We use cookies to provide the services and features offered on our website and to improve our user experience. To learn more, please review our terms of use.
Diversification is an investment strategy that combines a wide variety of investments in a portfolio to reduce risks associated with investing.
By combining different kinds of assets in a portfolio, an investor can limit exposure to the risks associated with investing in a single asset.
Understanding Investment Diversification
When an investor gets different types of assets and investment vehicles in their portfolio, the diversification process smoothens any risks from a single security.
The positive performances of some securities will balance out the negative performance of others, reducing the overall risk of investments.
Types of Investments
Investors building a diversified portfolio can invest in various stocks and securities, like the following:
Asset Classes
You can invest in various asset classes:
Stocks. Shares or equity of a public company;
Bonds. Fixed-income debt instruments like government or corporate bonds;
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Short-term low-risk investments like certificates of deposits (CDs), treasury bills, and other short-term money market instruments;
Real Estate. Can be in the form of land, building, agriculture, livestock, or others;
Commodities. Goods necessary to manufacture other goods and services like gold, crude oil, and more;
ETFs. Marketable collection of securities traded on a stock exchange.
Industries and Sectors
You can diversify your portfolio by investing in stocks and bonds of companies in different industries and sectors like energy, healthcare, and technology. Growth in one sector can fuel its share prices, balancing a fall in other industries while diversifying the investor’s portfolio.
Domestic and Foreign Countries
Diversification is also possible by investing in domestic and international shares. In addition, investing in different global markets can diversify portfolios.
Diversification Strategies
To effectively diversify a portfolio, investors need to have a balanced mix of different types of securities that are not perfectly co-related; that is, they respond differently to changes in market conditions.
Investors can diversify their portfolios by investing in different types of shares following the strategies mentioned below.
Asset Classes
Investors often diversify portfolios based on the different asset classes.
Stocks and Bonds
Stocks and bonds represent two leading asset classes. Therefore, one strategy to diversify a portfolio is determining the proportion of investment between stocks and bonds.
Although stocks often offer higher returns, they tend to be riskier than bonds. In contrast, bonds offer a secure way of investing with lower returns.
Bond Assets Classes
Bonds can be classified based on the following:
Credit risk. It represents the borrower’s risk. For instance, U.S Treasury bonds tend to have the least risk of default;
Interest rate risk. It represents the time required for the bonds to mature. Bonds with longer maturity periods, like 30-year bonds, have a higher interest rate risk when compared to short-term bonds.
Alternative Assets
Alternative assets, like real estate, cryptocurrencies, and commodities, do not fit into the stock and bonds asset classes. Therefore, investing in them can further diversify the investor’s portfolio.
Industries and Sectors
Investors can diversify their portfolios by investing in different industries and sectors. For example, investing in unrelated industries like airlines and digital streaming can help hedge the risks of investing in a particular industry or sector.
Geographical Locations (Domestic vs. Foreign)
Investing in foreign securities can help investors diversify their investments. Geographical locations typically classify as U.S. companies, companies in developed countries, and those in emerging markets.
Investors looking to benefit from higher growth potential and high risks can invest in emerging markets.
Market Capitalizations (Big vs. Small)
Another way investors can diversify is by purchasing shares in companies that differ in the market capitalization of their assets.
Companies have a unique way of asset acquisition, brand recognition, and other operations based on their market size. While large capital stocks are considered safe investments, small caps have more significant growth potential.
Company Lifecycle (Growth vs. Value)
Public equity shares can classify into growth and value shares.
Growth stocks. These are shares with the potential to experience a higher growth rate than the industry average. They offer excellent returns but can be risky.
Value stocks. These shares have reached their growth potential and offer a stable form of investment, although the returns are not as high.
By investing in a balanced way between the two shares, an investor can further diversify their portfolio.
Benefits and Limitations
Investment diversification does have its advantages and drawbacks.
Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of diversification is reducing your risk. If one asset class isn’t performing well, another asset class can make up for it. In addition, it can help you achieve your long-term financial goals by mitigating risk.
Limitations
Diversification can limit some downsides by averaging volatility and risk across a group of investments. However, it can shorten your upside, causing you to realize lower rewards. As you further diversify your portfolio, your returns may mimic the market average. A highly diversified portfolio can be time-consuming if you’re doing it alone.
Takeaway
Investment diversification is an essential strategy in financial and investment planning and management. Instead of putting all your money in a single asset, maintaining a diverse pool of assets can balance your risks while ensuring an optimum return on investments.
Certain companies and government agencies offer benefit programs as part of their employment to assist employees in paying off their student loans.
Employers can offer employees up to $5,250 as annual tax-free loan repayment benefits.
What are Employer-Sponsored Repayment Programs?
Employer-sponsored loan repayment programs are benefits private employers and certain government agencies offer to help employees pay off their student loans.
The companies can offer benefit programs as a lump sum payment or in the form of a recurring payment either to the employees or directly to the loan providers.
Eligibility and Application Process
Third-party financial institutions can offer these loan repayment programs in which they’ll pay the borrowed amount directly to the loan providers.
The loan-paying organizations can also provide additional non-monetary services like refinancing bonuses and student loan counseling programs.
Taxability of the Repayment Programs
Early on, repayment programs were considered an employee’s taxable income and were subject to payroll taxes. But after passing the CARES Act in March 2020 as a relief during the coronavirus pandemic, employees receiving such assistance were allowed tax breaks for up to $5,250 annually– the tax break now lasts through 2025.
Whenever you receive loan repayment assistance through government programs, you’ll not have to pay taxes on the amounts you receive.
Eligibility
When working for a private company offering loan repayment benefits, you must work for a specified amount before receiving such benefits. In addition, some employers offer these programs from the start.
If your current employer does not offer repayment programs, you can always look for jobs at companies that do. Alternatively, depending on your career choice, you can get repayment benefits through a federal or state government agency.
For instance, military professionals and healthcare employees can be eligible for these benefits through government agencies. It’s best first to check if your career choice offers repayment programs and their eligibility criteria.
Types of Repayment Programs
Typically, repayment programs do not have a set structure or rules. However, here are some of the types of repayment programs an employer may offer.
Tied to retirement savings. Employer retirement contributions like a 401(k) typically match the amount an employee sets aside for retirement. Some employers may contribute towards retirement if you put aside the same amount towards the student loan payment instead.
Swap programs. Some employers may allow you to swap other benefit payments towards student loan payments. For instance, employers can allow employees to apply unused paid time off towards student loan repayment instead of carrying it over to the following year.
Cash payment programs. Some employers can pay a fixed amount in cash on top of your existing loan payments.
Payment match programs. Similar to cash payment programs, your employer can match your loan payment amounts.
Signing bonus. Some companies offer a lumpsum amount as a signing bonus when you first start a company. You can use the payment to pay off your student loans.
Benefits and Limitations
Some benefits of employer-sponsored repayment programs are:
The employer pays a part of the student loan.
The amount of loan assistance received can be allowed for tax breaks of up to $5,250 per the CARES Act of 2020.
Employers who offer loan repayment programs can easily attract and retain talent.
However, there are still some limitations for employer-sponsored repayment programs, like the following:
Employer-sponsored loan repayment benefits are available at an employer’s discretion. When your employer is not currently offering the benefit, your only solution is to look for a company that does. Alternatively, you can look at government agencies, both at the federal and state level, that provide loan repayment benefits based on your career choice.
The loan repayment option allows for a tax break of up to $5,250 based on the CARES Act of 2020. Any amount paid over the amount mentioned above would attract the usual payroll taxes.
Takeaway
Student loan repayment benefits have become more popular since the inception of the CARES Act of 2020, which allows employers to offer tax-free student loan repayment benefits up to $5,250 until 2025.
When you are currently looking for a job, choosing one that offers student loan repayment benefits will be best to help you pay your loans faster. When you are already working under an employer who offers such benefits, it makes sense to know how the program works so you can maximize them.
Working in government service or for a non-profit organization might qualify you for the public service loan forgiveness program (PSLF). However, to fully qualify, you’ll also need to have made ten years’ worth of loan payments to have the remaining balance forgiven under the program.
What is the PSLF Program?
Public service loan forgiveness, or PSLF, will forgive the remainder of your loan balance once you pay 120 monthly payments for ten years under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time.
When qualifying for the program, you’ll need to work for government services, which include local, state, federal, or tribal levels. In addition, working at a non-profit organization qualifies you for the program. You can also be eligible for loan forgiveness if your employer provides qualifying services.
Eligibility and Application Process
Eligibility:
To qualify for PSLF, you must:
Be Employed By a Qualified Employer.
Employment with the following organizations qualifies for PSLF.
Government organizations at local, state, federal, or tribal levels, including employment with the U.S. military.
Non-profit organizations that qualify for tax exemption under section 503(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC).
The following employers do not qualify for PSLF.
For-profit organizations, including for-profit contractors.
Labor unions.
Partisan political organizations.
Have Full-Time Employment.
You must work at least 30 hours per week with the employer or meet your employer’s definition of full-time work, whichever is greater.
Have Direct Loans.
Any loans received under a Direct Loan Program will qualify you for PSLF. However, student loans taken from private financial institutions do not qualify.
Even though people consolidate federal loans into direct loans, the PSLF program still requires payments to direct consolidated loans to qualify.
Repay Your Loan Under Income-Driven Repayment Plans.
You can prepay monthly payments in lumpsum, which will apply to your future payments for up to 12 months or till your repayment plan is due. The payments will qualify for PSLF once you have certified your employment for 12 months.
All repayment plans qualify for PSLF except the following:
Extended repayment plans.
Alternative repayment plans.
Graduated repayment plans.
Standard repayment plans.
Make 120 Monthly Payments.
To qualify for loan forgiveness, you must make 120 qualifying monthly payments.
Application Process
Before applying for PSLF, you need to:
Check if your employer qualifies.
Certify your employment every year.
Apply for loan forgiveness after fulfilling all the criteria.
Generate a PSLF form to sign and submit to the PSLF officer.
Types of Repayment Plans
The repayment plans that qualify you for PSLF are:
Income-based repayment. An income-driven repayment (IDR) plan reduces your monthly bill depending on your family size and income.
Pay as you earn. According to the IDR plan, you must make federal student loan payments for up to 10% of your discretionary income. At the same time, the program will forgive your balance after 20 years of repayment.
Income contingent repayment. An IDR plan will limit federal loan payments to 20% of your discretionary income and will last 25 years.
Revised pay as you earn. According to the IDR plan, you must make federal student loan payments of up to 10% of your discretionary income. At the same time, the program will forgive your balance after 20-25 years of loan repayment. It is a good option if you are single and do not have grad school debt.
Benefits and Limitations
The Benefits of PSLF:
After ten years or 120 months of loan payments, PSLF forgives the balance of your qualifying loan, making you debt free.
There is no tax implication for any forgiven balance under the PSLF.
The PSLF program encourages you to take government and non-profit sector jobs.
You enjoy the benefits that come with federal student loans.
The Limitations of PSLF:
To qualify for loan forgiveness under the PSLF program, you need to satisfy specific criteria like the following:
You must work full-time.
You must work for a local, state, federal or tribal government or a qualified not-for-profit organization.
You must have qualifying student loans.
You must pay the student loans under income-driven repayment plans.
You must make 120 qualifying monthly payments.
You need to record your qualifying payments and qualified employment history for ten years.
You need to provide the necessary paperwork relating to eligibility.
Takeaway
When you hold a full-time job under a qualifying employer and have excessive student loan debt, you can consider the PLSF to become debt free after ten years.
Seeking PSLF is a ten-year commitment. Therefore, you must clearly understand the risks and benefits before considering them.
For more information about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, click here and here.
Although mobile banking is relatively new technologically, its popularity has skyrocketed. Offering a convenient way for people to access their bank accounts and perform transactions on the go, it’s no reason that so many people opt for mobile banking. However, while many cybersecurity experts say mobile banking is safe, it does come with some risks.
As a mobile banking user, it is essential to understand how to keep your personal information safe and detect and respond to any potential fraud. Below we discuss safety practices for mobile banking.
Keeping Mobile Banking Safe
Mobile banking is typically safe when used correctly and when you take the proper precautions. Banks use various security measures such as encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your account information.
However, there are still risks that you should be aware of and steps you can take to make yourself less vulnerable to cybercrime. For example, people can use malware to steal your personal information or gain access to your account. Additionally, phishing scams can trick you into providing your login credentials to fraudulent websites. Following the safety practices below can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and fraud.
Protecting Your Personal Information
Protecting your personal information may seem obvious, but not being careful about your personal information is an easy vulnerability that scammers can exploit. However, protecting your personal information is simple if you follow these steps:
The first step in mobile banking safety is downloading a verified banking app from your bank’s website. Usually, you’ll go to a secure app store where you can download the right app. A banking app found outside of your bank’s website could be a way for perpetrators to steal your banking information. If you need clarification on whether an app is legitimate, contact your bank to confirm.
Never share your login credentials or personal information, such as your social security number, date of birth, or banking information. You can use an encrypted password manager to provide extra security to your devices’ passwords.
Avoid accessing your mobile banking app on public Wi-Fi networks, as these networks may not be secure, and hackers can intercept your information. Instead, use your home Wi-Fi or use your cellular network when you’re in public.
Always opt for two-factor or multi-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication requires a password or PIN and another layer of security, like email verification or text message, to further secure your account.
You can also take additional steps to secure your mobile device. For example, you can enable a passcode or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized access to your phone. Your phone is the first defense against scammers, so you should take similar steps to secure it. You should also keep your device’s operating system and apps up-to-date to ensure they patch any security vulnerabilities.
Detecting and Responding to Fraud
Even with the best safety practices, there is still a risk of fraud. Therefore, monitoring your accounts regularly and reporting any suspicious activity to your bank immediately is essential. Some signs of potential fraud include:
Unfamiliar transactions on your account.
Changes to your account information or login credentials that you did not initiate.
Emails or text messages that ask for your personal information or login credentials.
Receiving calls or messages from people claiming to be from your bank or other financial institutions asking for your personal information or login credentials.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your bank immediately to report the activity and take appropriate action. Your bank may be able to freeze your account or reverse unauthorized transactions to prevent further damage.
You can also take proactive steps to prevent fraud by enabling account alerts. For example, many banks offer alerts that can notify you of specific account activity, such as large transactions or changes to your account information. Also, many banks will inform you when someone has logged into an unfamiliar device. By setting up these alerts, you can quickly detect any potential fraud and take action to prevent further damage.
Takeaway
Although banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions heavily invest in cybersecurity to protect themselves and their customers, there is still a risk. However, following the outlined safety practices can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and fraud.
Remember to protect your personal information, monitor your accounts regularly, and immediately report any suspicious activity to your bank. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the convenience of mobile banking while keeping your finances safe and secure.
Credit cards have become an essential and ubiquitous tool for purchase transactions and managing finances. While credit cards have several benefits, it’s best to use them with care because poor credit management can negatively affect your credit score.
Your credit score calculation is based on multiple factors, one being your credit utilization ratio. We’ll further discuss what it is, why it matters, and how to manage it.
What is a Credit Utilization Ratio?
Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage you use of your entire credit limit, specifically on a loan or credit card. For example, if you have two credit cards with limits of $2,500, your total limit is $5,000. If you have a total balance of $3,000 between both, your credit utilization ratio is 60%.
Lenders will use this ratio to determine how much credit risk you pose as a borrower. For example, a higher percentage will indicate to lenders that you are using too much of your available credit, which could suggest that you’re overextended or unable to manage your finances properly.
Impacting Your Credit Score
Your credit score is based on several factors, including your payment history, credit history length, and the types of credit you use. However, your credit utilization ratio is one of the most significant factors affecting your credit score.
Lenders view a high credit utilization ratio as a sign of financial instability, making you a high-risk borrower. Therefore, a high ratio can negatively impact your score.
Low credit scores make it more challenging to qualify for loans and other credit cards in the future, especially those with favorable terms. Unfavorable terms could be in the form of higher interest rates or lower credit limits. Therefore, building and maintaining good credit is essential for financial security.
Managing Your Credit Card
Managing your credit card is crucial to maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. One of the best ways to do this is by paying your balance in full each month. Paying off your balances will ensure a lower ratio while avoiding paying interest charges. However, if you cannot pay your balances in full each month, keeping your overall balance as low as possible is best.
Another way to manage your credit card utilization ratio is by requesting a credit limit increase. The best way to ensure an increase in your credit limit is by having a good score and a low balance. In addition, increasing your total available credit will lower your credit utilization ratio.
Benefits and Limitations
Understanding the importance of a credit utilization ratio can have several benefits. Firstly, it can help you maintain a good credit score, which is essential for securing loans, credit cards, and other financial products. A good credit score can also help you negotiate better interest rates on loans and credit cards, saving you money in the long run.
Moreover, understanding the significance of your credit utilization ratio can help you make informed financial decisions. For instance, you may open a new credit card to increase your available credit and, at the same time, keep your balance relatively low to maintain a healthy credit utilization ratio.
Remembering that a low utilization ratio doesn’t automatically equate to a good score is essential. For example, your credit score will suffer when you have a low credit utilization ratio or have a history of missing payments or delinquencies.
Managing your ratio can also be challenging when you have multiple credit cards or high balances. It requires discipline and careful planning to keep your ratio low, and it may take some time to impact your credit score.
Takeaway
By keeping your credit utilization ratio low and responsibly managing your credit card usage, you can maintain a good credit score, avoid debt, and make informed financial decisions.
Ultimately, recognizing the value of your credit utilization ratio and how to manage it effectively can help you achieve your financial goals and build a strong foundation for your financial future.
Smart homes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, comfort, and security benefits. However, one of the most significant advantages of having a smart home is that it can help you save money while making it more energy-efficient. Below, we’ll dive into the world of smart homes and explain how they can help you save money and run a more energy-efficient household.
What is a Smart Home?
Before we dive into the benefits of a smart home, it’s essential to understand what it is. A smart home uses technology that can automate and control various systems, such as lighting, heating, cooling, and security. You can manage these systems using mobile apps, voice commands, or smart home devices like speakers or hubs. The primary goal of a smart home is to simplify your life and make your home more efficient.
Saving With Automation
One of the primary benefits of a smart home is the ability to automate systems within your home. In addition, automation can help you save money by reducing energy consumption and appliance wear and tear.
Smart thermostat: A smart thermostat can learn your habits and adjust the temperature based on whether you’re home or away. For example, on a hot summer’s day, the smart thermostat will turn off or lower your AC once you leave home and reboot when you return. With this device, you’ll save money on your energy bills by reducing unnecessary heating or cooling.
Smart lights: Similarly, you can automate smart lighting to turn off whenever you’re not in a room or turn on when you enter. Automating your lighting will help reduce the energy consumed throughout the home.
Smart leak sensors: According to the EPA, household leaks account for roughly 1 trillion gallons of wasted water yearly. A smart leak sensor around areas prone to leaks, like underneath your sink, around your washing machine, and beneath your toilet, is a great way to address the leak immediately and prevent wasting water.
Smart plugs: Were you aware that your devices and appliances use electricity even when unused? This phenomenon is also known as vampire energy. Smart plugs and power strips are great options to cut down on vampire energy. You can program the plug to shut off once your device stops charging or when you quit using the appliance.
Making a Home Energy Efficient
Other ways besides automation can make your home more energy efficient.
Energy monitoring: Smart homes can monitor your energy usage and identify where you can reduce energy consumption. For example, smart plugs can monitor appliances’ energy usage and identify those that consume more energy.
Renewable energy: Smart homes can integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce your reliance on the grid’s energy. Solar panels are easy to control and monitor in a smart home. They can save a lot on your energy bill while reducing your carbon footprint.
Efficient appliances: Smart homes can integrate with efficient appliances, such as energy star-rated appliances, to reduce your energy consumption. For example, a smart dishwasher can determine the most energy-efficient cycle based on the load and adjust it accordingly.
Benefits and Limitations
There are both advantages and drawbacks to smart homes.
Benefits
Smart homes offer numerous benefits, including convenience, safety, and energy cost savings. With a smart home, homeowners can remotely control their systems, monitor energy consumption, and detect unusual activities at home. This feature enhances the safety and security of the house.
Smart homes also come with voice-activated assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home, making it easy to control home systems hands-free. In addition, voice commands enhance convenience, particularly for people with mobility issues.
Limitations
While smart homes can provide numerous benefits, they also have some limitations. The primary drawback is the initial cost of setting up a smart home. Typically, the expense can be high, depending on the level of automation you desire. However, the long-term savings can offset the initial cost in the long run.
Another limitation is the need for a stable and reliable internet connection. Smart homes rely on the internet to communicate with devices, and a weak or unstable internet connection can affect the functionality of your smart home. Therefore, if you get a smart home, ensure you have a reliable internet connection.
Takeaway
A smart home can help you save money and make your home more energy-efficient. Automation can help you reduce energy consumption, and monitoring can help you identify areas where you can reduce your energy usage. While smart homes have some limitations, the benefits of a smart home are undeniable. A smart home is an excellent investment to make your home more efficient and save money in the long run.
Getting older comes with a lot of unique challenges. One such challenge is a decline in mental abilities. When you’ve had an aging parent who has experienced a decrease in cognitive skills, then you’ll know it can make it challenging to do the simplest tasks. For example, remembering to take medication or caring for a pet can be difficult as people age.
Finances are one of the hardest things to manage as people age, and even difficult for young and mentally capable people. In addition, poorly managed finances can have dire consequences, especially if the individual isn’t receiving income from a job. Financial caregivers can help older people handle their finances as they age and lose their mental acuity.
We’ll further discuss what a financial caregiver is, the different types, the benefits, and limitations of hiring one, and determining which suits you.
What is a Financial Caregiver?
A financial caregiver is an individual or entity appointed to manage the financial affairs of someone unable to do so themselves. Financial caregivers can be family members, friends, or professionals, such as attorneys or financial advisors. Their goal is to ensure financial stability for those who need help managing their bills, investments, and other financial members.
In other words, a financial caregiver manages the assets, investments, property, and other finances of an individual who cannot do so.
Types of Financial Caregivers
There are a few options for financial caregivers; whichever you choose will depend on your needs and circumstances. Usually, the types of financial caregivers go into two categories– formal and informal.
Informal Financial Caregivers:
Informal financial caregivers typically are trusted family and friends. Therefore, it’s an excellent option for those with responsible and trustworthy family members and friends willing to help with their finances. For example, they can help manage bills by setting up automatic payments, handling investments, and whatever else is needed.
There are three types of informal financial caregivers:
Conversation Partner: Conversation partners are given access to an overview of your finances and can accompany you when you visit your bank or financial advisor.
Trusted Contact: This allows you to add a trusted contact to your financial institution if any issues arise. For example, whenever your bank believes you are getting scammed, they can contact the specified contact person to resolve the issue.
Convenience Account: A convenience account lets you add a trusted person to help you deposit and withdraw money and deposit checks. You will still have complete ownership of the funds in the account.
Formal Financial Caregivers
Formal financial caregivers are individuals or entities with expertise in managing finances. They can be attorneys, financial advisors, or even geriatric care managers. Professional caregivers can help manage finances, provide investment advice, and help with estate planning.
Some examples of formal financial caregivers include:
Guardian: A guardian is given to someone when a court determines they cannot make financial decisions independently and don’t have power of attorney.
Trustee: Trustees make decisions about money or property related to an established trust.
VA Fiduciary or SSA Representative Payee: This appoints someone to manage the benefits from The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) or the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Financial caregivers can often be granted Power of Attorney, which legally allows another person to decide about your property or money.
Choosing a Financial Caregiver
Choosing the right financial caregiver is crucial to ensure your finances are well-managed and protected. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a financial caregiver:
Trustworthiness: Your financial caregiver should be someone you trust and who has your best interests at heart. For example, you can appoint a trustworthy family member or friend as your caregiver.
Experience: If you choose a professional or formal financial caregiver, look for someone with experience managing finances for seniors. They should also have a good track record and be knowledgeable about the latest financial regulations and laws.
Fees: If you are hiring a professional financial caregiver, be sure to ask about their fees upfront. Some may charge a flat rate, while others charge an hourly rate.
Benefits and Limitations
Hiring a financial caregiver can provide many benefits, including peace of mind and the assurance that your finances are well-managed. Financial caregivers can also help manage bills, investments, and other financial matters, freeing up your time to focus on other things.
However, there are also limitations to hiring a financial caregiver. One of the most significant limitations is the cost. Professional financial caregivers can be expensive, and their fees can quickly increase. Additionally, some seniors may lose independence when someone else manages their finances.
Takeaway
Nobody wants to feel lost when dealing with their finances in their old age. However, if problems arise, you may be unable to handle them, which can lead to financial losses. Therefore, planning or appointing a financial caregiver is a great way to add financial security to your old age.
Money is a sensitive and personal topic for most people, and it can evoke strong emotions and often be a source of stress and anxiety. Struggling to pay bills, pay down debts, or earn more at work can be a severe burden for many people. When your finances suffer, your emotional state can suffer too. Financial therapy is a solution to negative emotions resulting from finances.
Financial therapy is a relatively new approach that combines financial planning with therapy to help individuals improve their relationships with money.
Here we explore what financial therapy is, how it works, and the benefits and limitations of this approach.
Understanding Financial Therapy
Financial therapy is a holistic approach that combines financial planning with behavioral therapy. It aims to help individuals address emotional and psychological barriers to economic well-being.
Financial therapy considers the practical aspects of money management and the emotional and behavioral aspects that often underlie economic issues. Financial therapists can help individuals overcome these obstacles and improve their financial habits by addressing them.
Money and Emotions
Money is not just a matter of numbers; it’s a matter of feelings too. Our emotions, beliefs, and past experiences often drive our financial decisions and behaviors. For example, a person who grew up in a family that struggled financially may have deep-seated fears and anxieties about money. These emotions can impact their financial decision-making, such as overspending or avoiding financial planning altogether. Similarly, a person who equates their self-worth with their net worth and appearance may feel pressured to overspend and accumulate debt to maintain their image.
Financial therapy can even address more specific problems, such as spending habits. For example, when you often make impulsive purchases or go shopping to ease negative emotions, you might benefit from financial therapy. Financial therapy will help target these underlying emotions to help improve your financial decisions.
Financial therapy addresses these emotional and behavioral aspects of money. It helps individuals explore their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors toward money and help identify any negative patterns or triggers. Through therapy, individuals can develop healthy coping mechanisms to make better financial decisions that align with their values and goals.
Finding a Financial Therapist
Financial therapy is a specialized field that requires a unique set of skills and qualifications. Generally, a financial therapist is a licensed mental health professional with additional training and expertise in financial planning and counseling. In addition, a financial therapist can be a financial adviser who qualifies as a financial therapist. Therefore, choosing someone qualified, experienced, and trustworthy is essential when looking for a financial therapist.
Here are some tips on how to find a financial therapist:
Look for a licensed mental health professional with specialized training in financial therapy. The Financial Therapy Association (FTA) is a good resource for finding qualified financial therapists.
Consider the therapist’s experience and credentials. Look for someone with experience working with clients with similar financial issues.
Check the therapist’s reputation and reviews. You can request referrals from friends, family, or colleagues or check online reviews.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and goals. A consultation will help determine if the therapist fits you well.
Benefits and Limitations
Financial therapy can be beneficial for individuals who are struggling with financial issues. Here are some benefits:
Improved emotional well-being. Financial therapy can help reduce money-related stress and anxiety, thus improving your emotional well-being.
Address financial trauma. Some people who could benefit from financial therapy have experienced financial trauma. Financial trauma may cause the development of poor financial habits or anxiety. Therefore, addressing the trauma can help resolve any issues.
Better financial decision-making. Through therapy, you can develop healthier money habits and better financial decisions that align with your values and goals.
Increased financial literacy. Financial therapy can help you improve your financial literacy and understanding of financial concepts.
Improved relationships. Money issues often cause conflict and strain in relationships. Financial therapy can help individuals communicate better about money and improve their relationships.
However, financial therapy also has its limitations, including:
Cost. Financial therapy can be expensive, and insurance may not cover it.
Time commitment. Financial therapy can be a long-term process that requires a significant time commitment.
Long-term. Financial therapy is not a quick fix for financial issues. It requires ongoing effort and dedication.
Takeaway
Financial therapy is a promising approach for individuals struggling with financial issues and would benefit from some support from a qualified professional. In addition, financial therapy is a great option for those who experience negative emotions around their finances since these negative emotions further impact our finances. If this applies to you, reach out to a financial therapist as soon as possible and start feeling (and acting) better regarding your finances!
When you want to build a diversified portfolio of assets within a single investment, try using a mutual fund. Mutual funds are a form of investment frequently used by long-term investors. In addition, people will use it as a retirement tool for employer-sponsored retirement plans.
Understanding Mutual Funds
A mutual fund collects money from multiple investors to diversify a portfolio. Typically, investors purchase securities like money market instruments, stocks, bonds, and similar securities.
Professional fund managers typically handle mutual funds and choose what securities to invest in, thus creating a portfolio. Each investor becomes a shareholder and participates in the gains and losses of the fund.
Types of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can be of the following types.
Money market funds. Money market funds comprise government treasury bills and other short-term debt instruments. Although the funds are secure and the principal amount is guaranteed, the investor is unlikely to earn substantial returns.
Stock funds. Stock funds invest in equities and stocks. Some equities are classified based on their size as small, medium, or large capital stocks. Others are ranked based on whether they invest in domestic or foreign stocks. A mutual fund will invest in equity stocks that fulfill their investment strategies.
Bond funds. Bond funds are fixed-income funds that focus on paying a specific rate of return. Typically, they come in government bonds and other debt instruments. While bond funds tend to pay a higher return, their risk depends on the type of bond.
Income funds. Income funds are invested in government and corporate debts until they hit maturity and then payout as a steady income. They are the perfect investment tool for conservative investors and retirees.
Index funds. Index funds typically invest in stocks on the major market index, like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). The funds require less research from analysts and are great investment options for cost-sensitive investors.
Balanced funds. Balanced funds often invest in various asset classes like money market instruments, stocks, and bonds to balance the risk of each asset.
Foreign or global funds. While foreign funds invest outside the investor’s country, global funds are invested anywhere in the world. The funds, when included in a portfolio, can enhance the diversification of a mutual fund.
Specialty funds. Specialty funds aim at specific sectors of the economy, like healthcare, technology, and more. They can be regional, where the investment focuses on a particular geographical area, or targets ethical sectors like solar and wind power.
The Investment Process
To make mutual fund investments, try the following:
Active vs. Passive Funds
Before investing in a mutual fund, you must choose between an active or passive investment strategy.
Actively managed funds try to outperform the market indices and require proper management by professional fund managers. In addition, these funds tend to be more expensive, which can lower the return for investors.
In comparison, a passive mutual fund attempts to match the market indices. A passive mutual fund will typically have lower fees since they do not require fund managers to outperform the market.
Consider Your Budget
When investing in a mutual fund, you must meet the minimum investment amount, ranging from $500 to $3,000. In addition, there are some with a $100 range and a few with a $0 minimum.
Decide Where to Invest
Most investors buy mutual funds through online brokerages, which offer a variety across different mutual fund companies. Before deciding on the broker, consider the following factors.
Ease of use. Find a brokerage firm with a website and app that is easy to use.
Choice of funds. Choose a broker offering different funds without transaction fees.
Education tools. Find a broker who provides education and research tools to know more about stocks before investing.
Understand Mutual Fund Fees
Before investing, it’s best to understand the annual fees when managing and running a mutual fund. This information is crucial as a higher fee can affect your returns.
Benefits and Limitations of Mutual Funds
Investing in a mutual fund can have its advantages and drawbacks.
Benefits
Investing in a mutual fund can have the following benefits:
Ease of use. Mutual funds are highly liquid investments.
Diversification. It can offer a diversified investment portfolio that optimizes returns while balancing risks.
Professionally managed. Mutual funds are often professionally managed by fund managers who use careful research and trading skills to offer maximum returns.
Transparency. Mutual funds are subject to industry regulation, offering fairness and accountability to the investors.
Drawbacks
Cost and fees. Higher fees can reduce the fund’s payout.
No guarantee. Equity mutual funds can suffer price fluctuations depreciating their value.
Takeaway
Mutual funds offer many advantages for investors. However, it’s prudent to consider your options, of which there are many, and utilize the help of a professional if you are a novice or need help determining which funds to invest in.
