I recently received this "loaded" question from a young investor. Going back to basics every now and then is helpful for all of us. When investing in a mutual fund, know your ABCs. A 'load' refers to the commission structure for a particular mutual fund investment. Think of it like a weight that loads down your investment. For mutual funds, there are different share classes denoted by a ... Read More
Mutual Funds
Low ETF Fees Attract Investors
Can you keep a secret? Affluent investors are becoming big fans of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF). While Wall Street may want to continue to pick your pocket through higher-cost mutual funds, you can lower your costs and need to get to know about ETFs. Wall Street doesn't want you to know that you may not be getting the best deal when it comes to your investments. Most people invest through ... Read More
Low Cost ETF Investing: Join the Investing Wave
Looking for an investing edge? Try lowering your costs. Beat the stock market professionals at their own game through low cost ETF investing. Despite the cold weather and frigid water temperatures, jump in and join the investing wave. Adopt a low cost ETF investing approach and you may improve your returns and your personal bottom line. For more on Investing on a Shoe String with Low Cost ... Read More
Investment Tips for New Years Resolution
It's the beginning of a New Year. Now what? Time to put actions to words. It's time to get moving on those New Year's resolutions. Fran Tarkenton, a football legend and successful businessman, once said, "People don't change their behavior unless it makes a difference for them to do so." Changes That Make A Difference to Your Investments So, it's a New Year and a "new you." Here are some ... Read More
How Many Choices Does A Retirement Investor Need
KISS - Keep It Simple, Stupid. That advice can apply to most things in life. It may be true for investing as well. As financial advisors we have access to tons of academic research, white papers and other sources of navel gazing. But the reality is that most investors prefer to KISS. And maybe they're onto something. Yes, we try to demonstrate our added value through complex algorithms ... Read More
3 Investment Tips to Improve Your Performance
Often I am asked "How Can I Improve My Portfolio's Performance?" Investing can be as much art as it is science. In my opinion it may actually be more art than science. I really think investing is all about emotion and all the statistics, charts, graphs and academic white papers provide a rational cloak to mask this simple fact. This is true when we buy anything or make a decision about a ... Read More
Cashing Out ESOP Stock
Question for Boston Money Coach: Can I cash out my company ESOP? Bob from Portland Response from Boston Money Coach Steve Stanganelli: Thanks, Bob, for your question. First, let's take a step back and review the basics. In the alphabet soup of finance, an ESOP stands for Employee Stock Ownership Plan. To be clear, this has nothing to do with stock options - those are an entirely ... Read More
Ask the Adviser: Cold Shoulder for 401(k) Rollover
What do you do with 401(k)s leftover from former employers when you get the cold shoulder from investment firms? Question: I am with a new employer in the Boston area and do not participate in the company 401(k). I will soon be eligible to join soon. I need to find out how to rollover to the 401(k) plan. Now I am saving in a regular bank savings account and want to use this money for ... Read More
Ask the Adviser: Why Should I Rollover My 401k From My Old Job?
There are many valid reasons to consider a 401k rollover. Costs While it may not seem like it, you are paying for your funds to stay with your old employer’s sponsored plan. You just don’t see it. Fees for employer plans are not very transparent. While you may not see an actual bill, your employer is probably paying for the administration of the plan through hidden fees assessed on the ... Read More
Insider Trading Probe May Be Lump of Coal for Investors During Holiday Season
Da-Dum ... Da-Dum ... Da-Dum Da Dum Da Dum ... Da Da Da Da Da Da Da Da ... Da Da Daaaa ..... Sound familiar? While you could mistaken it for my toddler son Spencer calling me, it's really the eerily memorable theme song from the classic water thriller Jaws. (Or at least that's what it sounds like when I'm singing it). Like many, after seeing this movie I was more than a bit afraid to go ... Read More
