Value: The Third Factor...

The following is a guest post from Marotta Asset Management . It’s a continuation of their first factor ( CAPM ) and second factor ( size ) posts. A stock’s valuation is the final factor of the Fama-French three-factor model of investment returns. A stock’s valuation is...

What Are Brokered CDs &...

Conservative investors who are disappointed with the mediocre rates of interest offered on their local bank’s CDs may want to explore the world of brokered certificates of deposit. These unique instruments resemble those that are sold in bank lobbies in some respects, but there...

Help a Reader: Fundrais...

Here’s an email I recently received from a reader: After four years of shirking, I got stuck as Scoutmaster of my son’s troop. I want to fundraise $2,500 per scout per year. Over the past four years, I have done and learned a few things: I judge fundraisers on whether or not...

Do You Plan to Move Whe...

Kiplinger recently had a piece saying people should stay put when they retire . In other words, don’t look to move to Florida or Arizona — simply keep living in the same city (even the same house) that you lived in pre-retirement. Staying put in retirement seems to be a...

The Four Dimensions of ...

The following is an excerpt from Your MBA Game Plan, Third Edition: Proven Strategies for Getting Into the Top Business Schools , © 2012 Omari Bouknight and Scott Shrum. It is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Career Press, Pompton Plains, NJ.  800-227-3371.  All rights...

Another Clueless Intera...

In the midst of Christmas shopping last month, my wife and I wondered into Best Buy. Why I went there after my last experience is beyond me, but I did find myself at the local BB. In the course of talking to one of the sales associates, she mentioned a “great deal” for us. If...

14 Fun Staycation Ideas...

Want to save a boatload of money? Then spend your vacation at (or near) home. Yes, a “staycation” can be a great way to take a break and not break the bank. Wise Bread lists 14 fun staycation ideas . Here are their suggestions along with my comments on each: 1. Visit the...

What If I Lost My Caree...

The following is an excerpt from the book When Life Strikes: Weathering Financial Storms by Cal Brown, CFP, MST. The excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please...

Reader Profile: Jen...

The following is the latest post in my “Reader Profiles” series. Each post in this series details the financial situation and challenges of an FMF reader. The purpose of this series is to help us all identify with people like us (in similar situations — not all will be,...

Help a Reader: Vacation...

Here’s an email I recently received from a reader: I am going on vacation with my husband to Italy.  I have a few questions I thought your readers could be helpful with. 1. What is best way to exchange money abroad?  My credit card(chase freedom), has a foreign fee they tag on to...