In the fast-paced world of modern finance, options trading has seen a dramatic surge in popularity, capturing the attention of investors, institutions, and financial experts alike. Once considered a niche strategy reserved for seasoned professionals, options trading has gone mainstream, with retail traders and traditional fund managers alike embracing the potential rewards. The allure of options, particularly options-selling strategies, is undeniable: the possibility of generating income by selling put and call options while betting on price stability or minor movements in stock prices. However, with great opportunity comes great risk….

In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, online education has become a game-changer for millions of students. No longer limited to traditional classrooms, learners can now pursue degrees, certifications, or skill development from the comfort of their homes—or anywhere with an internet connection. As a financial advisor and college planning expert, I often encounter families and students who are curious about online education but unsure about where to start. This blog post aims to introduce you to America’s thriving online education landscape, explore the top subjects, and highlight the top online schools…

When it comes to planning for college, many parents and students feel overwhelmed by the high costs. Headlines about the soaring cost of tuition can easily induce sticker shock, especially for families with modest incomes. Despite this, the vast majority of parents still consider college a top savings priority. According to Fidelity Investments’ 2024 College Savings Indicator Study, 77% of parents believe a college education is worth the cost. While the cost of college has risen significantly in recent years, there’s more to the story than just the published tuition…

Health care costs continue to rise, placing a heavy burden on many American families. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 Americans describe health care expenses as a major financial strain. Whether it’s the cost of prescription medications or co-pays, managing health care costs can feel overwhelming. However, there are effective strategies you can implement today to reduce your medical expenses and better prepare for future health care costs. Here are 10 ways to cut your health care bills now and keep them lower in the future. 1. Be Proactive with…

If you’ve seen a wage increase this year, congratulations! However, there might be a downside to that extra cash. Your new paycheck could push you into a higher tax bracket—a situation known as tax-bracket creep. Tax-bracket creep occurs when wages rise due to inflation, pushing individuals into higher marginal tax brackets, potentially increasing their tax bills. This phenomenon can be especially frustrating as rising costs already squeeze budgets. While the federal government adjusts tax brackets annually for inflation, various credits, deductions, and surcharges don’t always receive the same treatment. This…

Credit cards can be valuable financial tools if used wisely, offering convenience, rewards, and even helping to build your credit score. However, mismanaging your credit card can lead to various fees that can quickly add up, making your card more expensive than you might have anticipated. Being aware of these fees and knowing how to avoid them can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. Here are six common credit card fees to watch out for, along with strategies to avoid or minimize them. 1. Interest…

It’s been nearly 20 years since bonds have presented as attractive an opportunity as they are likely to in the second half of 2024. Economic conditions and changing monetary policy are combining to create an environment where high-quality, low-risk investment-grade bonds can deliver higher interest payments than they have in decades. Additionally, they offer more potential for capital appreciation than stocks or cash. Throw in bonds’ lower volatility compared to stocks and an increasing tendency to rise when stocks fall, and it’s easy to see why Fidelity and PIMCO bond…

If you’d like to invest in real estate but don’t have the resources, time, or expertise to buy and manage properties yourself, then real estate investment trusts (REITs) could be alternatives to consider. With a REIT, you buy into a professionally managed real estate portfolio, which has been created by pooling money from many investors. Read on for more on investing in REITs, how REITs work, and their pros and cons. What is a REIT? Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are companies that own, operate, or finance real estate—such as…

As we approach the 2024 presidential elections, there is a growing sense of uncertainty about the future of various financial policies, especially those related to taxes. At the center of these discussions is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, a significant piece of legislation that brought about extensive changes to the U.S. tax code. With the TCJA set to sunset at the end of 2025, the upcoming election could have profound implications for your finances. The Political Landscape and Potential Changes President Biden has indicated a preference…

Traveling, whether domestically or internationally, can be an exciting adventure. However, managing your finances while on the go requires careful planning to ensure safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. While carrying cash might seem straightforward, it poses significant risks and limitations. Utilizing credit and debit cards can offer enhanced security, fraud protection, and potentially save you money. Here are some essential tips for making the most of your credit and debit cards while traveling. Fraud Protection with Credit and Debit Cards One of the primary advantages of using credit cards during travel…