A few followers have asked specifically about budgeting. I know, I know budgeting can be as much fun as watching paint dry! Learning how to complete a monthly budget was the single most effective skill that helped my wife and I pay off $46k in student loan debt! Subsequently knowing how to and sticking to … Continue reading Keep calm and do a BUDGET!
Free website to track your investments!
. You probably have seen or heard of the several free online budgeting software apps that are pretty amazing! Mint, YNAB, and Everydollar just to name a few. Personally my wife and I used Mint to coincide with our written budget while we were paying off our consumer debts. We moved away from Mint when … Continue reading Free website to track your investments!
Asset Allocation (you know, what your adviser should be explaining to you…)
Asset allocation is defined as "the strategy of dividing your investment portfolio across various asset classes like stocks, bonds and money market securities." (investopedia.com) Find your latest statement that your adviser or investment company has sent you. Somewhere in the paperwork, that most likely has no mention of how much in fees you're paying, you will find … Continue reading Asset Allocation (you know, what your adviser should be explaining to you…)
Elf and Fee Spotters United! Fees, Fees, beware of FEES!
I'd like to call to order the 1st Annual Elf and Fee Spotters United meeting. Today we will be talking about the latest elf spotting (insert short Trooper jokes here) and paying attention to the fees that are killing your portfolio's future returns. I would love to say that both elf spotters and investment fees … Continue reading Elf and Fee Spotters United! Fees, Fees, beware of FEES!
Index Funds vs. Actively Managed Funds… so important it’s not boring!
Now that we have established the fundamental differences between Index Funds and Actively Managed funds (Investing basics can be found here). Index Funds match the returns of the benchmarks or specific stock market tracking. While Actively Managed funds try to outperform the benchmarks. Outperforming the stock market sounds great doesn't it! According to Investopedia.com many … Continue reading Index Funds vs. Actively Managed Funds… so important it’s not boring!
Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and the Stock Market!
"You should invest! Start early!" Said the older and wise Troopers I trained under. As I walked into a downtown skyscraper to sign up for my work sponsored Deferred Compensation Plan (457b/401a) I thought to myself, you're 21 years old, you know what you're doing. First question the adviser asked me was "what is your … Continue reading Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and the Stock Market!
“It’s all Greek to me!”
"It's all Greek to me" a coworker said over the phone as I was trying to explain investing expenses and how he is overpaying by leaps and bounds. I had just finished reviewing his Portfolio Summary he had given me. I am no expert, nor do I hold any certifications (someday maybe), but I have … Continue reading “It’s all Greek to me!”
super FI troopers 