Latest articles by Paul V. Sydlansky, CFP
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Are You Gambling or Investing? Here’s How to Tell
investing Gambling and investing are two very different things, but people sometimes get them mixed up. One’s good for a cheap thrill (if you’re lucky), but the other is designed to reliably build your wealth over time and eventually allow you to retire.
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Fleeing the Big City? How the Move Could Impact Your Finances
personal finance City life has changed with the advent of COVID-19, and even confirmed city dwellers are seeing the appeal of wide-open spaces and smaller towns. If you feel the pull to leave, here are a few things you should think about first.
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Is That Hot Investment Worth the Risk?
investing High returns are great, but they come with some nasty baggage: high risk. The key is determining whether the reward justifies the risk.
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Thinking About Day Trading? Read This First
investing More people are getting into day trading these days, but don’t believe the hype. While some get lucky, the odds are stacked against you. If you really want to give it a try, limit your risk with these three tips.
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The Lessons We Can Learn from Times of Financial Crisis
investing It’s time to step back and take a look at how you weathered the coronavirus crisis. Did your cash hold up? Does your job feel secure? Your answers could reveal the need to make some adjustments for the future.
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Is Now a Good Time to Invest?
stocks Yes, stocks are "on sale" now, and for some investors, now is an ideal time to ramp up their portfolios. But for others, it could be a huge mistake. Here's how to tell if you’re among those who should hit the gas or pump the brakes.
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To Budget or Not to Budget? The Argument for Why Not Having One Might Be Best
savings Some people need the boundaries budgets set, but others thrive with more freedom. The best method for you own financial success is the one that you can live with for the long term.
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4 Questions to Ask Your Accountant Before You File Your Taxes
taxes You don’t know what you don’t know, so get the most out of tax time by asking the right questions. The answers could help you save this year and in the future.
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Do You Save for College or for Retirement? What Parents Need to Know
Paying for College Here's a message that all parents need to take to heart: It's OK to put yourself ahead of your kids. In fact, putting your retirement needs ahead of their college costs is not only necessary but wise ... and, ultimately, thoughtful, too.
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Feeling Financially Disorganized? Take Back Control, Starting with Your Cash Flow
Budgeting Getting a grip on your spending and ramping up your ability to save starts with just a few simple steps ... and three buckets.
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Should You Supplement Your Traditional 529 with a Private 529 College Plan?
529 Plans There are a few reasons to consider this strategy. One is if you think your child might want to go to a private school one day, and another is if you like a sure thing rather than taking investment risks.
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The Best College Savings Strategy to Use
529 Plans A 529 college savings plan comes with many advantages, and the best way to harness its power is to start ASAP and front-load your contributions.
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What's Your Investment Return? Setting Expectations for Your Stock and Bond Portfolio
investing You are not average, and your portfolio returns aren't likely to be average, either. Trusting averages can be dangerous. But don't let that scare you away from the markets, because just staying in cash can be dangerous, too. Here's what to do instead.
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What to Do (and Not Do) When the Market Drops
investing Things are pretty wild on Wall Street right now, but before you make any moves, read this.
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Is a Rental Property the Best Way to Grow Your Wealth?
investing A rental real estate investment can seem like a great way to build your wealth (and maybe generate a little extra income), but how often does it really work out that way?
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Warning: 3 Serious Red Flags about Financial Advisers
Financial Planning Disclosures pulled from actual adviser profiles show three major red flags you don’t want your financial professional to have.
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How to Check a Financial Adviser's Credentials the Right Way
Financial Planning You're looking up a financial professional, but you can't find them on FINRA or the SEC's website. Is that a red flag, or did you just look in the wrong spot?
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Are You Saving Enough?
savings If you go by the book, you would shoot for 10% to 20% of your gross income. But that ballpark figure can be deceiving.
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4 High-Yield Spots to Park Your Savings
savings How much is your savings account earning? It could be about $1 per year on an account worth $10,000. If so, take a moment to check rates for online options instead. You might be pleasantly surprised.
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The 1 Thing You Can’t Forget to Take When Leaving a Job
retirement Some people take more care boxing up the pens, paper clips and coffee cups in their desks when they pack up for a new job than they do wrapping up their 401(k) for departure. There's big money at stake, so plan ahead.
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A Charitable Strategy for Residents of High-Tax States
taxes If you live in high-tax state, you may be asking what can you do to save after the new tax overhaul? Doubling up on your charitable contributions every other year to alternate your ability to itemize could make sense.
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4 Telltale Signs You're Ready to Quit the Rat Race
retirement How do you know when it's time for a change and that you're prepared to leave your comfort zone for a new outlook on life? Ask yourself these four questions. I did. I took the leap and never looked back.
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Form ADV: It’s Like a Background Check for Your Financial Adviser
Financial Planning Investors curious about how their financial professional operates (including fees and any possible conflicts of interest) just need to take a look at their Form ADV. Here's how to read it.
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Your Financial Adviser Charges What? Understand the Value of Advice
Financial Planning Here's a breakdown of how compensation for financial advice works, and what kinds of services you can expect to receive for the price you pay.
Financial Planning
