Build Your Wealth: Personal Finance & Investing Insights

Building Wealth Diversification IPO Stock options Updated for 2021 Video

Managing Stock Options in a Direct Listing – Going Public Without an IPO

What happens to stock options if a company goes public without an IPO? A Direct Public Offering (DPO) or direct listing is a way for a company to list itself on a public stock exchange without the traditional Initial Public Offering (IPO) process. If you have employer stock options and…

Kristin McKennaApril 1, 2021

Asset Management Diversification Forbes Investing During a Crisis

3 Investing Lessons Learned from the 2020 Covid Crash

It was almost a year ago when the Covid-19 induced selloff in the financial markets reached a bottom. The S&P 500 fell from its February 19th peak with record-setting speed: it took only 16 trading days to enter a bear market (a decline of 20% or more from a previous…

Kristin McKennaMarch 29, 2021

Diversification Investing Investing During a Crisis

6 Crazy Facts About The Stock Market in 2020

We're all ready to put 2020 behind us. But before closing the books, it's worth reflecting on what was a crazy year in the stock market. Here are 6 stunning facts about the stock market in 2020. (more…)

Kristin McKennaMarch 22, 2021

Asset Management Building Wealth Forbes Investing Managing Risk

Should I Invest When the Market is High? Dispelling the Buy Low, Sell High Myth

Most investors realize trying to time the market by always buying low and selling high isn't a realistic endeavor. Yet even with that knowledge, if you have a substantial amount of cash to invest, the thought of investing when the stock market is hovering near all-time highs may give you…

Kristin McKennaMarch 15, 2021

Building Wealth Diversification IPO ISOs Managing Risk NQSOs Stock options Updated for 2021

What Does an IPO Mean for Employees? What to Do When Your Company Goes Public.

There were nearly 500 IPOs in 2020. According to data from FactSet, that's just 67 shy of the combined total between 2015 and 2017. And the race to go public isn't slowing down. As of the end of February 2021, more than 230 companies have gone public this year alone.…

Kristin McKennaMarch 6, 2021

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Should I Pay Someone To Manage My 401(k)?

Investors can save over three times as much in a 401(k) compared to an IRA, without even including employer contributions. So, it's little surprise that most Americans rely on employer plans to save for retirement. Given the reliance on 401(k) or 403(b) savings, investors may wonder: should I pay someone…

Kristin McKennaMarch 1, 2021

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What Are Negative-Yielding Bonds? What Happens When Yields Go Negative

In uncertain markets, investors often seek fixed income for the relative safety that bonds provide versus riskier assets like equities. But with interest rates declining since the 80s, bond yields have come under pressure, even falling below zero in some markets. Led by Japan and Europe, about 27% of the…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 22, 2021

Asset Management Infographics Investing

How to Apply an Asset Allocation to Multiple Investment Accounts

Whether you're managing your own investments or working with a financial advisor, setting the right asset allocation is key. But what's the best way to apply an asset allocation to multiple investment accounts? Managing your accounts at the portfolio level vs each account individually is advantageous in many situations. A…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 15, 2021

Bonds Diversification Interest rates Investing Managing Risk

Bond Basics: How Bonds Work and the Benefits of Investing in Bonds

How do bonds work and why buy them in your investment accounts? There are several benefits of investing in bonds. Most notably, bonds provide investors with income, diversification from stocks, and stability compared to riskier asset classes. There's a lot to know about bonds, but here are the bond basics…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 8, 2021

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Are You Saving Too Much For Your Kids’ College?

With the average cost of college nearing $33,000 per year, few parents have concerns about saving too much for their kids' college. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't be. Whether you're over-funding a 529 plan and risk incurring taxes and penalties or prioritizing college savings over your own financial security,…

Kristin McKennaFebruary 1, 2021