investing in stock or bond funds. That's because the objective of these funds is not to make big profits. Instead, their goal is invest in very safe securities that will preserve the capital you put in and make it very easy for you to get the money … [Read more...]

Introduction: What Is a Bond and How Does It Work?

bonds_what_is_a_bond

If you're looking for an investment that is fairly safe, then bonds may be worthy of your consideration. But they aren't right for everyone. There's more to them than meets the eye. In this guide, you'll learn about bonds and investing in them. However, the purpose of the guide is NOT to teach you everything under the sun about bonds. Instead, the … [Read more...]

5 Types of Bonds You Should Consider for Your Investment Portfolio

5 types of bonds

Before you invest in bonds, you should know what all is available to choose from for your investment portfolio. The best decisions are made when you start with the big picture. So here are the five most important types of bonds that you should consider and where they come from: Bonds for Beginners Ninja Training Guide Introduction: … [Read more...]

5 Reasons Why Bonds Are a Good Investment (But Not for Everyone)

why bonds are a good investment

When it comes to bonds, many investors will buy into them without fully understanding what they're getting into. You have to think about things such as your risk tolerance, your age, better alternative investments, and your short and long term goals. In this section, you'll learn why bonds may be a great investment. But if none of them seem to fit … [Read more...]

What You Need to Know About Interest Rates and Bond Prices

rising interest rates

The primary driver of bond prices and the bond market is interest rates. Yes, you have to pay close attention to the quality of the corporation or government behind each bond, but the market itself is focused like a hungry hawk on what's happening with interest rates. Now, I'm not going to get into all the highly technical jargon surrounding … [Read more...]

6 Major Bond Risks and Quality Ratings

bond risks and quality ratings

For any investment, you have to explore the risks and identify your limits. By doing this, you'll make smarter decisions. And while many people think that bonds are completely safe, there are in fact varying degrees of risk. In this article, you'll learn about the six biggest bond risks and how they can affect your portfolio. Bonds for … [Read more...]

Why Compound Interest Is the 8th Wonder of the World

compound_interest

Forget about the Grand Canyon, Eiffel Tower, or Taj Mahal, they don't come close to approaching the true eighth wonder of the world. I'm referring to "compound interest". But don't take my word for it, read this quote by "another" (ha ha) mathematical genius. “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world. He who understands it, earns … [Read more...]

Traditional IRA Rules: How to Calculate Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)

ira distribution and taxes

You probably already know that for Traditional IRAs you cannot withdraw the funds from your account prior to reaching age of 59 ½ years old, without facing a stiff 10% additional tax penalty. But after you reach that age, you can start pulling money out (and just pay standard taxes) or leave it alone for additional years. However, there will … [Read more...]