There is already speculation that this past Monday will mark the bottom of the stock market in our current recession. What do I think? I don’t care. And, if you want to consider yourself a savvy investor, neither should you. In fact, when asked recently where he thinks the stock market will go over the next few years, investor demigod Warren Buffet retorted that he didn’t know, and that it doesn’t matter. [...]
Deciding what to do with your 401(k) retirement plan when you leave a job can be intimidating. Unless you have an extreme hardship and need to cash out your 401(k), it’s almost always best to rollover your old retirement plan into a rollover IRA. Once you understand why—and how—to rollover your old 401(k) into an IRA, the process is easy. [...]
I’m excited to announce a $100 giveaway from Lending Club, the peer-to-peer lending site, here at Money Under 30. One lucky winner will receive $100 deposited into their Lending Club lender account. Here’s how to enter…and win! [...]
Rivka asks: I’m 25 and switching jobs. My old company didn’t match 401(k) contributions, so I put 6% of my salary into a Roth IRA. My new company, however, matches 100% on the first 3% of my salary that I contribute to their 401(k) and 50% of the next 2%. Should I contribute 5% to my 401(k) and then a little more to the Roth IRA? Or should I just let me IRA sit for the time being and not contribute? What about a savings account? (I currently contribute $300 a month to a high yield savings account.) [...]
Did the stock market rattle your nerves in 2008? Although I’m a firm believer that last year’s record declines in stock prices means 2009 is a great time to beef up your stock investments and buy, buy, buy—I understand that some folks are looking for some alternative investments to round out their strategies. And diversification is always a good thing. Here are five alternative investment ideas to consider this year: [...]
Mutual funds were born in the 20th century, but it is possible mutual funds (or at least many of them) will die in the 21st century as alternatives like hedge funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) lure investors with higher returns, less regulation, and/or lower fees. Regardless of mutual funds’ future, there are a few things every investor needs to know about them. [...]
Investing advice publications just love to make stock predictions every December for the upcoming year. Since I don’t have the time or know-how to dig deep into company financials to bring you my own best stocks for 2009, I thought I’d round up some of the many “best stocks for 2009” picks from around the Web. Put your broker on speed dial; it’s time to invest in some winners while the markets are still down. [...]
Just last month we shook our heads in disbelief over how a middle-aged nurse could give $400,000 to a Nigerian email scammer. Now, we must collect our jaws from the floor once again as ask exactly how hedge fund investor Bernie Madoff could defraud thousands of very wealthy investors out of $50 billion. [...]
Ponzi schemes—like the $50 scam allegedly run by Bernard Madoff—have been around for decades and, unfortunately, will likely continue to exist for years to come. Here’s how to recognize a potential Ponzi scheme and avoid getting burned. [...]
The stock market isn’t the only thing that might be beating up on your 401(k) retirement plan; many employers are cutting 401(k) plan matching benefits as a way to reign in expenses, the Wall Street Journal reports. What should you do if your employer pulls your matching benefit? [...]
