The stock market provided plenty of drama early in 2020, a bear market that began in February, but recovered by April. And in spite of that early major downturn, the S&P 500 Index still enjoyed double-digit performance for the year, resulting in a total return of more than 16.26% as of 12/31/20.1
In a volatile stock market, your emotions might let new highs and record lows drive your short-term decisions. The drastic ups and downs can make you feel confident one day and queasy the next. When your investment is reaching new highs, you might feel on top of the world. But, when your investment hits new lows, confidence wanes. The market’s volatile nature might even lead you to jump ship on your savings goals. Unfortunately, this could cost you over the long term.
It’s possible to remain calm during what feels like a financial roller coaster ride if you better understand market declines and the need for a smart investment strategy. When you pair the two, you’re more likely to meet your financial targets.
If you feel like the COVID-19 pandemic robbed you of your ability to live a normal life, you’re not alone. Restrictions on travel, entertainment and other social gatherings put an abrupt halt to daily activities around the globe.
Due to a global semiconductor shortage, production on certain new cars has slowed, causing used car sales to soar. Like the housing market, it’s a boon for sellers looking to sell or trade in their current vehicles, not so much for buyers who are paying premium prices for both new and used rides. According to recent data, used-car prices rose by 21% in April since April the same time as last year.1
It sounds easy. Make a quick phone call, save thousands a year on insurance. But to get the right coverage for your specific situation, you need to look beyond low annual premiums. While you might find cheaper policies, they may not adequately protect your property or assets. There’s a better way to save money on insurance.
When you need extra cash to pay for a home remodeling project or other major expense, a personal loan can be a low cost solution. You can use a personal loan to pay for almost anything. All you have to do to be approved is meet minimum income and credit standards set by the lender.
Despite their flexibility, personal loans aren’t right for every situation. Before you complete an application, consider the pros and cons.
Last year challenged us to protect our health, job and financial well-being. Although things are looking up, life will always have bumps in the road. Here are some tips to get back to basics and improve your financial picture.
If your regular income source has diminished due to the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting your credit may not be one of your top concerns right now. It’s understandable. When the priority is to take care of the essentials, your credit health can easily slide down a few rungs on the priority ladder. But ignoring your credit now could cause financial harm long after you’ve regained your income.
Some years, Congress changes the rules investors face. Other years, the economy necessitates rethinking the best-laid investment plans. In between, investors’ personal situations change, from the arrival of children to the loss of a job.
“Investors face a changing environment,” says Fred H. Thomas, branch manager of Raymond James Financial Associates in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. “They need to maximize their investment dollars.”
Taxpayers trying to build wealth can weather the ups and downs of the tax side of that volatile environment by following a few historically helpful steps. Continue reading
When there’s a change of leadership in the White House, many investors feel compelled to make changes with their investments, too. But making a sudden departure from an investing strategy can often do more harm than good, particularly when it comes to retirement savings. Conventional wisdom dictates sticking with the fundamentals of asset allocation and keeping a long-term perspective.
