Personal Finance
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Jean Folger

Jean Folger

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

self directed ira

5 Best Self Directed IRAs for October 2024

You can use a self-directed IRA to invest in alternative assets like real estate and private equity. Learn more.

secure act 2.0

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.

Open-end vs. closed-end funds

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.

should you reinvest in dividends

Should You Reinvest Dividends? A Practical Guide

Cash dividends provide immediate income, while dividend reinvestment lets you take advantage of the power of compounding. Learn the pros and cons of dividend reinvestment and DRIPs.

What is an FHA Loan

What is an FHA Loan?

FHA loans can be easier to qualify for than conventional loans, making them a good option if you have a lower credit score, higher debt, or a smaller down payment.

Venmo vs. PayPal

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.

Pay mortgage with credit card

Is It Possible to Pay Your Mortgage With a 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.

peer to peer lending platforms

5 Best Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms for Investors

Peer-to-peer lending platforms connect individual investors with people and businesses needing money. Here’s how they work.

how to invest in real estate

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.

What Is Private Banking?

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.

how to invest 50K

How to Invest $50K: 11 Proven Strategies

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.

plan for retirement

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 king

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.

What is a Dividend Reinvestment Plan

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.

Best Index Funds

10 Best Index Funds for 2024

Index funds bundle a basket of securities into a single investment offering steady, low-cost growth. Learn more.

custodial account

What Is A Custodial Account?

A custodial account can help you save and invest on a child's behalf until they're old enough to take it over.

mega backdoor roth ira

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.

ways to Invest $1K

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.

How to Calculate the Return on Your CD

How to Calculate the Return on Your CD

Thinking about opening a CD? Here's how to determine the interest you'll earn based on the CD deposit amount, term, and interest rate.

masterworks

Masterworks Review 2024: Investing in Fine Art Made Effortless

Masterworks makes fine art investments accessible to a broader audience by offering fractional shares and handling the research, acquisition, management, and sale of artworks.

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