Investments
How to be a more resilient investor
How to be a more resilient investor You’ve heard us say it many times. When it comes to being a successful long-term investor, it is more important to be resilient than nimble. Most people become better investors once they realize that two pervasive approaches to the markets simply do not work well. One is trying…
Read MoreWhat is the difference between qualified dividends and ordinary dividends?
Tax rates differ between qualified dividends and ordinary dividends A reader of one of our MarketWatch columns asked why there were two kinds of dividends on his tax return, “ordinary” and “qualified.” The short answer is taxes. Dividends are categorized as either ordinary or qualified to determine the tax rate applied to the dividend. When corporations…
Read MoreWhy financial news intake can hurt your portfolio – if you let it!
Why financial news intake can hurt your portfolio – if you let it! In one of Dan Moisand’s recent MarketWatch columns, he was asked what he thought was the biggest mistake he’s seen people make with their money. Dan went with, “…people do not control all the things they can control and worry too much…
Read MoreWhat are the new rules about how real estate agents get paid?
What are the new rules about how real estate agents get paid? While both buyers and sellers typically use real estate agents, traditionally, only sellers have paid their agents directly. New commission-related rules went into effect in August which changed how agents can earn commission. To get a handle on these rules and what effect…
Read MoreWill higher taxes hurt stocks?
Will higher taxes hurt stocks? The proposal to raise taxes in some capacity arises in every election. Candidates for the White House are typically the most vocal about what changes they would make to the tax code if elected. It is important to remember that regardless of who wins the presidency, the president does not…
Read MoreThe election and your investments
The election and your investments The season many in our county dread is upon us. Even though most often no damage will occur, it’s hard to stop ourselves from wondering if this will be one of those times when our lives will be altered by outside forces. We’re not talking about hurricane season – although…
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