text
stringlengths
146
45.7k
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: When a fund drops significantly, how can I research what went wrong? [duplicate] ### Answer: Usually there are annual or semi-annual reports for a mutual fund that may give an idea for when a fund wil...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How does owning a home and paying on a mortgage fit into family savings and investment? ### Answer: Like @littleadv, I don't consider a mortgage on a primary residence to be a low-risk investment. It...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Options for dummies. Can you explain how puts & calls work, simply? ### Answer: Great answer by @duffbeer. Only thing to add is that the option itself becomes a tradeable asset. Here's my go at fillin...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What should I look at before investing in a start-up? ### Answer: In addition to evaluating the business (great answer), consider the potential payoff. If bonds pay off in the 5-10% range, the S&P500 ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Understanding the T + 3 settlement days rule ### Answer: For margin, it is correct that these rules do not apply. The real problem becomes day trading funding when one is just starting out, broker sp...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is there any kind of unsecured stock loan? ### Answer: In the U.S. it is typical that a stock brokerage account can be set up to buy stock with up to half the cost being borrowed from the broker. Thi...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Credit card fee and taxes ### Answer: Credit card fees on a credit card used for personal expenses are not tax deductible. Credit card fees on a business credit card are deductible on schedule C (or w...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is it practical to take actual delivery on a futures contract, and what is the process? ### Answer: Here's a good link that can answer your question: How to take delivery of a futures contract The rel...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why does a long/purchased call option have a long position in the option itself? ### Answer: It will be helpful to establish some definitions: Long "Long" is financial slang for "to have possession of...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What are the tax implications of exercising options early? ### Answer: The difference is whether your options qualify as incentive stock options (ISOs), or whether they are non-qualifying options. If ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Do Americans really use checks that often? ### Answer: In my business (estate planning law practice), probably 60-70% of my income is in the form of checks, with the balance as credit/debit cards. I p...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How to use a companion fare if the total fare cost is more than the companion fare limit ### Answer: You must buy both tickets in 1 transaction and the purchased ticket cannot be purchased with miles....
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Finding a good small business CPA? ### Answer: Ask your colleagues! I know that sounds obvious, but just go to where people who do your sort of business hang out (or better, find some venture capital...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why would a company with a bad balance sheet be paying dividends? ### Answer: One reason a company might choose to pay a dividend is because of the desire of influential stockholders to receive the di...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: I need a car for 2 years. Buy or lease (or something else)? ### Answer: Have you considered getting a bike? you would be able to ride it in Europe the same as over here because of no left right bias, ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: what are the pros and cons of structured deposits? ### Answer: Say we are in 'normal times.' Passbook rates are 5% or so. Longer rates, 6-7%. I offer you a product with these terms, for $10,000 I will...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Can I buy only 4 shares of a company? ### Answer: I have done this last year. Just open an account with an online brocker and buy a couple of Apple shares (6 I think, for 190$ each or something like t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What are futures and how are they different from options? ### Answer: For futures, you are obligated to puchase the security at $x when the contract expires. For an option, you have the right or opti...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How to plan in a budget for those less frequent but mid-range expensive buys? ### Answer: I use a "sinking" fund. If you want to buy a $1000 bicycle, you put $100 per month into a savings account. ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why ever use a market order? ### Answer: I think it all boils down to which is your priority. So it all depends. People that want the stock sooOoooo badly will definitely go for the market order. ##...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is paying off your mortage a #1 personal finance priority? ### Answer: If you can make enough ROI from the capital you retain by not paying off your mortgage, then why not? I do, I could pay off a sig...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Trouble sticking to a budget when using credit cards for day to day transactions? ### Answer: I am like you with not acknowledging balances in my accounts, so I pay my credit card early and often. Mu...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Formation of S-Corp for Gambling Trade ### Answer: You probably don't need S-Corp. There's no difference between what you can deduct on your Schedule C and what you can deduct on 1120S, it will just c...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is it worth having a pension? ### Answer: Paying someone to look after your money always costs something - it doesn't matter whether you're inside a pension or not. Fees are highest for "actively mana...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Snowball debt or pay off a large amount? ### Answer: I agree with the Dave Ramsey method as well. If you don't have $1k in the bank already, do that. Total up the smaller debts and the best buy card....
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: 15 year mortgage vs 30 year paid off in 15 ### Answer: Yes. It does cost the same to pay off a "15 year in 15" year versus a "30 year in 15 year" mortgage. After all, the 30 year amortization period...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is it wise to invest in a stock with a large Div yield? ### Answer: You should not buy soley for the dividend. The price of BHP is going down for a reason. If you hold until the full years dividend is...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Repaying Debt and Saving - Difficult Situation ### Answer: Just a thought, but have you considered approaching your sister about assuming the student loans or repaying your mother (even if it is a sma...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How do I deduct payments to others out of a single payment to the group for contract work? ### Answer: You send the proper form to the other person for the amount you gave him, and file it as your bus...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Looking for good investment vehicle for seasonal work and savings ### Answer: In the short-term, a savings account with an online bank can net you ~1% interest, while many banks/credit unions with loc...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Replacement for mint.com with a public API? ### Answer: Check Buxfer here are the details about the API: http://www.buxfer.com/help.php?topic=API ###end
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Buying shares in employer's company during IPO ### Answer: Rather than take anyone's word for it (including and especially mine) you need to do think very carefully about your company; you know it far...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: If our economy crashes, and cash is worthless, should i buy gold or silver ### Answer: Neither. Food, fuel, and tools. Books on how to make and use basic tools -- the books published for farmers who w...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Help required on estimating SSA benefit amounts ### Answer: There has been an abundance of articles in recent years which make it fairly clear that many participants in the Social Security system-- es...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Oil Price forcasting ### Answer: The Oil futures are exactly that. They are people forecasting the price of oil at a point of time in the future where they are willing to buy oil at that price. That ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Are there guidelines for whom you should trust for financial advice (online, peer, experts, only myself, etc) ### Answer: Nothing beats statistics like that found on Morning Star, Yahoo or Google Fina...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why is auto insurance ridiculously overpriced for those who drive few miles? ### Answer: First you have to understand that insurance is basically a social system, just with Shareholders. Insurance cos...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is it possible to trade US stock from Europe ? ### Answer: Any large stockbroker will offer trading in US securities. As a foreign national you will be required to register with the US tax authorities...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What are the common income tax deductions used by “rich” salaried households? ### Answer: You're asking explicitly about $250K+ wage earners. Well, believe it or not, but this is the most discriminate...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What happens to my savings if my country defaults or restructures its debt? ### Answer: This question is different because you are asking for actual advice vs. a more academic, "what if" scenario. The...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: A calculator that takes into account portfolio rebalancing? ### Answer: R has really good package that lets you calculate the return of rebalanced portfolios. The package is called: PerformanceAnalyti...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Do you know of any online monetary systems? ### Answer: You say you want a more "stable" system. Recall from your introductory economics courses that money has three roles: a medium of exchange (here ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Do I have to explain the source of *all* income on my taxes? ### Answer: As a gift, the responsibility lays with the giver to file a 709 with their taxes for gifting to a single entity (barring certai...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What exactly can a financial advisor do for me, and is it worth the money? ### Answer: There are several types of financial advisors. Some are associated with brokerages and insurance companies and th...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What's the smartest way to invest money gifted to a child? ### Answer: CDs pay less than the going rate so that the banks can earn money. Investing is risky right now due to the inaction of the Fed. ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Do rental car agencies sell their cars at a time when it is risky for the purchaser? ### Answer: Every car model/type has a know interval when things need maintenance or replacement. This info comes m...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is there a good rule of thumb for how much I should have set aside as emergency cash? ### Answer: How to start is pretty simple. With your next pay check set aside an amount and open a separate savi...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How might trading volume affect future share price? ### Answer: There is no direct relationship between volume and stock price. High volume indicates how much stock is changing hands. That can be beca...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: I am Brasilian resident, how to buy shares on NYSE? ### Answer: There are some brokers in the US who would be happy to open an account for non-US residents, allowing you to trade stocks at NYSE and ot...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How hard for US customers make payments to non-resident freelancer by wire transfer? ### Answer: I would look for an alternative wire transfer service that will charge less. I use ofx, but note that t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Formula for recalculation of a bad loan, i.e. where payments were missed? ### Answer: There's not quite enough to answer the question in full. For the two years of non-payment, were there any penaltie...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why is Net Asset Value (NAV) only reported by funds, but not stocks? ### Answer: Nobody tracks a single company's net assets on a daily basis, and stock prices are almost never derived directly from t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is UK house price spiral connected to debt based monetary system? ### Answer: No. Rural Scotland has exactly the same monetary system, and not the same bubble. Monaco (the other example given) doesn't...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Relative worth of investment versus spending for the economy ### Answer: I believe you're looking for some sort of formula that will determine how changes in savings, investing, and spending will affe...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Does a stay at home mom need term life insurance? ### Answer: We asked the same question earlier this year as my wife is a SAHM with 2 young boys (5 and under). If something happened to her I'd have t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: United Kingdom: Where to save money for a property deposit ### Answer: From April 2017 the plan is that there is now also going to be a "Lifetime ISA" (in addition to the Help to Buy ISA). Assuming th...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How to start buying shares with small amount of money? ### Answer: Before anything else, read up on the basics of economics. After that, there a few things you need to ask yourself before you even thi...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Wardrobe: To Update or Not? How-to without breaking the bank ### Answer: I buy new clothes when the old ones fall apart, literally. When jeans get holes in the knees, they're relegated to gardening or...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why do stock exchanges close at night? ### Answer: Here are some plausible reasons why markets might continue to close: ###end
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How does a public company issue new shares without diluting the value held by existing shareholders? ### Answer: Let's say the company has a million shares valued at $10 each, so market caps is $10 mi...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Day trading definition ### Answer: If I buy 10 stocks on Monday and sell the same on Tuesday (different trading day) would I be considered a day trader? No. It is only counting if you buy something an...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Now that Microsoft Money is gone, what can I do? [duplicate] ### Answer: Mint.com is a fantastic free personal finance software that can assist you with managing your money, planning budgets and setti...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Which U.S. online discount broker is the best value for money? ### Answer: I've never used them myself, but Scottrade might be something for you to look at. They do $7 internet trades, but also offer ...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Pay off entire mortgage or put into investments ### Answer: At the moment the interest rate... implies a variable rate mortgage. I believe rates are only going to go up from here. So, if I were in yo...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is inflation inapplicable in a comparison of paying off debt vs investing? ### Answer: I'd agree, inflation affects the value of the dollar you measure anything in. So, it makes your debt fade away at...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Tax on insurance payment due to car deemed as total loss? ### Answer: DJClayworth's response is generally correct. You wouldn't have to pay taxes on insurance benefits, since those are in fact bringin...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How can I use life insurance to manage my wealth? ### Answer: Life insurance can provide benefits that go well beyond replacing income to support beneficiaries when you pass away. Indeed, when include...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: When should I open a “Line of credit” at my bank? ### Answer: The only really good reason to open a line of credit is that you want to buy something that you don't have money for. That's got its own r...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: When trading put options, is your total risk decreased if you are in a position to exercise the option? ### Answer: You should also consider what the cost of the Put is, especially if the strike price...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Do you know of any online monetary systems? ### Answer: Congratulations! You see the problem. You can't get away from unstable currencies. The other problem is that the US will shut down anything th...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: 1000 pound to invest ### Answer: Depending what your timeframe preferences are, here are a couple of options: Stock indexes: as per Fool's investing guide, historically this had the highest return / r...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Job Offer - Explain Stock Options [US] ### Answer: There are a few other items that you should be aware of when getting options: The strike price is usually determined by an independent valuation of t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How do I invest in emerging markets ### Answer: Morningstar is often considered a trusted industry standard when it comes to rating mutual funds and ETFs. They offer the same data-centric information...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What strategies can I use to protect my wealth from inflation? ### Answer: If you’ve purchased gas, groceries, a car, a home, or just about anything else lately, you’ve noticed that things are getting...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How to return 4 - 6% on savings / investments with little / no management? ### Answer: I'm assuming you mean 4-6% annually over 10-15 years. If you mean 4%-6% total return over 10 years then this que...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: I just “paid” online with a debit card with no funds. What now? ### Answer: There are a few factors at play here. Depending on the bank that has offered you the card there are different types of overd...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Are parking spaces and garage boxes a good investment? ### Answer: 15 years ago I bought a beach condo in Miami for $400,000 and two extra parking spaces for $3000 each. Today the condo is worth 600,0...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Are junk bonds advisable to be inside a bond portfolio that has the objective of generating stable income for a retiree? ### Answer: Corporate bonds have gotten very complicated in the last 20 years t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How can I stop wasting food? ### Answer: You want to combine a set of techniques to avoid throwing food away. Consider setting aside a weekend day or other non-busy time to do some food prep. Check t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How do you measure the value of gold? ### Answer: 1) Get some gold. 2) Walk around, yelling, "Hey, I have some gold, who wants to buy it?" 3) Once you have enough interested parties, hold an auction a...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: UK Contractor with Limited Company ### Answer: I know a guy on a much higher rate than me, about £500 per day, and he claims to pay around 18% tax which has me bewildered Your acquaintance may be us...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Need help with the psychology of investing: past failures and future fears ### Answer: As an investor you must remember to forgive yourself. However, you must not only forgive but make it up to yourse...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Converting annual interbank rates into monthly rates ### Answer: The formula you're looking for is Thus, from 3% p.a. you get ca. 0.247% per month. However, as you see 0.25% is a good approximation (...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What is the purpose of property tax? ### Answer: Property taxes, at least in Canada, are levied by the municipality or city in which the property is situated. For many cities, it is a significant sou...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Can PayPal transfer money automatically from my bank account if I link it in PayPal? ### Answer: The answer is no. Paypal will always ask for permission before adding or withdrawing money. ###end
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How are they earning money in the movie “Trading Places”? ### Answer: Sell 200 at 142. What does that mean? I haven't seen the movie, so I won't try to put anything in story context. "Sell 200 at 142...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: What is the maximum I can have stored in a traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)? ### Answer: I've never seen anything in any IRS publication that placed limits on the balance of a 401K, only on what y...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Estimated Tax on Unplanned Capital Gains ### Answer: I'm assuming your talking USA. There are two ways to look. If you know you should pay on the cap gains, the best way to handle that separately from...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is candlestick charting an effective trading tool in timing the markets? ### Answer: Candlesticks and TA are a relic of pre-computer trading, period. Market makers use sophisticated algorithms not for...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Do tax-exempt bond fund earnings need to be reported on taxes? ### Answer: At the end of the year, the mutual fund company sends you a statement like any other investment and it has a bunch of boxes t...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is an RRSP always “self-directed”? What makes a “self-directed” RRSP special? ### Answer: The term self-directed generally refers to RRSP accounts where the account holder has not only the ability to...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: More money towards down payment versus long-term investments ### Answer: One thing that's often overlooked is that cash reserves are also a long-term investment. Anything can be a long-term investmen...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Is Real Estate ever a BAD investment? If so, when? ### Answer: Real estate is a lousy investment because: Renting a home and buying a home, all else being equal, are pretty similar in costs in the lon...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: How can I report pump and dump scams? ### Answer: Start with your local police department then move on to these sites. Fill out the United States Postal Service fraud complaint form http://ehome.uspi...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Can one get a house mortgage without buying a house? ### Answer: I've never heard of a loan product like that. Yes, if they keep the funds in an account, it is no risk to the bank, but they would esse...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Leasing a car I intend to buy ### Answer: You are still paying a heavy price for the 'instant gratification' of driving (renting) a brand-new car that you will not own at the end of the terms. It is n...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why is there inconsistent returns difference between direct and regular Mutual Funds? ### Answer: If this is the case, then shouldn't the difference between their annualized returns be same year on ye...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Why is it important to research a stock before buying it? ### Answer: The only sensible reason to invest in individual stocks is if you have reason to think that they will perform better than the mark...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Standard Deviation with Asset Prices? ### Answer: James Roth provides a partial solution good for stock picking but let's speed up process a bit, already calculated historical standard deviations: Ibb...
Below is an instruction that describes a task. Write a response that appropriately completes the request. ### Question: Can I sell a stock immediately? ### Answer: You have no guarantees. The stock may last have traded at $100 (so, the market price is $100), but is currently in free-fall and nobody else will be willing...