Investments

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can seem confusing at first, but knowing how to decide if an ARM is right for you is key to making a smart home loan choice. Unlike a traditional fixed-rate mortgage, where your interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan, an ARM starts with a lower fixed rate for a set number of years, then adjusts periodically.

As an engineer, I’ve been accustomed to solving complex problems and working with precision. But when it comes to personal finance, the equations don’t always boil down to simple math; there’s an accompanying set of personal skills and focus required to manage your personal finances.

If you’re just stepping into the world of investing, you might find yourself at a crossroads: ETFs vs mutual funds. This guide will help you understand the key differences and figure out which option suits your investment style best.

Want to protect your portfolio from hidden risks and market surprises? Managing your investments is like tending a garden: you plant the seeds, nurture growth, and occasionally trim back the overgrowth.

I was startled to learn how low the scores were when people took a financial literacy test measuring basic money knowledge. It made me wonder—are my Raining Pennies blog posts too complicated?

Most people assume that investing in individual stocks is a surefire way to grow wealth over time. But stock market history tells a very different story.

Growing up, I was enamored with the TV game show Let’s Make a Deal. Contestants would often gamble what they had already won for the potential of something bigger and better, which reminded me of the phrase, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

I’ll admit it—FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), a common sentiment in investing, has me reconsidering Bitcoin. With headlines about its incredible rise, surpassing $100,000 for the first time in December of 2024, and trillion-dollar asset managers throwing their support behind it, it’s hard not to feel the temptation to dive in.

These companies have driven a substantial portion of the index’s performance, raising questions about market concentration and future returns.

If you’re a homeowner, it’s tempting to rely on tools like Zillow to check your home’s value. But the truth about Zillow estimates is that their accuracy varies significantly depending on your city and whether the home is actively listed or off-market.