The True Cost of Homeownership Most people drastically underestimate what homeownership actually costs. Beyond the Mortgage Payment Your mortgage payment is just the starting point. Here's what homeownership really costs: Property taxes: 0.5-2.5% of home value annually, depending on location. On a $400,000 home, that's $2,000-10,000 per year. Homeowners insurance: $1,000-3,000+ annually, more in high-risk […]
What Is a REIT? A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-generating real estate. Think of a REIT as a mutual fund for real estate. Instead of pooling money to buy stocks, REITs pool investor money to buy properties. You own shares in the REIT, which owns the […]
Not all debt destroys wealth. Some debt builds it, while other debt traps you in a cycle of payments that erode financial security. What Makes Debt "Good" or "Bad"? The difference between good and bad debt comes down to what you're financing and at what cost. Good debt helps you build wealth. It finances things […]
What Is an Emergency Fund? An emergency fund is money reserved exclusively for true financial emergencies. This isn't vacation money. It's not for holiday shopping or a new TV. It's financial insurance against life's unexpected curveballs: job loss, medical bills, car repairs, home emergencies, or sudden family obligations. The fund serves one purpose: keeping you […]
Market crashes trigger panic in even the most intelligent investors, not because they lack knowledge, but because human brains are wired to avoid losses at all costs. What Happens in Your Brain During a Market Crash Your brain treats financial losses like physical threats. When you see your portfolio dropping 20%, 30%, or 40%, your […]
What Is Dividend Investing? Dividend investing is a strategy where you buy stocks specifically for the regular income payments they provide. When you own shares of a dividend-paying company, you receive cash payments (usually every three months) just for being a shareholder. You don't need to sell anything. The money hits your brokerage account automatically. […]
Gold prices have surged to record highs as investors seek safety during uncertain times. Here's what you need to know. What's Happening with Gold Prices? Gold is having a moment. A big one. The precious metal has climbed to record territory, breaking past $2,700 per ounce. That's not just a small bump. It's a massive […]
