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<h2>Understand Your Income and Expenses</h2><p>Creating a budget starts with a clear understanding of your income and expenses. Begin by listing all sources of income, including your salary, freelance work, and any other streams. Next, categorize your expenses into fixed (rent, utilities, loan payments) and variable (groceries, entertainment, dining out). This will give you a comprehensive view of your financial situation.</p><figure id="figure-5jlcir2nhlwpob9ja"><img id="5jlcir2nhlwpob9ja" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1705948734194-92f7018cd7c9?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxpbmNvbWUlMjBleHBlbnNlc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTY4NTY5NzF8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="income expenses" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><p>Once you have a clear picture of your income and expenses, calculate your monthly cash flow. Subtract your total expenses from your total income to see if you have a surplus or deficit. This step is crucial as it highlights areas where you might need to cut back or where you have room to save.</p><h2>Set Realistic Financial Goals</h2><p>Setting financial goals is essential to creating a budget you can stick to. Think about what you want to achieve in the short term (3-6 months), medium term (6-12 months), and long term (1 year and beyond). Common goals include building an emergency fund, paying off debt, saving for a vacation, or investing in retirement.</p><p>Make sure your goals are <strong>SMART</strong>: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of saying "I want to save money," specify "I want to save $500 in the next three months." This clarity will help you stay focused and motivated.</p><h2>Create a Budget Plan</h2><p>With your financial goals in mind, it's time to create a budget plan. Start by allocating portions of your income to different categories such as housing, transportation, food, savings, and entertainment. Tools like spreadsheets or budgeting apps can simplify this process and help you keep track of your spending.</p><figure id="figure-sa5xmvrtiplwpob9ja"><img id="sa5xmvrtiplwpob9ja" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1484480974693-6ca0a78fb36b?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxidWRnZXQlMjBwbGFufGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNjg1Njk3MXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="budget plan" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><p>One effective method is the 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of your income goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt repayment. Adjust these percentages based on your personal circumstances and financial goals.</p><h2>Track Your Spending</h2><p>Tracking your spending is crucial to sticking to your budget. Review your expenses regularly to ensure you are staying within your budgeted amounts. This can be done weekly or monthly, depending on your preference. Use budgeting apps, bank statements, or even a simple notebook to record your transactions.</p><p>By keeping a close eye on your spending, you can identify patterns and make necessary adjustments. If you notice you're consistently overspending in a particular category, consider cutting back or reallocating funds from other areas.</p><figure id="figure-61urd4hg7lwpob9ja"><img id="61urd4hg7lwpob9ja" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506316940527-4d1c138978a0?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHx0cmFjayUyMHNwZW5kaW5nfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNjg1Njk3MXww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="track spending" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Adjust and Review Regularly</h2><p>Your budget is not set in stone; it should be flexible and adapt to changes in your financial situation. Life events such as a job change, a new baby, or unexpected expenses can impact your budget. Review your budget regularly and make adjustments as needed to ensure it remains realistic and achievable.</p><p>Regular reviews will also help you stay on track with your financial goals. Celebrate your progress and make changes to your goals if necessary. Remember, the key to a successful budget is consistency and adaptability.</p><h2>Stay Committed and Seek Support</h2><p>Sticking to a budget requires commitment and discipline. Remind yourself of your financial goals and the benefits of staying on track. If you find it challenging to stick to your budget, seek support from friends, family, or a financial advisor. They can provide encouragement, accountability, and valuable advice.</p><p>Joining online communities or forums focused on personal finance can also be helpful. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can keep you motivated and informed.</p><p>In conclusion, creating a budget you can stick to involves understanding your income and expenses, setting realistic financial goals, creating a budget plan, tracking your spending, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your budget. Stay committed, seek support, and remember that consistency is key to achieving your financial goals.</p>

How to Create a Budget You Can Stick To

<h2>Understanding the Basics of Investing</h2><p>Investing can seem daunting, especially if you're just starting out. However, with a bit of knowledge and a clear strategy, anyone can become a successful investor. This guide will walk you through the fundamental concepts of investing, helping you to make informed decisions and grow your wealth over time.</p><p>At its core, investing is about putting your money to work in various assets with the expectation of generating a return. These assets can include stocks, bonds, real estate, and more. The key is to understand your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before diving in.</p><figure id="figure-ffx88ojuclwfoeu1h"><img id="ffx88ojuclwfoeu1h" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560520653-9e0e4c89eb11?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxpbnZlc3RtZW50JTIwYmFzaWNzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNjI1MjQ3Nnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="investment basics" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Setting Your Financial Goals</h2><p>Before you start investing, it's crucial to define your financial goals. Are you saving for retirement, a down payment on a house, or your child's education? Knowing your objectives will help you determine the right investment strategy. Consider setting both short-term and long-term goals to create a balanced approach.</p><p>Short-term goals might include saving for a vacation or an emergency fund, while long-term goals could involve planning for retirement or building wealth. Having clear goals will not only keep you motivated but also guide your investment decisions.</p><h2>Different Types of Investments</h2><p>There are several types of investments to choose from, each with its own level of risk and potential return. Here are some of the most common:</p><ul>  <li><strong>Stocks:</strong> Shares of ownership in a company. They offer high potential returns but come with higher risk.</li>  <li><strong>Bonds:</strong> Loans made to corporations or governments. They provide regular interest payments and are generally considered safer than stocks.</li>  <li><strong>Mutual Funds:</strong> Pooled funds from multiple investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds.</li>  <li><strong>Real Estate:</strong> Investing in property can provide rental income and potential appreciation in value.</li>  <li><strong>ETFs:</strong> Exchange-traded funds that track an index, commodity, or sector, offering diversification with lower fees.</li></ul><figure id="figure-6plpeor4y7lwfoeu1h"><img id="6plpeor4y7lwfoeu1h" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504805572947-34fad45aed93?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxpbnZlc3RtZW50JTIwdHlwZXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE2MjUyNDc2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="investment types" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Risk Tolerance and Diversification</h2><p>Understanding your risk tolerance is essential when choosing investments. Risk tolerance refers to your ability and willingness to lose some or all of your initial investment in exchange for higher potential returns. It's influenced by factors such as age, income, financial goals, and personality.</p><p>Diversification is a key strategy to manage risk. By spreading your investments across various asset classes, industries, and geographic locations, you can reduce the impact of a poor-performing investment on your overall portfolio. Think of it as not putting all your eggs in one basket.</p><h2>Creating an Investment Plan</h2><p>Once you understand your goals, risk tolerance, and the types of investments available, it's time to create an investment plan. This plan should outline your asset allocation, which is the percentage of your portfolio invested in different asset classes. A common rule of thumb is to subtract your age from 100 to determine the percentage of your portfolio that should be in stocks, with the remainder in bonds.</p><p>For example, if you're 30 years old, you might allocate 70% of your portfolio to stocks and 30% to bonds. Adjust this allocation based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it stays aligned with your plan.</p><figure id="figure-26r3btgb88lwfoeu1h"><img id="26r3btgb88lwfoeu1h" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560520653-9e0e4c89eb11?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxpbnZlc3RtZW50JTIwcGxhbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTYyNTI0NzZ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="investment plan" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Starting Small and Being Consistent</h2><p>You don't need a large sum of money to start investing. Many investment platforms allow you to begin with as little as $50 or $100. The key is to start small and invest regularly. This approach, known as dollar-cost averaging, involves investing a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, regardless of market conditions.</p><p>By consistently investing over time, you can reduce the impact of market volatility and potentially lower your average cost per share. This strategy also helps to instill disciplined investing habits and can lead to significant growth over the long term.</p><h2>Monitoring and Adjusting Your Investments</h2><p>Investing is not a set-it-and-forget-it activity. It's important to regularly monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed. This could involve rebalancing your portfolio, selling underperforming assets, or increasing your contributions as your financial situation improves.</p><p>Stay informed about market trends and economic conditions, but avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term fluctuations. Remember, investing is a long-term endeavor, and patience is often rewarded.</p><h2>Seeking Professional Advice</h2><p>If you're unsure about where to start or need help managing your investments, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor. A professional can provide personalized guidance based on your unique financial situation and goals. They can also help you navigate complex investment options and develop a comprehensive financial plan.</p><p>While there may be fees associated with professional advice, the value of personalized, expert guidance can outweigh the costs, especially for new investors.</p><figure id="figure-ixjvfpmiiflwfoeu1h"><img id="ixjvfpmiiflwfoeu1h" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1454165804606-c3d57bc86b40?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxmaW5hbmNpYWwlMjBhZHZpc29yfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNjI1MjQ3Nnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="financial advisor" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Investing doesn't have to be intimidating. By understanding the basics, setting clear financial goals, diversifying your portfolio, and staying consistent, you can build a solid foundation for financial success. Remember, the key to successful investing is patience, discipline, and continuous learning. Start small, stay informed, and watch your investments grow over time.</p>

Investing 101: A Simple Guide to Getting Started

<p>Struggling with debt can be overwhelming, but there are effective strategies you can implement to boost your credit score and regain financial stability. By mastering your debt and making smart financial decisions, you can improve your creditworthiness and pave the way for a brighter financial future.</p><h2>Assess Your Current Financial Situation</h2><p>Before you can start improving your credit score, it's crucial to assess your current financial situation. Take stock of all your debts, including credit card balances, loans, and any outstanding bills. Knowing exactly where you stand will help you create a plan to tackle your debt effectively.</p><h3>Create a Realistic Budget</h3><p>One of the key steps in mastering debt is creating a realistic budget that allows you to live within your means. Track your income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and allocate more funds towards paying off your debts. By sticking to a budget, you can avoid accumulating more debt and make steady progress towards improving your credit score.</p><h2>Pay Your Bills on Time</h2><p>Consistently paying your bills on time is one of the most impactful ways to boost your credit score. Late payments can have a significant negative impact on your creditworthiness, so make it a priority to pay all your bills by their due dates. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a payment.</p><h3>Reduce Your Credit Card Balances</h3><p>High credit card balances can harm your credit score, even if you make your payments on time. Aim to keep your credit card utilization below 30% of your available credit limit. Paying down your balances can improve your credit utilization ratio and demonstrate responsible credit management to creditors.</p><figure id="figure-6dg9tvnx0xlvo7vkqz"><img id="6dg9tvnx0xlvo7vkqz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/16G3epHsXxq3h5IVcsX8KMo4Pg9ZmVAjDuFBJ7lUfKPgBaCdmiqxTsZM9uAldtx6.jpeg" alt="Financial Literacy Sign" title="Financial Literacy Sign" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h2>Consider Debt Consolidation</h2><p>If you have multiple high-interest debts, debt consolidation may be a viable option to simplify your payments and potentially lower your interest rates. By consolidating your debts into a single loan, you can streamline your finances and make it easier to manage your debt repayment.</p><h3>Monitor Your Credit Report Regularly</h3><p>Regularly monitoring your credit report can help you identify any errors or inaccuracies that may be dragging down your credit score. By reviewing your report, you can spot potential issues early and take steps to address them promptly. You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the major credit bureaus annually.</p><h2>Seek Professional Help if Needed</h2><p>If you're feeling overwhelmed by your debt or struggling to make progress on your own, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Credit counseling agencies and financial advisors can provide valuable guidance and support to help you get back on track and improve your credit score.</p><h3>Stay Committed to Your Financial Goals</h3><p>Improving your credit score and mastering your debt requires commitment and discipline. Stay focused on your financial goals, track your progress, and celebrate small victories along the way. By staying committed to your plan, you can achieve financial stability and build a solid credit foundation for the future.</p>

Mastering Debt: Strategies for Boosting Your Credit Score

person sitting on top of gray rock overlooking mountain during daytime

<h2>Saving vs. Investing: Finding the Balance for Financial Success</h2><p>When it comes to managing your finances, striking the right balance between saving and investing is crucial for long-term financial success. Both saving and investing are essential components of a well-rounded financial plan, but understanding how to allocate your resources between the two can be a challenge.</p><h3>The Importance of Saving</h3><p><strong>Saving money is the foundation of financial stability.</strong> It provides a safety net for unexpected expenses and helps you achieve short-term financial goals. By setting aside a portion of your income regularly, you can build an emergency fund and cover expenses without going into debt.</p><p>When deciding on which financial institution to stash your savings, look into High Yield Savings Accounts or HYSA with interest rates of up to 5% APY. Companies like&nbsp; <a title="High Yield Savings Accounts" href="https://www.marcus.com/us/en/savings/your-savings/referral-center" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.marcus.com/us/en/savings/your-savings/referral-center">Marcus by Goldman Sachs</a> have some of the highest for 2024.</p><figure id="figure-6y8sohl3la6lvfk790n"><img id="6y8sohl3la6lvfk790n" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561414927-6d86591d0c4f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxN3x8c2F2aW5nJTIwbW9uZXl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE0MDE5MDY1fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="saving money" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561414927-6d86591d0c4f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxN3x8c2F2aW5nJTIwbW9uZXl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzE0MDE5MDY1fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Power of Investing</h3><p><strong>Investing, on the other hand, is all about growing your wealth over time.</strong> When you invest your money, you have the potential to earn higher returns than what a traditional savings account can offer. Investing allows your money to work for you, generating passive income and building wealth for the future.</p><h3>Finding the Balance</h3><p>So, how do you strike the right balance between saving and investing? It's essential to consider your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. A common rule of thumb is to prioritize saving for emergencies and short-term goals while also allocating a portion of your income towards long-term investments.</p><figure id="figure-54xasw7colvfk7bie"><img id="54xasw7colvfk7bie" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1499728603263-13726abce5fd?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNXx8ZmluYW5jaWFsJTIwYmFsYW5jZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTQwNjg2MjR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="financial balance" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1499728603263-13726abce5fd?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNXx8ZmluYW5jaWFsJTIwYmFsYW5jZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTQwNjg2MjR8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Diversification is Key</h3><p><strong>One key strategy for finding the balance between saving and investing is diversification.</strong> By spreading your investments across different asset classes, you can reduce risk and maximize returns. Diversification helps protect your portfolio from market fluctuations and ensures that you are not overly exposed to any single investment.</p><h3>Seek Professional Advice</h3><p>If you're unsure about how to allocate your resources between saving and investing, consider seeking advice from a financial advisor. A professional can help you assess your financial situation, set realistic goals, and create a personalized plan that aligns with your objectives.</p><figure id="figure-gmcoaz4uyklvfk7dpg"><img id="gmcoaz4uyklvfk7dpg" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554224155-a1487473ffd9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyOHx8ZmluYW5jaWFsJTIwYWR2aXNvcnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTQwNjg2Mjd8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="financial advisor" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554224155-a1487473ffd9?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyOHx8ZmluYW5jaWFsJTIwYWR2aXNvcnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTQwNjg2Mjd8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Monitor and Adjust</h3><p><strong>Financial planning is not a one-time activity.</strong> It's essential to regularly monitor your saving and investing strategies and make adjustments as needed. Life circumstances, market conditions, and personal goals may change, so staying flexible and adaptable is key to long-term financial success.</p><h3>Stay Informed</h3><p>Stay informed about the latest trends in saving and investing. Educate yourself about different investment options, savings vehicles, and financial strategies. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to make informed decisions about your money.</p><figure id="figure-19bwpkex1alvfk7fre"><img id="19bwpkex1alvfk7fre" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1460925895917-afdab827c52f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxmaW5hbmNpYWwlMjBsaXRlcmFjeXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTQwNjg2MzB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="financial literacy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1460925895917-afdab827c52f?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxmaW5hbmNpYWwlMjBsaXRlcmFjeXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3MTQwNjg2MzB8MA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>The Bottom Line</h3><p><strong>Finding the right balance between saving and investing is a journey.</strong> It requires careful planning, discipline, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. By striking the right balance and staying committed to your financial goals, you can set yourself up for long-term financial success.</p>

Saving vs. Investing: Finding the Balance for Financial Success

<p>Robo-advisors have revolutionized the way individuals invest their money. These automated investment platforms use algorithms to create and manage a diversified portfolio tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. With low fees, accessibility, and convenience, robo-advisors have become a popular choice for both new and experienced investors.</p><h2>Why Choose a Robo-Advisor?</h2><p>One of the barriers to wealth that the BIPOC community faces is having a fear of investing. If you are one of those people who are curious to get started, you might want to try beginning with a Robo-advisor. Robo-advisors typically have lower fees, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious investors.</p><p>&nbsp;Many platforms have low minimum investment requirements, making it possible for anyone to get started. <a data-mce-href="https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFC-Z7EL-LB1M-KX87" href="https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFC-Z7EL-LB1M-KX87" title="Get Started with Wealthfront" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wealthfront</a> was the first Robo-advisor that I used when starting. I think I started with just $25 per month and they waived the fees for accounts under $10,000. Not only that but if you are also looking for a High Yield Savings account, they offer 5.00%&nbsp; on all cash savings accounts. This is a win-win for most people because it cuts down on the amount of new accounts to keep track of when you are working on building up your liquid assets.</p><p>&nbsp;With a few clicks, you can set up an account, and answer a few questions about your financial goals and risk tolerance, and the platform will automatically create a diversified portfolio for you. This saves you time and eliminates the need for extensive research and analysis.</p><h2>How Robo-Advisors Work</h2><p>Robo-advisors use sophisticated algorithms to determine the optimal asset allocation for your investment portfolio. They take into account your risk tolerance, investment goals, time horizon, and other factors to create a personalized investment plan.</p><p>Once your portfolio is set up, the robo-advisor will automatically rebalance it periodically. This means that if certain investments have performed well and others have underperformed, the platform will adjust the allocation to maintain your desired asset mix.</p><p>Robo-advisors also offer tax-loss harvesting, which can help reduce your tax liability. This strategy involves selling investments that have experienced losses to offset capital gains and minimize taxes owed.</p><h2>Choosing the Right Robo-Advisor</h2><p>&nbsp;Some popular robo-advisors include Betterment,<a data-mce-href="https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFC-Z7EL-LB1M-KX87" href="https://www.wealthfront.com/c/affiliates/invited/AFFC-Z7EL-LB1M-KX87"> Wealthfront</a>, and <a data-mce-href="https://m1.finance/_ynOl1OZdWV3" href="https://m1.finance/_ynOl1OZdWV3">M1 Finance</a>.</p><p>M1 has zero commission and management fees. Additionally, consider the investment options available. Some robo-advisors offer a wider range of investment choices, including socially responsible investing and thematic portfolios. M1 has over 6,000 stocks and ETFs to choose from to make sure that you are truly diversified.</p><p>Customer service is another critical aspect to consider. Some Robo-advisors have better customer service than others. If you need some hand-holding, <a data-mce-href="https://fidelity.app.link/e/Pe3xYgJPqHb" href="https://fidelity.app.link/e/Pe3xYgJPqHb">Fidelity Go</a> might be the way to go.&nbsp;</p><h2>Conclusion</h2><p>Robo-advisors have made investing accessible, affordable, and convenient for a wide range of investors. Take the time to research and compare different platforms to find the one that best suits your needs.&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://busybuildingassets.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://busybuildingassets.com/">Sign up here</a> for the monthly newsletter for more strategies on building up your savings and investing.</p>

Maximizing Your Investments: A Guide to Robo-Advisors

<figure id="figure-q7n2rlgsoglrv1pzz7"><img id="q7n2rlgsoglrv1pzz7" src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/2e46qGvEH5wfARizebWvBFMx6LJRTw1PIpnRmqvZMW6bcEhTFOGZXIk7Fiub7tQD.jpg" alt="Rakuten Big Fat Check " class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="My Big Fat Check from Rakuten" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-mce-src="https://durable.sfo3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/blocks/2e46qGvEH5wfARizebWvBFMx6LJRTw1PIpnRmqvZMW6bcEhTFOGZXIk7Fiub7tQD.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">My Big Fat Check from Rakuten</figcaption></figure><p><br></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Before the rise of mobile apps, most people used to shop from their desktops or laptops and get cash back for Ebates.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Does anyone remember that Rakuten used to be Ebates? It has been a long time but I realized my membership has been active for over 10 years. I received my first “Big Fat Check” in 2015 for a whopping $41.00. Whoohoo!</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">What did I do with my new bonus? I bought a fractional share of Netflix (NFLX). In March of 2015, one share of stock for Netflix was around $68. I was a single mother, living paycheck to paycheck. I knew that I wanted to invest but I did not have extra funds, so I just used my “Big Fat Check” and viola, I became an investor.&nbsp;</span></p><p>I still do the same thing today. Whenever I get a check, I add the deposit to my brokerage account in addition to what I put in there monthly and purchase more.</p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">As of today, Netflix stock costs $574 per share!!!!</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">What is a fractional share?</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">A fractional share of stock is a portion of the company stock, just like a slice of Pizza. If you want Pizza, you don’t buy a whole pie. You get a slice and eat.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">That is exactly how I built my investment account, which has paid off. Now that Rakuten has a mobile app as well, it is even easier to get cash back for everyday purchases.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">How Can You Get Started?</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">To celebrate my decade of savings and give you an idea of how to get started, I am sharing my link with you so that you can get busy building your assets too.</span></p><p><br><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">When you use my </span><a href="http://www.rakuten.com/r/NYSHIR?eeid=28187" data-mce-href="http://www.rakuten.com/r/NYSHIR?eeid=28187"><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">Rakuten code</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;"> and spend $30, you get some money back to start your journey and I get some commission to help you continue to bring more money-stacking tips with you.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-style="font-weight: 400;">*This post included affiliate links*</span></p>

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