An investment is any action you can take with your money, in hopes that it will bring you a greater return on your money. The investment could be in stocks, bonds, real estate, retirement plans, or even collectibles. Learn here about different types of investments and how to deal with taxes, brokers, and more when it comes to your investments.
When Do I Pay Taxes on the Interest Earned from Savings Bonds?
At one of my jobs long ago, I arranged to have $25 taken out of each monthly paycheck to buy a $50 U.S. savings bond. The money wasn’t missed, and the savings added up to $600 worth of long-term savings for only a $300 annual investment. These days, my clients and readers don’t ask about [...]
Getting Started in Real Estate Investing: Good vs. Bad Debt
When getting started in real estate investing, knowing the difference between good vs. bad debt is crucial. More tips for real estate beginners. Q: I enjoy Ilyce’s radio show very much. Thank you for what you do. I'm a new investor in my late 20s seeking to build a portfolio of rental properties for the [...]
Tax-Free Exchange on Rental Property: What Taxes Do I Owe When Selling?
Tax-free exchange on rental property, what taxes do I owe when selling? Did you purchase the home as an investment or as a primary residence? Q: We purchased our present home in 2005 for $225,000. It was a tax-free exchange on a rental property we owned previously. We rented the current home for two years right [...]
Should I Cash Out My 401K?
Should I cash out my 401K? Try hiring a financial adviser, reducing your living expenses and refinancing your home. Q: I am a 49 year old who plans to retire from my current job by age 55. My 401(k) is now worth $1.1 million, which is up 20 percent since January. It is invested in several [...]
Small Business Success: Follow Your Passion
Starting a small business can be intimidating, but plenty of people have done it before—and done it successfully. Whether it’s opening your own coffee shop, starting a consultancy firm, or becoming a wedding planner, there are plenty of opportunities for success. Take real estate investor Theresa Bradley-Banta (pictured right), who has created two businesses, one drastically [...]
Investing in Foreclosures | Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink
Investing in foreclosures can lead to big gains. Ilyce Glink talks about real estate investing and foreclosure in today's Real Estate Minute. There are two key factors that will predict your success as a real estate investor: How savvy you are about what you buy, and how patient you can be. Typically, single-family homes appreciate [...]
Pros and Cons of Real Estate Investment Trusts
Understand the pros and cons of real estate investment trusts before jumping in. Real estate investment trusts have both advantages and disadvantages. Q: We are retired and our investment advisor suggested that we invest in REITS. Would this be a good idea? We have about $270,000 in assets and he wants us to invest about [...]
Buying Furniture at Auction for Your Small Business
For any small business owner, it can be a big decision to expand your office and buy new furniture and equipment—but it doesn’t have to be a big investment. Once you’ve decided you need office furniture—because your business is growing, you’ve recently rented office space, or you’re taking on new employees—it’s time to figure out [...]
The Price Is Right: Determining Pricing for Your Small Business
For a small business, pricing products and services can be a difficult task. Figuring out your costs can be challenging, but you’ll also need to take into consideration profits, competition, value, and brand image, as well as how you want to position yourself in the marketplace. Pricing communicates quality, says Bryan Ziegler, director of the [...]