Unprecedented? Yes. Uncommon? No.

The recent credit crunch, financial meltdown, and congressional inaction are unprecedented in market history.
Or are they?
We’ve never seen anything quite like this, and yet, market history is littered with “unprecedented” events.
Here’s a list of some events that have caused short-term volatility (and in some cases panic) in the markets:

The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
Arab oil embargo [...]

Read Full Post »

Five Ideas for Staying Sane in a Crazy Market

A key part of managing your money is managing your emotions, particularly when the stock market is going through a period of uncertainty. Being able to keep your cool is one of the most valuable skills you can have as an investor.
Stay on course by continuing to save
Even if the value of your holdings fluctuates, [...]

Read Full Post »

College Admission: Early Decision and Early Action

What’s the difference between early decision and early action?
If you and your child think the early decision process is too limiting, one alternative might be for your child to apply to college under an early action plan.
Early action plans are similar to early decision plans, but are less restrictive. First, a student can apply to [...]

Read Full Post »

Should You Roll Your 401(k) Money Into an IRA?

If you’re entitled to a distribution from your 401(k) plan (for example, because you’ve left your job), and it’s rollover-eligible, you may be faced with a choice. Should you take the distribution and roll the funds over to an IRA, or should you leave your money where it is?
Across the universe
In contrast to a 401(k) [...]

Read Full Post »

Buying a Home in Foreclosure

They’re not all in run-down neighborhoods, and they’re not all in complete disrepair. As the housing market’s woes continue, more homes go into foreclosure, and more real estate investment opportunities open up. While a buyer still has to prepare and beware, it may be possible to purchase a property in foreclosure at a discount off [...]

Read Full Post »