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• Money Market Funds
  Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market funds and money market accounts are different.. Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market
• Money Market Funds
  Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market funds and money market accounts are different.. Investors have been hearing about concerns for the safety of money market funds. The first thing to know is that money market
• Stocks are just one big gamble.
• Stocks are just one big gamble.
  FALSE. It’s true stocks are risky.. FALSE. It’s true stocks are risky. The stock market sometimes has big drops, but if you look back at its performance since 1926 you will see that the overall trend is upward. The longer you can keep your money invested in sto
• About Our Partners
  Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: . Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: http:www.sifma.org/ education/ pdf/ SIFMA-Fdn-Supporters-SF.pdf Our Pr
• About Our Partners
  Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: . Our Donors SIFMA Foundation Supporters can be found here: http:www.sifma.org/ education/ pdf/ SIFMA-Fdn
• About SIFMA FIE
  The SIFMA Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization that develops and directs initiatives to promote financial and investor education for all ages, spurring greater economic independence for individuals and enabling them to better access the opportunities inherent in our global marketplace. Th
• About The SIFMA Foundation
  The SIFMA Foundation is an independent 501c3 organization that develops and directs initiatives to promote financial and investor education for all ages, spurring greater economic independence for individuals and enabling them to better access the opportunities inherent in our global marketplace. Th
• Index
  Index: a composite statistical measure created to track changes in the overall stock or bond market or in a sector of either market. Changes in the index represent trends in the market as a whole, or an entire part of a market.. Index: a composite statis
• Equity Investments – Stocks
• Equity Investments – Stocks
  Equity is ownership – buying something and hoping that whatever you own increases in value. When you hear the word “equity” relating to your investment choices that most commonly refers to purchasing stock.. Equity is ownership – buying something and hoping that whatever you own inc
• Preserving the Value of Your Home and Community When the Housing Market Changes
  With the increased rate of home foreclosures nationwide, many homeowners, and home sellers, are facing tough questions about how to maintain as much of their home's value as possible, how to sell a home in a slowing real estate market, and how to ensure that their community remains a desirable place
• Other Factors Influencing or Affecting Your Investments
• Other Factors Influencing or Affecting Your Investments
  As with most things in life, becoming an informed investor takes a little time, learning and self-education. In addition to knowing what type of investment options there are – in other words, where you can invest your money to hopefully make a return – it’s important to know how money works in an in
• Large-capitalization (large cap) stock
• Large-capitalization (large cap) stock
  Large-capitalization (large cap) stock A share of a large publicly traded corporation. Capitalization is the stock price times the total number of shares outstanding, and large cap companies typically have total market capitalization of greater than 5 billion..
• What kinds of annuities can I invest in?
  There are many different kinds of annuities designed for investors: of different ages with different life goals, with different investment needs and in different tax brackets. Most annuities available today have some combination of these features: Single Premium or Flexible Premium With a single pre
• What kinds of annuities can I invest in?
• Avoiding Debt and Generating Income
  Determining how much money to safely withdraw is only part of the equation. In addition you’ll need a plan to continue creating savings/ wealth.. Determining how much money to safely withdraw is only part of the equation. In addition you’ll need a plan to continue creating savings/ wealth. The fi
• Brokerage Accounts
  With the sale of Bear Stearns and Merrill Lynch and the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, many investors are concerned about the safety of the money they invested in brokerage accounts. How can you know if the money in your investment brokerage accounts is safe? First, if you had a brokerage account at
• Bonds
  Bonds are like an IOU from the issuing corporations or government in exchange for money lent to it by an investor. All bonds have a . Bonds are like an IOU from the issuing corporation
• Risk
• Risk
  It is important to understand that as an investor there is a chance – a risk - that you may not get back the amount of money that you invested. No investment is risk-free, although some investments have more risk than others.. It is important to understand that as an investor
• Brokerage Accounts
  How can you know if the money in your investment brokerage accounts is safe? When one firm acquires another (as Bank of America acquired Merrill Lynch) brokerage accounts are simply transferred from one company to the otherOver time you might see a change in your financial advisor or broker or in co
• A Baby on the Way
  Scenario: Eddie and Ellen are both in their early 30s, have been married for 3 years and are living in Connecticut. They bought Ellen’s grandmother’s house when she decided to downsize.. Scenario: Eddie and Ellen are both in their early 30s, have been married for 3 years and are living
• Counteroffers and Closing
  Don’t get discouraged or worried if you decide to make a counteroffer. Typically buyers and sellers reach agreement by the second or third go-around.. Don’t get discouraged or worried if you decide to make a counteroffer. Typically buyers and sellers reach agreement by the se
• Sharing Financial Accounts or Keeping Them Separate?
  In addition to deciding how you will handle household expenses, you will also need to, or should, talk about your financial accounts. Financial accounts include checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, credit cards, non retirement related investment accounts (i.e..
• Mortgage Center: Resources
  Mortgage Counseling . Mortgage Counseling HopeNow U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)Approved Housing Counseling Agencies Homeownership Preservation Foundation Acorn Housing Corporation Credit Counseling Association of Consumer
• Step 3: Take Action
  Now that you've got the "big picture" of what types of investments may be best for you, take a few minutes to answer a few more questions about your saving and spending habits . Once you complete this short questionnaire and click on the "continue" button you'll get a simple, personalized list of re
• Welcome to Tomorrow's Money for Young Adults
  What do you want out of life?  Almost any goals you have—start a job, rent an apartment or buy a home, buy a car, get married, have a family, be more financially independent and secure…The common denominator of nearly all life goals is that they require money. Every day you interact with money. You s
• Asset Allocator
  ASSET ALLOCATION is a crucial first step in creating a well-diversified portfolio. The worksheet below will help you tailor your asset mix to your own particular needs.. ASSET ALLOCATION is a crucial first step in creating a well-diversified portfolio. The worksheet bel
• Bonds are boring and too hard to understand.
• Bonds are boring and too hard to understand.
  FALSE. You can learn more about bonds.. FALSE. You can learn more about bonds. Bonds pay interest at the coupon interest rate and, because their values usually do not change all that much, they add stability to your overall investment portfolio. High quality, inves
• Resources for Blended Families
  There are numerous online resources for blended families including: National Stepfamily Resource Center (. There are numerous online resources for blended families including: National Stepfamily Resource Center ( www.stepfamilies.in
• When Income Exceeds Expenses
  Congratulations! You have savings potential. Are you currently saving money or are you spending your excess? If you aren’t currently saving money, the good news is that you have the most important thing to become a saver - -money! Instead of thinking about your excess income as money to play with (a..
• Investing is just another word for saving.
• Investing is just another word for saving.
  FALSE. Both saving and investing are about putting money aside rather than spending it, but with two different goals.. FALSE. Both saving and investing are about putting money aside rather than spending it, but with two different goals. The goal of saving is to be sure
• Long-term
• Long-term
  Long-term in the investment world is generally 8-10 years or longer, although different people have different definitions. It can refer to the maturity of a bond: long-term bonds usually offer higher interest rates and involve higher risk because they require investors to commit money for longer per
• Time Horizon
• Time Horizon
  In order to balance your risks it is critical to understand the role of time in investing and your personal investment “time horizon.  This is the amount of time before you anticipate meeting your goal and/or need your money.. In order to balance your risks it is critical to u
• Money Market Funds
• Money Market Funds
  Money market funds are essentially a large pool of money overseen by an investment company that invests only in very safe and liquid securities (such as CDs and IOUs/bonds from the federal government and large, reputable corporations) Most do require a minimum initial investment (usually 5,000) Mos
• Setting Goals
  List your goals and then decide how long a period you have before you want to achieve the financial ability to meet this goal. For example, if you want to buy a home and you want to invest your savings to create a significant down payment amount, when would you want to become a homeowner?  If you wan
• Setting Goals
• The Single Male
  Scenario: Steve is a 32-year old single male, working as an accountant for an oil drilling firm in Texas. He has been with the company for 2 years and currently earns 48,000 about 39,000 after taxes.. Scenario: Steve is a 32-year old single male, working as an accountant for
• Getting Married
  Scenario: Jennifer and Kevin are a newly engaged couple, living in Colorado, beginning to plan their wedding. Jennifer is a 25-year-old teacher earning 28,000 a year.. Scenario: Jennifer and Kevin are a newly engaged couple, living in Colorado, beginning to plan their wedding. Jennifer is a 2
• Permanent Life Insurance
  Permanent life insurance is known by many names such as whole life, universal life, cash-value insurance, and variable universal life insurance. It is considered “permanent” because unlike term life insurance, there is no time limit to the policy.. Permanent life insurance is known by many names su
• Choosing an Account
  When you find a bank that you feel comfortable using, the next step is determining what type of an account, or accounts, you would like to open. The most common types of accounts are: Checking Accounts.. When you find a bank that you feel comfortable usi
• Money market funds
  Money market funds are managed by investment companies and sold through banks and brokerage firms. These funds pool your money with other people’s and invest it in . Money market funds are ma
• Baby Boomers (Born between 1946-1967)
  Baby boomers that already were planning and ready to celebrate retirement were perhaps the hardest hit by the recent recession, and now are the most disillusioned about when they will be able to exit the workforce. The MetLife Mature Market Survey found that of the 11% of boomers born in 1946 who pl
• Asset Allocation
• Asset Allocation
  Asset allocation is the foundation of most investment plans. It tells you how much of your money you want to have invested in different kinds of investments or assets (sometimes called “asset classes”stocks, bonds, cash [click through to definitions in step two] are the main ones—based on how much t
• Selling Your Home Part II
  Once you have decided to sell your home, and prepared it to put it on the market you have several choices to make.. Once you have decided to
• Offers & Counteroffers
  When you've found the home you want the next step is decide whether or not you want to make an offer, meaning that you want to tell the seller that you want to purchase the home. Making an offer is where you put pen to paper and outline exactly how much money you're willing to pay for the home and u
• Selling Your Home Part 1
  Every year millions of Americans sell their homes. Some of the most common reasons for selling a home are: Relocating for a job Needing or wanting more room for a growing family Moving after retirement Downsizing Moving to a more desirable or convenient neighborhood for work or school This month we’
• Rising Interest Rates and the Mortgage Crunch and What It May Mean to You
  The initial housing boom began in early 2002 - 2003. Interest rates were falling to all-time lows.. The initial housing boom began in early 2002 - 2003. Interest rates were falling to all-time lows. A surge of homebuyers eager to take advantage of the low interest rates on mortgages began pushing ho
• Short Sales: What They Are and Why a Homeowner Might Pursue One
  Homeowners who are pressed to make their mortgage payments – or are already behind – may consider trying a short sale as an option to letting the bank foreclose. A short sale is when a mortgage lender agrees to accept less money than the amount the homeowner owes on the loan.. d to make their mortgage
• Press Room
  Welcome to the press room. We've provided links to helpful information on the site, as well as research pieces for background on the site and contact information if you'd like to follow up for interviews or if you have questions.. . We've provided links to helpful information on the site, as well as resea
• Step 2: Your Chart
  Just by answering a few basic questions you've already taken an important first step in getting a grip on your financial needs. The chart you see at right is a picture of the types of investments that you should consider based on your responses.. Just by answering a few basic questions you've alr
• All investments are scams.
• All investments are scams.
  FALSE. Some investments are scams.. FALSE. Some investments are scams. Most are not. Investment scams make promises that are impossible to keep. If someone tries to sell you an investment using these words or phrases, beware: No money down Guaranteed Low risk,
• More about Equity Financing
  When small companies get bigger and have a more proven potential to succeed, they can attract equity investors by offering shares of stock or ownership privately or through the public stock markets. To access the stock market, a business has to “go public” or undertake an initial public offering (IP
• 15 Useful Tips for Entrepreneurs
  1. Believe in yourself.. 1. Believe in yourself. If you don’t, your customers won’t either. 2. Set clear goals. If you don’t know where you are going, you will never get there. 3. Practice your elevator pitch. That’s the 30-second description of your business that you can use to let someone know who
• Making a Plan
  Before you make a plan for your business, you need a plan for yourself. First, you should make a budget of your personal expenses to see how much you need to survive each month.. Before you make a plan for your business, you need a plan for yourself. First, you should make a bud
• Resetting Your Retirement Clock
  With market volatility, economic downturn and financial uncertainty people are increasingly unsure of what they can expect from their employers and if their savings plans for retirement will produce what they need. Many workers are also rethinking how long they will need to work.. conomic downturn and fina
• Generation X (Born between 1968-1983)
  The generation that has grown up in the shadow of the Baby Boomers is accustomed to relying on themselves. However the economic recession has sent a strong message to Generation X workers: “you may have had unrealistic expectations about the kind of financial returns you can expect on your investments..
• Doing Your Homework
  Just as with any home purchase – and perhaps even more importantly when you’re buying a foreclosed property – you need to do your homework so that you make a well informed decision. That means that you should View the. Just as with any home purchase – and perhaps even more importantly when you
• Buying a Real-Estate Owned (REO) Property Owned by a Lender
  In certain cases a foreclosed property may not be sold at auction. There are several reasons a foreclosed property may not be sold at auction including if the lender accepts the deed to the home “in lieu of foreclosure” from. In certain cases a foreclosed property may not be sold at auction. There ar
• Buying a Property at Auction
  Once a home has been foreclosed upon the lender will put the home up for sale at public auction. That means that anyone can bid on purchasing the property. You can find a list of upcoming foreclosed property auctions in. Once a home has been foreclosed upon the lender wi
• Blended Families
  Blended families—they used to be a “new” form of family. Now they are increasingly the norm.. According to the Stepfamily Foundation, nearly 1,300 new step, blended or second families are created every day in the U.S. in fact 64% of all American families are some form of blended family. Blendi
• Managing Your Income During Retirement
  In retirement, perhaps more than any other time in life, you will need to take control of your personal finances.  If you are fully retired (meaning that you are not doing any type of paying work) you will not have a consistent income stream from work or employer-based benefits.. re than any other time in
• Managing Your Income During Retirement
• New Initiatives Aimed at Helping You Save More for Retirement
  The federal government is making changes to help you save and invest for your post-work future. The new rules are designed to help Americans save for retirement by making it more “automatic” – by having workers automatically enrolled in 401(k) or SIMPLE IRA retirement savings plans, having tax refun
• New Initiatives Aimed at Helping You Save More for Retirement
• It takes a lot of money to be an investor
• It takes a lot of money to be an investor
  FALSE. You have probably heard that it takes money to make money, and that’s true to a degree, but it does not take a lot.. FALSE. You have probably heard that it takes money to make money, and that’s true to a degree, but it does not take a lot. If your employer offers a r
• Teenagers
  Your teenage children will need to take increasing responsibility for spending and saving and learn from the natural consequences of personal financial choices. Talk with your teen about the values you and your spouse hold regarding money, how those values have shaped your financial choices as a fam
• Health Insurance
  When you were a child, you probably didn’t think about health insurance. If you needed to go to a doctor, the adults in your life took you.. When you were a child, you probably didn’t think about health insurance. If you needed to go to a doctor, the adults in your life took you. They helpe
• How Long Will My Money Last?
  IT SEEMS these days that everybody wants to retire by the age of 45. Is it just wishful thinking? Our calculator will help you figure how long your investments will last.. IT SEEMS these days that everybody wants to retire by the age of 45. Is it just wishful thinking? Ou
• To Rent or to Buy?
  THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you build equity and get to write off your mortgage interest.. THINGS BEING EQUAL it's almost always better to own your home rather than to rent. After all, you bu
• The Single Woman
  Scenario: Rosa is a 40-year old single woman living in Rhode Island. She is a manager of media development for a large Fortune 500 company.. Scenario: Rosa is a 40-year old single woman living in Rhode Island. She is a manager of media development for a large Fortune 500 company. She earns
• Monitoring Your Investment
  As with any investment it’s important that you open and review the correspondence you receive from the plan or your financial adviser. Check to make sure that: all money you have deposited (or you know was deposited by others) since the last statement has been credited to the account you understand
• Comparing Plans
  Once you have made the decision to begin saving for a college education, you understand that 529 plans offer a way for your savings to go farther, and you have thought about both your risk tolerance and your child’s age relative to their college entrance date, the next step is to compare possible pl
• The Basics of 529 Plans to Save and Invest for College
  If you have children and you would like for them to attend college you need to start saving – and investing that savings so that it can grow in value - now. While most Americans cite “paying for a child’s education” as a top family financial priority, according to a December 2009 FINRA Foundation su
• In Your 50s
  What should you do now to ensure that your quickly-approaching retirement is an event you look forward to with confidence rather than anticipate with fear? In addition to building on the steps outlined for your 20s, 30s, and 40s there are specific actions you can take now to build a more secure fina
• Investing in Your 20s
  Starting out in the workforce you have a huge advantage working for your retirement planning: time is on your side. By creating the habit of saving and investing for retirement now, time will enable you to reap the benefit of both compounding interest and long-term gains.. Starting out in the workf
• Transferring Military Homeowners to Get Expanded Assistance
  Military service members, their families, and federal Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employees who stand to lose a lot of money on the sale of their home as a result of a transfer order may be able to get some much- needed financial assistance. The U..
• I am not sure how to help someone who is in financial trouble and is looking to me for assistance.
  Every day people find themselves facing sudden, unexpected or unwanted life changes that affect their ability to earn money, pay bills, and make choices to keep life working for themselves and their families. Young people, college graduates, seniors, single parents, middle-aged workers – none of us
• Glossary of Terms
  A Accrued Interest . A Accrued Interest Age As
• Glossary of Terms
• Investing
  Many of us do not think of ourselves as investors. We may have created a budget and watch our spending; we may have savings accounts—or even a checking account that earns interest – but we may not have begun investing our savings because we haven’t mentally crossed the line from being a saver to bei
• Buying Green When it Comes to Groceries
  One of the hallmarks of the “green movement” is buying food that is either more locally grown (to reduce the cost and environmental impact of shipping food) and/or buying organic. By buying locally-grown food you are reducing the transportation cost (and environmental impact of that transportation)
• Making Future Home Renovations for Safety
• What are brokers and do I need one?
• What are brokers and do I need one?
  A broker is someone who is licensed to buy and sell investments for individuals. Brokers are required to pass an exam and register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to practice.. A broker is someone who is licensed to buy and sell investments for individuals. Brokers are require
• Securities
  Securities come in two basic forms: debt and .
• Insurance Policies and Individual Annuities with AIG
  AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government is stepping in to make sure AIG’s parent company would not go bankrupt. The government made an 85 billion bridge loan (charging 11.. AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government is stepping in to make sure AIG’s paren
• Cash Collection
  By far the most common way to send money abroad is using a remittance company, such as . By far the most common way to send money abroad is using a remittance company, such as Western Union or MoneyGram . These com
• How Much Coverage Do You Want for Your Home?
  Let’s start at the beginning. Imagine that your home was completely destroyed.. Let’s start at the beginning. Imagine that your home was completely destroyed. What it would cost to rebuild your home entirely?  What would it cost to replace the possessions inside?  Beginning to thin
• Insurance Policies and Individual Annuities with AIG
  AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government made an 85 billion bridge loan (charging 11.5% interest) to provide the liquidity that the company needs to keep functioning.. AIG insurance policyholders know that the federal government made an 85 billion bridge loan (chargi
• Before leaving your job
  Roll over any 401(k) savings you have accumulated into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) An IRA is an investment account you can open through a local bank branch, financial services company or mutual fund.. Roll over any 401(k) savings you have accumulated into an Individual Retire
• Before leaving your job
• What is an annuity?
• What is an annuity?
  Annuities are investments that you can use to turn savings into a dependable income stream for retirement or to provide financial support for your loved ones after your death. An annuity is a contract between you and a life insurance company.. Annuities are investments
• Starting Out in Your 20s
  When you’re just entering the workforce it’s a great time to develop some financial disciplines that will become financially-rewarding habits for your future such as: Establishing some short- medium- and long-term financial and life goals Creating, and sticking to, a realistic budget Keeping a tight
• What is interest?
  Interest is a fee. It's the amount of money you either earn on an investment or the money you owe on a loan.. Interest is a fee. It's the amount of money you either earn on an investment or the money you owe on a loan. When banks or other financial institutions give you credit, such a
• Sources of Financial Assistance for Healthcare Costs
• Sources of Financial Assistance for Healthcare Costs
  If healthcare costs are putting a pinch on your budget you may want to consider looking into assistance through the following organizations: . If healthcare costs are putting a pinch on your bu
• 10 Great Things to Do with Your Tax Refund
  According to the IRS nearly 75% of all Americans will get a tax refund this year, averaging nearly 2,500. Do you anticipate receiving a refund? If so, don’t just rush ahead and spend it.. According to the IRS nearly 75% of all Americans will get a tax refund this year, averaging nearly
• My future spouse or partner will help me with my finances.
  One thing in life is certain— you can’t predict the future. While you may hope or even fully expect to find a spouse or partner that you can build a long-term relationship with, it’s not guaranteed.. One thing in life is certain— you can’t predict the future. While you may hope or even fully expect
• Growth
  Growth increase in the market value of investments. Also known as capital appreciation.. Growth : increase in the market value of investments. Also known as capital appreciation.. Summary Grow
• Socially-Responsible Investing
  As people become more interested and personally committed to changing their impact on the environment, they want to know that the companies they invest in share their values. Socially responsible investing (SRI) is an investment strategy that incorporates your social or environmental beliefs into ho
• Socially-Responsible Investing
• Mortgage Loans
  The housing market’s decline has triggered the bankruptcy of several banks and mortgage lenders. If the bank or mortgage lender that currently holds your loan files for bankruptcy, it will first sell or transfer your mortgage to another firm.. The housing market’s decline has triggered the ban
• Your Savings and Investments in Turbulent Financial Times
  Tomorrowsmoney.org visitors are asking “what might recent events mean for my savings and investments? This article addresses concerns about some of the most common areas of concern for people who have saved and/or invested money, including: Money Deposited in Bank Accounts Money Deposited in Credit
• Your Savings and Investments in Turbulent Financial Times
• What kind of help can my bank provide?
• What kind of help can my bank provide?
  Banks provide many services. They provide accounts, such as checking, savings, and money market accounts.. Banks provide many services. They provide accounts, such as checking, savings, and money market accounts. Most banks also have investment representatives who can explain diffe
• I could never understand investing.
  FALSE. Investing has its own jargon, but once you learn the vocabulary, but there’s no magic or mystery to it.. FALSE. Investing has its own jargon, but once you learn the vocabulary, but there’s no magic or mystery to it. Basic investing boils down to a few bas
• Cash and Cash Equivalents
  Cash This starts off easy enough…cash is, well, cash.. Cash This starts off easy enough…cash is, well, cash. Right? Yes. And no. In the world of investing
• Cash and Cash Equivalents
• Mutual Funds
  Mutual funds represent a pool of money from many investors whom choose to buy a type of investment, such as stocks or bonds or a mix of both. With mutual funds, you, as the investor do not manage the money yourself, rather your money is invested by a professional money manager..
• Mutual Funds
• Risk
  Risk in investment terms is the risk of losing money because the price or market value of investment is lower when you sell it than when you bought it. On the flip side, the higher the risk, the higher the potential reward.. Risk in investment terms
• Fixed income
• Fixed income
  Fixed income refers to bonds and other debt securities that promise to return their face value at maturity and pay a defined rate of interest in the interim..
• Coupon interest rate
• Coupon interest rate
  Coupon interest rate : The interest rate on a bond is stated as an annual percentage of the amount borrowed or lent, paid by the lender to the borrower. A 10,000 bond paying 4% interest would provide income of 400 per year, or 200 twice a year if the payments are semi-annual. The interest rate is
• Cash equivalents
• Cash equivalents
  Cash equivalents: are short-term fixed income savings vehicles such as deposit accounts, money market mutual funds and Certificates of Deposits that offer low risk and high liquidity .Summary Cash
• Asset allocation
  Asset allocation is the foundation of most investment plans. It tells you how much of your money you want to have invested in different kinds of investments or assets (sometimes called “.
• Liquidity
• Liquidity
  Liquidity: how quickly you can turn an investment into cash by selling it. In order for one investor to sell an investment, there must be another investor willing to buy it.. Liquidity: how quickly you can turn an investment into cash by selling it. 
• Volatility
• Volatility
  Volatility : the sharpness or frequency of changes in the market value or price of a security, usually measured in terms of how often and how far the price moves away from an average (standard deviation from the norm” In general, stocks are more volatile than bonds or cash.
• Rebalancing
• Rebalancing
  Rebalancing is a periodic adjustment to your investment portfolio to make sure it stays aligned with your asset allocation. For example, if the stock market rises, your equity allocation will increase in value and may represent a higher percentage of your total portfolio than your asset allocation r
• Index fund
  Index fund : a mutual fund designed to match the performance of a particular stock or bond market index, such as the S& & P 500.. Index fund : a mutual fund designed to match the performance of a particular stock or bond market index, such as the S& P 500.
• Small-capitalization (small cap) stocks
• Small-capitalization (small cap) stocks
  Small-capitalization (small cap) stocks : Shares of relatively small publicly traded corporations. Capitalization is the stock price times the total number of shares outstanding, and small capitalization (also called small-cap stocks or just “small caps” stocks typically have capitalizations of less
• Why Invest in Bonds?
• Why Invest in Bonds?
  There are numerous benefits to investing in bonds including: Financial Security - There's a reason that a bond is called a “fixed-income” security – not only are you highly likely to get back your principal but you can also count on receiving interest on your investment. Portfolio Balance & Dive
• Savings and Checking Accounts
  Although it seems almost too elementary to mention savings and checking accounts as investment vehicles, they are the foundation of most people's savings plans. When opening a checking account, shop around.. Although it seems almost too elementary to mention savings and checking acc
• Savings and Checking Accounts
• Differences between Saving and Investing
  Saving is the process of putting money aside now—rather than spending it—so you have it when you need it later. When you deposit money in savings accounts, checking accounts, and Certificates of Deposit (CDs) in a bank or credit union, your deposits are likely to be insured by the Federal Deposit In
• Differences between Saving and Investing
• More about Equity Financing
  When small companies get bigger and have a more proven potential to succeed, they can attract equity investors by offering shares of stock or ownership privately or through the public stock markets. To access the stock market, a business has to “go public” or undertake an initial public offering (IP
• Making a Plan
• Ready to Buy a Home
  Scenario: Malcolm and Gayle are a young couple living in Iowa. Both have full-time jobs earning a combined annual salary of 80,000.. Scenario: Malcolm and Gayle are a young couple living in Iowa. Both have full-time jobs earning a combined annual salary of 80,000. Their main monthl
• A Widow
  Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, she had to return to the work force full-time.. Scenario: Marilyn is a 51-year old widow, living in Delaware, supporting two teenagers. When her husband died unexpectedly, s
• Financial “Things to Do” Before the Year’s End
  With the holiday season officially underway it can be easy to spend most of your “financial thinking” on all of the holiday gift-giving, traveling and entertaining you will, or would like to be able to, do. But there are five simple things that you may want to consider doing to tie up some financial
• Earning
  You may have one sole source of income or you may have many different “streams” of income – such as part-time jobs, seasonal work, alimony, settlement income, etc. In large part your financial security will depend on your ability to obtain jobs that will provide you with adequate income and benefits
• Basics of Flood Insurance
  Flood insurance is provided by the federal government through a program called the . Flood insurance is provided by the federal government through a program called the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) In order to obtain this federally-backed flood insur
• The 4 Types of Car Insurance Coverage
  What is Car Insurance? Car insurance is actually one policy that can provide four different types of coverage. Let’s look at the four types of coverage you can get with auto insurance.. What is Car Insurance? Car insurance is actually one policy that can provide four different types of
• Thinking About Your Student Loan(s), Credit Cards and How You Spend Money
  While there are some exciting benefits about entering the “real world” – like having new measures of independence like a job, possibly a place of your own to live, a car and freedom over your schedule – there is also the reality of work and bills and deadlines, which for some graduates, whether they
• Green Transportation
  Motor vehicles are responsible for almost a quarter of annual emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary global-warming gas, in the U.S.. Motor vehicles are responsible for almost a quarter of annual emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary global-warming gas, in the U.S. You can minimiz
• Beating the High Cost of Energy at Home this Summer
  With rising energy prices, you will financially benefit from thinking ahead and implementing a few simple tips to manage both winter home heating costs and summer related energy costs at home and on the road. Here are some ideas: Battling Energy Costs at Home this Summer To manage your home cooling
• E-Gold
  E-gold is an electronic currency (e-currency) backed by stored gold bullion. Gold bullion is the most widely used and trusted e-currency.. E-gold is an electronic currency (e-currency) backed by stored gold bullion. Gold bullion is the most widely used and trusted e-currency. You, as a se
• The Benefits of Using a Bank Instead of a Check-Cashing Store
  Besides paying less overall for services, you can get a variety of benefits and services from a bank that you can’t get when using a check-cashing store: Your money can earn interest. Unlike when using a check-cashing store for a one-time transaction (i..
• Bank Services
  In addition to accounts, banks can offer a wide variety of services such as: Check-cashing. Banks will typically cash checks for their customers for free.. In addition to accounts, banks can offer a wide variety of services such as: Check-cashing. Banks wi
• Refund Anticipation Loans
  If you watch TV, you’ve seen ads for them. If you use a tax preparation center for help in filing your taxes, you’ve heard about them.. If you watch TV, you’ve seen ads for them. If you use a tax preparation center for help in filing your taxes, you’ve heard about them. What are they?
• Considering Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
  Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common form of personal bankruptcy for people to file. It’s the most “popular” form because it’s fairly straightforward, inexpensive to file, requires little time, is finalized quickly and at the end, your consumer debt is erased.. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is t
• Questions to Ask Before Obtaining a Debit Card
  Is there an annual fee for using the card? What account is this card linked to? You want to know which account the card will deduct money from when making purchases or payments – i.e.. Is there an annual fee for using the card? What account is this card linked
• Available cash and investments
  Talk with your financial advisor, or get help from financial advisors through asking your bank or credit union. What do you have available now and in the future.. Talk with your financial advisor, or get help from financial advisors through asking your bank or credit union. What do you h
• Retiree Health Benefits
• Retiree Health Benefits
  If you are fortunate enough to have health insurance coverage through a former employer as part of your retirement benefits package you are one of the lucky ones. According to a 2008 Kaiser Family Foundation report less than 33% of all companies with 200 or more workers offer retiree health benefits
• Make your home safer to better stand a potential future disaster.
• Education
  Holding a college degree is an undeniable advantage in the job market. More than a third of all jobs in today’s workforce require a bachelor’s degree and earning a degree equals a much higher rate of lifetime earning.. Holding a college degree is an undeniable advantage in the job market. More
• The 5 Stages of Blended Families
  When people with children remarry, they usually face a long, typically confusing and tension-filled process of becoming a new family unit. By their very nature, blended families are born of loss.. When people with children remarry, they usually face a long, typically confusing and tension-filled
• Starting Your Marriage Off on the Right Financial Foot
  Planning to get married is an exciting time. But it also involves making a lot of decisions – where to get married and when, who to choose for the wedding parties, which cake and invitations…the list of choices and things to discuss with your significant other can seem endless..
• Starting Your Own Business – Thinking Like an Entrepreneur
  Have you always dreamed of being your own boss?  Have you hit the ceiling of opportunity at your current company?  Are you between jobs, or concerned about how long your current employment may last and feeling as if you’d rather depend on yourself than yet another employer? Whatever the case, lots of
• Stepping Up Your Savings I.Q.
  Looking for a good beach read? Okay, so maybe flipping through a mutual fund prospectus isn't your idea of scintillating summer read. But wouldn't it be a good idea to know how to manage the money you already have? Or maybe learn how to take the first step to saving? Start small..
• Mortgage Loans
  The 2007 – 2008 housing market decline triggered the bankruptcy of several banks and mortgage lenders. If the bank or mortgage lender that currently holds your loan files for bankruptcy, it will first sell or transfer your mortgage to another firm.. The 2007 – 2008 housing market decline triggered t
• Possible Benefits that Credit Unions Can Offer
  There are a variety of reasons that people use credit unions. Credit unions are typically smaller organizations than most banks or savings and loan institutions and can sometimes focus on providing levels of personal financial services or community focus and connections that seem more relevant or in
• Who Uses Payday Loan Companies and Why
  When or why would you consider obtaining a loan from a company that could charge you upwards of 700% interest? Perhaps you are considering getting a loan through a payday loan company because: you don't know how these kinds of loans really work and you don't know where else you could get the money y
• What Happens if a Creditor Takes You to Court
  Until a collection agency sues you and wins they can’t legally take anything you own to pay off your debts. However, once the agency sues you and wins, they obtain a “judgment” against you they can take your “nonexempt” property to collect against your debt.. Until a collection agency
• Before You Switch Policies
  If you already have a life insurance policy, at some point you may consider whether or not you should consider getting a new policy. For example, perhaps you have term life insurance and the term is about to expire.. If you already have a life insurance policy, at some point you may consider
• Bill-Paying Tips
  You have a lot to juggle and make time for – kids, work, maintaining a home, etc. Consider processes that can reduce the time it takes to pay your bills and make it easier to create savings automatically for your future.. You have a lot to juggle and make time for – kids, work, maintaining a home
• Raising Money-Wise Kids
  If you’re like most mothers – single or married – you want your child to grow up with the skills he or she will need to succeed in life. One of the most important skills you can help your child develop is money management.. If you’re like most mothers – single or married – you want your child to gr
• Review Your Income
  Once you have an idea of your regular expenses and what your income scenario is, evaluate if you have any regular, predictable income that you can dedicate to meeting your expenses. For example, do you receive alimony or child support that you can use for fixed expenses such as housing (rent or mort
• The Young Couple
  Scenario: Marcus and Julie, both 27, live in Tennessee and have been married for a year. Julie is in nursing school and also works part-time as a nursing assistant at a local hospital.. Scenario: Marcus and Julie, both 27, live in Tennessee and have been married for a year. Julie is in
• Seeking Professional Advice
  An important aspect of succeeding in your own business is knowing your limitations and when to ask for help. Just about every business owner will eventually need the services of a bookkeeper, an accountant for help with taxes, and an attorney for assistance on business structure and contracts..
• When Things Change
  They say that the one thing that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home.. ng that is constant in life is that it changes. The same is true for owning a home. Things can change over time. Utility costs can increase. The interest rate on your mortgage can change. You need a n
• To Buy or to Lease?
  SHOULD YOU lease or buy? Conventional wisdom says if you lease you'll have nothing to show for your money when the term is up. But that ignores the opportunity cost inherent in buying: after all, the money you pay up front for the car could be invested instead..
• Types of 529 Plans
  529 plans got their names from the section of the IRS tax code (section 529) which helped create this way of investing savings for college costs. There are two types of 529 plans: Prepaid Tuition Plans and Savings Plans.. 529 plans got their names from the section of the IRS tax code (section 529
• The Importance of Opening and Acting On Your Retirement and Investment Account Statements When the Financial Markets are Volatile
• The Importance of Opening and Acting On Your Retirement and Investment Account Statements When the Financial Markets are Volatile
  With the wild fluctuations in the financial markets Americans are, understandably, nervous to see how their own investments have fared. What do you do when your retirement or brokerage account statements come in the mail?  While it can be tempting to file them away or even toss them out, it’s actuall
• Shopping for a Mortgage
  As the song goes, "My Momma told me, you better shop around." When it comes to buying a home, shopping around means not only finding the right home, but also finding the right mortgage.. As the song goes, "My Momma told me, you better shop around. When it comes to buying a home, shoppin
• Managing Your Grocery Bill When Food Prices Rise
  Climbing grocery prices have caused millions of Americans to reconsider purchases. Unfortunately, according to the US Department of Labor, food inflation is expected to continue.. Climbing grocery prices have caused millions of Americans to reconsider purchases. Unfortunately, ac
• Selecting a Reputable Credit Counseling Agency
  A reputable, accredited credit counseling agency may be able to provide you with the help you need to get on the road to financial recovery. However not all credit counseling agencies are alike.. A reputable, accredited credit counseling agency may be able to provide you with the help you need t
• Mortgage Center: Frequently Asked Questions
  What is an ARM? An ARM is an acronym for "adjustable rate mortgage. That refers to a home loan where the interest rate charged on the amount of money you're borrowing to purchase the home adjusts, or changes, over time as the government raises or lowers the rate of interest that banks charge each ot
• What's New
  This section will list new articles, features and tools to the Tomorrowsmoney.org suite of sites as they are posted. Refer back to this section regularly to see what new information we have to share to help your audiences gain control over their personal financial planning to create a more financial
• Story File
  The SIFMA Foundation for Investor Education seeks to provide you with the best information, tools and resources available to help your followers become more financially literate. We have compiled this story file based on year-round evergreen topics.. Investor Education seeks to provide you with the b
• I don't know where to begin.
  The most important part about beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be the biggest hurdle you have to overcome.. bout beginning to save and invest is just that…beginning. In fact, changing your attitude toward saving and investing may be
• Planning to Manage Wedding Day Costs
  According to a Conde Nast Bridal Group survey, the average cost of a wedding is approximately 27,800. Nearly one-third of all American couples pay for their own wedding and laying out that much money (or accumulating that much credit card debt) early on in the marriage can have a significant im
• A New Family Budget and New Financial Decisions
  In many ways, your newborn’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to make and action steps to take as well.. n’s arrival is just the beginning. In addition to all of your child-rearing duties there are important financial decisions to
• Investing
  One of the most common questions single women have as they begin taking control of their finances is “how do I become an investor? Too often women are under the wrong impression that there is some sort of “one size fits all” way to invest. There isn’t.. estions single women have as they begin taking con
• Signing a Lease
  Depending on your timeframe and the market for rental properties in your area you may need to sign a lease quickly, in which case you need to understand what the lease outlines and what you’ll need to provide. If you’re renting from a large property management company (like those that own large apar
• Ending the Year on the Right Foot
  Only a couple more weeks before we ring in the New Year. But there's still time to make a few decisions that will minimize your taxes for this year and help you start out on the right foot financially next year.. Only a couple more weeks before we ring in the New Year. But there's still
• In Your 40s
  As retirement becomes closer your investing time horizon is shortening; saving and investing for retirement must become a high financial priority if you want to be able to reach your retirement lifestyle goals. Here’s how: Define your strategy..
• How to decide if you really want to own a home
  It seems obvious but the first place to start is to decide whether or not you really want to own a home. No doubt, there are definite benefits to homeownership, including: Tax benefits.. It seems obvious but the first place to start is t
• Financial Tools
  In addition to insurance benefits your employer will likely offer various financial tools that you can use to reduce your taxable income and save for your short-term needs and long-term goals. Health Spending Accounts Healthcare spending accounts provide you with a way to pay for health care expense
• Set a Course for Where You Want to Go
  Once you have evaluated where you are financially – what income, savings, expenses and debt you have – you are now able to begin setting a course for where you want to go financially in the future, and take steps in that direction. Following are a few tips for thinking about your financial goals: Ac
• Help If You are Concerned about Being Able to Pay Your Mortgage
  If you own your own home but still have a monthly mortgage payment that is probably one of your highest financial priorities. If you find yourself in a situation where your finances are so tight or that you have such quickly mounting debt that you are having difficulty making your mortgage payment i
• How Much Coverage Do I Need?
  As with other forms of insurance a key question you probably have is “How much life insurance coverage do I need?  The answer is…it depends. While life insurance professionals advise that a good rule of thumb is to purchase at least 5-8 times your current income in life insurance coverage, the answer
• The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005
  The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act significantly changes how, and under what conditions, individuals can file for bankruptcy. The most significant changes to bankruptcy law apply to Chapter 7 bankruptcy because under Chapter 7 debtors are able to discharge, or not have to re
• Your Current Debt and Ways to Save for a Mortgage Down Payment
  The amount of debt you currently have and your credit score (which tells lenders how reliable you are about repaying your debt and loans) will also affect how much interest you will be charged on your loan. You should consider getting a free copy of your credit report now, early on in the home-buyin
• Who Will Be Helped Under the Making Home More Affordable Program
  The Obama Administration’s 75 billion “Making Home Affordable” housing plan is designed to help approximately 9 million people who are at-risk for either defaulting on their mortgage loans or going into foreclosure. The plan is part of the 400 billion “bailout” package approved by Congress in Fall
• Choosing a Phone
  Increasingly cell phone companies offer customers free phones, or steep discounts to purchase a phone, when they sign up for service. Before you decide to use the phone you’re offered by your service provider for free or you decide to upgrade, it can be helpful to know the two major types of cell ph
• Rent to Own: Quick Convenience or Overpriced Commitment?
  The rent-to-own industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that attracts consumers with the promise of taking quick possession on "big-ticket" items, like furniture, appliances, computers and electronics (TVs, DVD players, stereos, etc. with no down payment, no credit check and often no upfront cas
• Ways to Invest and Grow Your Savings for College Tuition
  It’s not enough to want to help your child afford college you need to have a plan to make it actually happen. However, putting money into a savings account at your bank or credit union won't earn enough interest to foot the bill.. It’s not enough to want to help your child afford
• When You Lose Retiree Benefits
  Karen was enjoying retirement after 32 years of work as a registered nurse. Her Social Security and savings provided a modest, but adequate, income and she was grateful for a generous retiree benefits package from her former employer which included a pension and health insurance.. ment after 32 years of wo
• When You Lose Retiree Benefits
• Eleven Steps Single Moms Need to Take
  Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and taking them places, responding to emails …. Single moms have mastered the art of multi-tasking. Working, making phone calls, vacuuming, paying bills, feeding kids and ta
• 16 Warning Signs You Could Be Heading for Financial Trouble
  We’ve all done it before – forgotten to pay a bill on time, charged more on our credit cards than we should, etc. But there are some financial “red flags” you should pay attention to realize that without a course correction, you’re headed for financial trouble.. – forgotten to pay a bill on time, charged more on
• Adapting to an Unplanned Retirement
  Most of us have a vague idea of how our work life will progress – we’ll spend a few years deciding what we really want to do, get established in our careers, move companies or organizations a few times, progress up the pay scale and then - at a point of our choosing in our sixties or seventies - we
• Refinancing Your Mortgage as an Option to Hold onto Your Home
  For many homeowners who obtained an adjustable rate mortgage over the past few years to buy a home, both time and the economy have not been on their side. Millions of homeowners holding adjustable-rate mortgages are trying to determine if they can refinance their current home loan to be able to affo
• Getting Professional Help
  If you’re at a point where you are having credit card problems, facing staggering debt, are receiving overdue notices, or getting calls from collection agencies you may feel scared. If you’re overwhelmed, can’t figure out how you are going to get out of this, or just feel like you could use someone
• Start Out Smart! 7 Money Moves to Make Now
  Congratulations – you have a job! Your first full or part-time job can be exciting, overwhelming and scary…all at the same time. The biggest benefit is of course having a real paycheck! Before you run out and spend that entire first paycheck, there are a few wise financial “first moves” you should c
• Buying a Newly Built Home
  At some point most of us have thought about our “dream home. Wouldn’t it be fun to choose your floor plan, appliances, carpet and paint? It’s also nice to think that you could be the home’s first owner.. At some point most of us have thought about our “dream home. Wouldn’t it be fun to choose your floor
• Rethinking How You Plan, Save and Invest for Retirement
  You commit yourself to saving for retirement. You take steps to understand how long your financial resources must last in retirement years so you don’t outlive your savings; you test guideline amounts needed to retire using an online calculator; you start contributing to 401(k) or IRA or SEP or othe
• What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know Before Agreeing to a Mortgage
  Are you or a loved one considering becoming a homeowner? Taking on a mortgage loan to purchase a home can be an intimidating and confusing process. A Federal Reserve study for the Federal Trade Commission found that a significant percentage of homebuyers did not understand key features and costs of
• Working with a Realtor or Going it Alone
  One of the first impulses most people have when thinking about buying a home is finding a Realtor® But who exactly is a Realtor? And is a Realtor (capital R) the same as an agent? And what about a broker? Who exactly can help me? Real estate professionals can be very helpful in the home buying proce
• Catching Up on Retirement Savings If You Start Late
  Bob’s budget was tight when he first began working but he put a little bit aside each paycheck into his employer’s 401(k) He figured it was a good way to save some money on taxes if nothing else.. en he first began working but he put a little bit aside each paycheck into his employer’s 401(k) He
• Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Elder Financial Abuse
  What is elder financial abuse? Simply put, it’s a crime. It is when someone – an individual, company or organization – wrongfully takes a senior citizen’s money, property or other financial resources.. What is elder financial abuse?  Simply put, it’s a crime. It is when someone
• Ways to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Elder Financial Abuse
• Mortgage Counseling If You're Having Trouble Paying Your Mortgage
  If you are having difficulty making your monthly mortgage payment or even facing foreclosure you cannot afford to wait and hope that you can resolve the issue later. If you are behind on your mortgage you can be faced with foreclosure, and sooner than you may realize.. If you are having difficu
• When Your Parents’ Retirement Plans Change
  What do you do when you parents’ retirement plans change? When their finances, benefits and insurance no longer enable them to maintain the lifestyle they envisioned in their older years or to meet their current financial and personal needs? . arents’ retirement plans change? When their finances, benefits and insuranc
• Finding Free or Low-Cost Training to Boost Your Employability
  If you are currently out of work and looking for a job, or if you are currently employed but would like to find a different job that perhaps offers better pay and benefits, you may need to learn new skills to become a more attractive job candidate for a prospective employer. However you may not have
• Stretching Your Retirement Spending Dollar
  During retirement you are going to have to make your income and savings stretch further than before to reduce the risk of outliving your financial reserve. To do that you will need to start with a plan for how to strategically draw down your retirement savings and investments , and then mindfully ma
• What to Do When It Becomes Difficult to Pay Your Mortgage
  Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment.. Change happens. When you bought your home you may have budgeted carefully and never anticipated having difficulty making your mortgage payment. But ma
• Giving Wisely
  Every year millions of people support nonprofit organizations to care for people in their communities, strengthen causes they feel strongly about, and reach out to people affected by disasters. Giving is a noble and generous act of caring and service.. Every year millions of people support nonprofit or
• Finding the Right Home
  What words come to mind when you think about finding a new home? Exciting? Scary? Overwhelming? The truth is that finding a new home can be all of those things. The way you feel about finding a new home can depend on why you're moving and how much time you have to find a home.. What words come to mind w
• What's New This Month
  July '09 : IOUs Issued by the State of California Strapped for cash, the state of California has started issuing more than 3 billion in IOUs to businesses, individual tax payers and county governments to whom it owes money. California state government officials have indicated that the IOUs – which
• Dealing with Deployment
  Deployment is a stressful time for every member of the family. By taking time to talk together as a family, and separately as a couple, you can better manage both the emotional and logistical aspects of being apart from your servicemember.. Deployment is a stressful time for every member of