Money market mutual funds have had a bad rap in recent years. Their low return, based on prevailing interest rates, have given them the image of an investment. This view is only marginally better than storing cash under the mattress. But that image is unfair. Although their yields are relatively low, money market mutual funds bring with them considerable benefits for savvy investors. Understanding those benefits is … [Read more...]
Is the Trans-Pacific Partnership good or bad for the United States?
What is the Trans-Pacific Partnership and who is it good for? The Trans-Pacific Partnership TPP has been signed and most Americans do not even know it exists or what is about. It is set to come up for a vote to ratify just after the Presidential election’s Lame Duck session. This document is hailed as one of the great victories for free trade and the crown jewel of President Obama's legacy following in the footsteps … [Read more...]
Understanding Deductions for the Self Employed
It's tax time. Are you getting a refund? Understand deductions for the self employed can be the difference in owing or getting money back from your tax return. Whether you are a freelancer or have your own small business, there are tax deductions that can provide you with a lot of savings. It pays to know what actually counts as a deduction in order to lower your tax bill. Below, we explain what the IRS allows for … [Read more...]
Federal Reserve and Negative Interest Rates
The Federal Reserve is the source for America's Money! What is the Federal Reserve? The Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) is likely the most important entity in our country as it is our central bank. It has four tiers, was established in 1913 as a result of the Federal Reserve Act and has 12 regional banks. The United States is a country that was kind of late starting a central bank as countries go, and it was borne out of a … [Read more...]
Stock Market is down – Has Apple Stock Peaked?
The stock market is shaky right now, has Apple peaked? Apple computer has been on a mostly upward trajectory since its IPO in 1980. Now, five years after the death of Steve Jobs, observers are wondering whether this trajectory can continue over the long term and has Apple peaked. Unfortunately, the market-moving product releases that Apple saw under Steve Jobs have not continued under his successor, Tim Cook. While Apple … [Read more...]
What is GDP and Why Should It Matter to you?
Have you ever wondered what is GDP? The GDP definition is the monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country within a period usually one year. What might be a better question is what is GDP used for. GDP statistics is useful to a country in indicating the level of the living standard, in comparing the performances of different economies at a given time. GDP is not a comprehensive … [Read more...]
The 10 Richest People in the World and How They Did It!
The richest people in the world all have one thing in common. They are Billionaires. That's right the top 10 richest people in the world are all Billionaires. How many zeros are in a billion dollars? - 1,000,000,000 = 9 zeros. The billionaires identified below have achieved their 9 zeros and they continue to add to it. The 2015 top 10 wealthiest individuals, covers the gamut of entrepreneurs who have attributed to the … [Read more...]
The China Economy – A Juggernaut or Flash in the Pan
The China Economy Explained Some people think that China's march to economic world domination is inevitable. However, this may not be the case as the economy of China is resting on shifting sands that if the central government loses control for an instant the house of cards could come tumbling down and then China will face a depression the likes of which has never been seen before in the history of the world. In this … [Read more...]
Inflation Definition
Inflation Definition and What It Means For Your Money The definition of inflation is most frequently described as the increase in the prices charged for goods and services. To be more precise, this affects the price of these goods or services, but not in a good way. Further more, inflation is also the word used to describe the increases in the over all cost of living in any single economy during a set amount of … [Read more...]
Is The Keystone Pipeline The Answer To United States Energy?
Let's talk about the logistics and importance of the Keystone Pipeline Oil is very important in our day- to-day life. All people all over the world depend on oil products mainly for energy production and other uses. To enhance accessibility to this important natural resource, an efficient transportation system needs to be put in place. That is why US and Canada have a outstanding transportation system, famously referred … [Read more...]