We've scoured the internet so that you don't have to. Consider this our monthly roundup of relevant articles to support your pursuit of prosperity.
Treasury Bills vs. Treasury Bonds: Know the Difference
The federal government raises huge amounts of money by issuing debt securities. Treasury bills and Treasury bonds are the two main varieties buyers invest in. They both have the backing of the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government. This means investors have a fairly low risk of nonpayment of interest and loss of principal but there are two critical differences investors need to understand.
Your 401(k) Plan May Be Worsening Climate Change
Less than 5% of 401(k) plans offer funds dedicated to environmental, social and governance issues, according to the Plan Sponsor Council of America. As a result, the money Americans have in their 401(k) plans are likely enabling fossil fuel extraction and deforestation, experts say, both of which climate scientists blame for the warming planet.
The True Cost Of Owning A Second Home
Owning a second home or vacation property can sound enticing. But it can also be very expensive, both in terms of time and money. There are also hidden costs associated with owning a second home. For some individuals and families, buying a vacation home makes a lot of sense. It's comfortably affordable and the home is heavily used annually, even if just seasonally. But in other situations, the hassle and cost of maintaining a property from a distance plus the desire to travel to new destinations makes buying a second home an expensive mistake.
De-dollarization: What Happens if the Dollar Loses Reserve Status?
One of the more intriguing financial trends of 2023 has been the de-dollarization movement. This is an effort by a growing number of countries to reduce the role of the U.S. dollar in international trade. Countries like India, China, Brazil and Malaysia, among others, are seeking to set up trade channels using currencies other than the almighty dollar. With so much of the world economy reshaping itself in the post-pandemic landscape, is the reserve status of the U.S. dollar going to be the next domino to fall?