The 5 Types of Stock Shares Before you embark on buying these types of stocks, it’s vital that you know what these terms mean: Authorized shares: These shares represent the total number of shares of stock authorized when the company was created. Only a vote by the shareholders can increase this number of shares.Still, just because a company authorized a certain number of shares doesn’t mean it must issue all of them to the public....
During times of high unemployment, the process of filing can be even more difficult. Wait times are often longer, and online systems become overwhelmed by the volume of applications. Economic crises can strain application systems that were intended for a far simpler process. What Is Unemployment Insurance? Unemployment insurance provides compensation to workers who lose their job. Typically, this means being laid off for lack of work, not quitting. Each state has its own eligibility guidelines for unemployment insurance benefits....
Some of the increase in approval came from Democrats, whose support increased 7 points since last year to 90%, making them even more approving of unions than actual union members, 86% of whom said the same. By contrast, 47% of Republicans said they approved of unions, up from 45% the previous year. Democrats, including President Joe Biden, have supported pro-union policies such as the PRO Act, which would expand legal protections for organized labor....
The calculation underscores how borrowing costs are making homes less affordable even before the pandemic-era surge in prices is factored in. A family with a household income of $66,850 in December 2020 could have afforded a home priced at $478,000, but by December 2021 that same family (assuming the same income and a 5% down payment) could have only spent $453,000, according to Kushi. The reason: rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose from 2....
A sinking fund can be used to pay for home repairs, save for a new car, pay for your vacation, or cover large medical bills. By setting the money aside before you use it, you will avoid using your emergency fund unnecessarily. Plus, you give yourself more negotiating power when it is time to purchase. Some businesses also use the term sinking funds for planned expenses. When it comes to personal finances, a sinking fund is a great financial safety net....
What’s the Difference Between a Variable Rate HELOC and a Fixed Rate HELOC? Structure Most of the time, a HELOC automatically comes with a variable rate, but some lenders may offer a fixed-rate option. This may involve converting all or part of the HELOC balance to a fixed-rate loan during the HELOC’s draw period. That’s the period—typically 10 years—when you can borrow money using the line of credit. You also might be able to choose the fixed-rate option when you initially get approved for a HELOC....
One of the biggest issues has been trying to create an environment of anti-racism. For investors hoping to promote a better approach to racial justice, investing in anti-racist companies is an important part of building a portfolio. If you’re interested in putting your investment dollars where your values are, here are some things to think about as you look to invest in companies focused on anti-racism and combating racial injustice....
The Dow tracks the 30 largest U.S. companies. This means it represents large-cap companies like Johnson & Johnson, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola. Although the companies within the Dow represent only about 25% of the total value of all stocks on the New York Stock Exchange, it is widely accepted as a leading indicator of market health. The S&P 500 tracks 500 large U.S. companies across a span of industries and sectors....
IRAs are designed to allow investors to save money in a way that reduces tax liabilities, thus boosting their ability to save. For 2023, the federal government allows investors age 49 and younger to contribute up to $6,500 per year in an IRA. (The annual limit is $7,500 for those age 50 or older.) IRAs can work in tandem with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans and can even serve as a good replacement for such plans when necessary....
Although a credit score is a good representation of the creditworthiness of an individual, this singular number doesn’t tell the whole story. When researching and approving loans, car dealerships have access to a few different scores that consumers may overlook, such as the FICO auto score, Vantage Score, or other models. How Credit Scores Are Factored Most consumers don’t realize that multiple credit scores exist for each individual, a fact that credit-scoring companies generally avoid explaining to their users....
You can open a CD online through a bank or credit union via a fairly simple process. What You’ll Need To Open a CD Nowadays, you can easily open a CD online in a process similar to opening a CD in person at a financial institution. If you don’t already have an account at the bank or credit union, you’ll first need to open one. Information you’ll generally need to provide to open a CD include:...
Annuitization isn’t the same as simply making a withdrawal. You’ll set up a systematic payment plan when you annuitize. The plan might include lifetime income guarantees. The decision is often irrevocable. It may be very hard, if not impossible, to reverse this process. What Happens When You Annuitize? You tell the insurance company to begin paying you when you make the choice to annuitize. This is often done by submitting an agreement....
Early Retirement and Social Security The estimates you see on your Social Security statement are based on working until that stated age. For example, if your Social Security statement says you will get $1,100 a month at age 62, that estimate assumes you’ll work until you turn 62. The amount of benefits that your statement says you will get at age 66 or 67 assumes that you will work until your 66th or 67th birthday....
Regardless of whether it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, sellers aren’t too eager to accept an offer that is contingent upon the sale of a buyer’s home, either. But especially in a buyer’s market, you will see an increase in offers with a contingency to sell the buyer’s home. Find out how these contingent offers work so you’re prepared. Basic Types of Contingent Sale Offers Although there are many variations of a contingent offer, many adhere to one of two formats: The likelihood is the seller will choose option one, but buyers would prefer option two....
Go ahead and pop the chilled champagne when you receive word that your offer is a go, but you’re not quite there yet. Your home buying process is just getting started. What Can Go Wrong? You might have to arrange for a home inspection and other types of inspections as well, and the results must be satisfactory. Your lender will order an appraisal, and the home’s value must be equal to or exceed the sales price....
Before you hand over your keys, it’s a good idea to confirm how insurance applies if you let someone else drive your car. What happens if your friend crashes your car and hurts another driver? What if they get a ticket? Consider the answers before you let anyone else slide behind the wheel of your vehicle. It’s also wise to understand these potential issues before you drive anyone else’s car....
Failures in Difficult Economic Times Some of the most notable and long-standing financial institutions can fall by the wayside during economic difficulties. Brokerage firms are just one of the financial institutions that can find themselves in trouble during major economic downturns. When this happens, firms that carry a great deal of financial clout may partner with other firms to remain competitive or even viable. Others may simply close and self-liquidate. Consider the story of Bear Stearns, the global investment bank and brokerage firm that failed after the financial meltdown of 2008....
While it’s a bit of a morbid topic, you should understand what happens to student loans after death. Armed with this knowledge, you can protect yourself, and your loved ones, who might share responsibility for your student loans, against the unthinkable. Student Debt After Death So what does happen to student loans after death? The answer might be different for student loans than how the other debt is handled after death, but it ultimately depends on the type of student loans you have....
How Does Margin Debt Work? When you open a margin account with your broker, you tell them that you may want to borrow money from them at some point. You do this by pledging the cash and securities in your account as collateral for the margin loan. Once you borrow the funds to buy securities, the broker can then sell off your other assets if needed to satisfy your margin loan....
Specific shopping trips Gambling habits Extra debt Salary information Savings accounts When you discover that your spouse has been lying to you, it may cause you to be angry or hurt, and it may have a lasting impact on your relationship. Depending on the deception and type of lie, you may even consider ending the relationship completely. Here is what you should consider doing if you find out your spouse has been lying to you about the finances....
