Jean Folger is a freelance writer and editor specializing in real estate, retirement, investing, and other personal finance topics. She is passionate about helping people make better financial choices so they have more money and time to spend on the things that matter most. She believes investing in your health—whether to eat well, hit the gym, or try a new sport—is as important as saving for retirement.
Articles by Jean Folger
10 Best Money-Making Apps for 2024
Money-making apps can be a quick and simple way to earn extra cash from your habits and hobbies with just a few taps on your mobile device.
13 Best Online Brokers and Stock Trading Platforms 2024
The best online brokers offer a full range of investments, low fees, and user-friendly trading platforms. Here are our top picks for online brokers in 2024.
What is a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)?
A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) lets you accumulate more shares of the same company over time, generating higher potential long-term returns due to the power of compounding.
How to Invest in Art: 5 Ways
Art can diversify your portfolio and yield higher returns than traditional assets, whether you invest in blue-chip art, emerging art, art funds, or fractional art shares.
10 Best Ways to Invest $50K
If you have $50,000 to invest, you have plenty of options, from low-risk CDs and Treasurys to alternative investments with higher risks and potential rewards.
How Long Does It Take to Refinance a House?
A mortgage refinance usually takes about 30 to 45 days to complete, but it could take more or less time, depending on the situation.
Best Money-Saving Apps 2024
The best money-saving apps can make saving more effortless—and even fun. Here are our favorite apps for saving money in 2024.
12 Small Business Ideas in 2024
Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or just getting started, here are 12 small business ideas to consider for 2024.
Venmo vs. PayPal: Which Is Your Best Option?
Venmo and PayPal are two of the most popular P2P payment apps. Here's what you need to know to decide if either is right for you.
How to Plan for Retirement: 5 Steps
Retirement planning takes some effort, but the sooner you get started, the more flexibility you'll have later in life.
Dividend Kings List 2024: The Most Elite Group of Dividend-Paying Stocks
A dividend king is a stock that has increased its shareholder dividends for at least 50 years in a row. Learn more about this exclusive group of stocks and how to invest.
9 Best Ways to Invest $100K
The best ways to invest $100K depends on your goals and risk tolerance. Here are eight options to consider.
10 Best Index Funds for 2024
Index funds bundle a basket of securities into a single investment offering steady, low-cost growth. Learn more.
Best Investing Apps 2024
The best investing apps offer a range of products, low fees, and a user-friendly interface. Here are our top picks for 2024.
6 Types of Real Estate Investments To Know Of
The best real estate investments can generate income and capital gains while diversifying your portfolio. Here are six real estate investments to consider.
10 Best Ways to Invest $10K
If you’re looking for the best way to invest $10K, here are 10 options to consider, from maxing out your retirement accounts to investing in yourself.
10 Ways to Invest $20,000
Looking for the best way to invest $20K? Here are 10 options to consider for growing your money and reaching your goals.
Small Cap Stocks: All You Need to Know
Small-cap stocks have market caps between $250 million and $2 billion. They can bring diversification and higher growth potential to your portfolio—but also risk. Here's what you need to know.
What Is the Secure Act 2.0?
President Biden signed the SECURE Act 2.0 into law in late 2022, bringing dozens of new provisions aimed at making it easier to save money and better prepare for retirement.
What Is a Stock Portfolio? Definition, Strategy, Considerations
An investment portfolio is a collection of assets designed to earn a return or grow in value over time, but the right portfolio for you depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
What Is Wealth Management and Do You Need It?
A wealth manager helps you grow and protect your wealth and reach your financial goals, but they aren’t cheap. Here’s a closer look at wealth management to help you decide if it’s a smart investment.
8 Ways to Invest $1,000
A $1,000 investment can be the perfect way to save for a financial goal or jumpstart your retirement nest egg. Here are eight ways to invest $1K.
Masterworks Review 2024
Masterworks makes fine art investments accessible to a broader audience by offering fractional shares and handling the research, acquisition, management, and sale of artworks.
How to Make Money on Instagram in 2024
Instagram influencers can earn hundreds or thousands of dollars per month. Learn the top five ways to make money on Instagram in 2024.
Your 2024 Guide to Trading on Margin
Margin boosts your buying power and provides more investing options, but it also amplifies your losses. Here's what you need to know about margin trading.
What is a Balance Transfer & How Does it Work?
A balance transfer credit card can save you money on interest so you can pay down your debt faster, but it's essential to understand how the process works before diving in.
Private Banking: What It Is and How It Works
Private banking extends personalized financial services and higher yields on deposit accounts, but you’ll need to meet minimum asset requirements to qualify.
Best Time to Buy a House in 2024
Spring signals the start of the homebuying season, when home inventory and sales typically hit their annual peaks. But it's not necessarily when buyers get the best deals.
Mega Backdoor Roth: What Is It, How It Works, What to Consider
A mega backdoor Roth lets you save an extra $43,500 in 2023, but not all workplace plans allow them.
How to Make Money on Twitch
Ever wondered how you can make money as a Twitch streamer? We talked with one of the best Tekken 7 players of all time to find out what it takes.
Can You Pay Your Mortgage with Your Credit Card?
You might be able to pay your mortgage with a credit card, but it may not be easy or affordable. Find out when it makes sense.
What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work?
A secured credit card requires an upfront security deposit, but it can help you establish or build your credit and improve your credit score. Here's what you need to know.
What is a covered call? Pros, Cons, Strategy
A covered call is a basic options strategy that can generate investment income from stocks you own, but you could miss out on profits if the stock jumps in value.
Alpha vs. Beta in Investing: What’s the Difference?
Alpha measures an investment's return relative to a benchmark, while beta measures risk. Find out how these two metrics can help you pick investments that match your risk/return profile.
6 Proven Strategies To Invest In Real Estate in 2024
Real estate can be a lucrative investment, whether you invest directly in properties or indirectly through REITs, REIGs, and crowdfunding. Here are six ways to invest in real estate.
Open-End vs. Closed-End Funds: Differences & How To Choose
Open-end and closed-end funds are professionally managed portfolios that can provide diversification, but there are some key differences to consider before investing.
What Is an Appraisal Gap Clause?
An appraisal gap clause says you agree to pay the difference between the appraised value and the agreed-upon purchase price of a home, up to a limit.
Mutual Funds vs. Stocks: Key Differences & Which Investors Should Pick
When you invest in a stock, you buy a share of one company. A mutual fund bundles stocks, bonds, or other securities together, offering instant diversification in a single investment.
