How Money Market Accounts Work and Why You Should Open One
When it comes to earning interest on your money, savings account aren’t the only game in town. Money market accounts are one of the most popular savings options, and if you aren’t familiar with their features, it’s probably time to learn more. So how does a money market account work? Here’s a primer on this […]
Teaching Kids About Money: 4 Things Your Kids Need to Know
For most parents, the end of summer means moving on from pool floaties and popsicles to backpacks and pencil boxes — and a renewed emphasis on learning. You want to teach your kids about money, but between reading logs and art projects, it can be tempting to hope they just pick it up at school. […]
The End of the Overspend: How to Create a Budget and Stick to It
College diploma? Check. Official job and title? Check. Regular income? Check. Now that you’ve got a steady stream of paychecks, your next question is: What to do with the cash? New furniture for your new digs, a work-appropriate wardrobe, weekly fancy dinners out, or even a trek across Europe (once you accrue those vacation days, […]
Key Options Terms: Learn How Theta Is Calculated
Options trading may already be part of your investing strategy if you’re a DIY investor. But whether you’ve been doing it for a while or are just getting started, it’s helpful to become proficient in the options concepts and lingo to be as successful as possible. Specifically, it helps to be well versed in the […]
How to Keep Interest Rate Movements in Perspective
At the top of your financial plan: Getting a great rate from a reputable bank for the money you set aside in savings. After all, the better your interest rate, the more opportunity your money has to grow. So it’s natural to wonder how shifts in the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy may impact you […]
4 Things That Today’s First-Time Homebuyers Are Doing Right
Sometimes it feels like you can’t escape the headlines about how your generation — the millennials — are shaking things up. How you avoid malls, choose to marry and have kids later, contribute to the demise of chain restaurants and look to gain social good from your investments, not just financial returns — essentially challenging […]
Listen Up! 14 Financial Podcasts You Need to Listen to Now
Podcasts are all the rage these days, especially with millennials and Gen Z. They’re a go-to source for news and entertainment — but they can also be a great form of financial education. We’re guessing your podcast queue is already quite full, but if you can, you might consider finding room to squeeze in one […]
Savings 101: How to Save Money
Ah, financial freedom. Who doesn’t like the sound of that? But start thinking about what that takes, and you might be tempted to bury your head under the covers and hit snooze (again). But it doesn’t have to be that way. Financial freedom is simply the ability to make your own decisions about where your […]
Expert Take: Lule Demmissie on Market Disruptions
How do you react when you see news headlines talking about the latest ups or downs of the stock market? According to a new Ally Invest customer survey, more than half of investors take market volatility in stride, holding onto their investments when large market disruptions occur. And significantly, 41% take advantage of market inflections […]
Your Financial Buoy: Build an Emergency Savings Account
Are you a glass half-full type of person? Always assuming that things at your job will work out, your family will stay healthy, and your car will last another decade? Even if you are an optimist, it’s important to take a tip from the Boy Scouts and be prepared. After all, companies downsize, people get […]
