As of July 2024, Chicago’s real estate market presents a compelling opportunity for investors, with median home values at $305,596 (Zillow) and median sale prices at $368,000 (Redfin). The market shows steady growth with a 3.8% year-over-year increase in home values and a 5.1% increase in sale prices. Table of Contents Market Overview Top Neighborhoods…
Los Angeles is a city of dreams, but for aspiring homeowners on a budget, the reality of the housing market can be a rude awakening. With a $400,000 budget, options in LA may seem limited. However, by broadening your horizons, you might be surprised by the possibilities available in other cities throughout the country. This…
As a rental property owner, you’re always looking for ways to maximize your return on investment (ROI). While there’s always the option of acquiring more properties, one often-overlooked strategy is strategically investing in repairs and renovations for the properties you already own. But how do you know when to spend money fixing up your existing…
In the vast world of finance, where trillions of dollars flow through the global economy, options trading has emerged as a powerful tool for generating consistent monthly income. With over $200 trillion in derivatives contracts, $6.6 trillion in daily forex transactions, and countless assets traded on exchanges worldwide, the opportunities for profit are immense. Yet,…
As a seasoned investor with a decade of experience navigating the ever-changing landscape of finance, I’ve seen my fair share of market ups and downs. For the past six years, I’ve been diligently contributing to my traditional IRA through M1 Finance, a platform that offers a wide array of investment options. While my portfolio had…
Mastering Intrinsic Value: A Deep Dive into Stocks, Bonds, and Options Table of Contents Introduction Intrinsic Value Defined Intrinsic Value of Stocks Intrinsic Value of Bonds Intrinsic Value of Options Practical Applications Conclusion Introduction In the dynamic world of finance, understanding the intrinsic value of assets is crucial for making informed investment decisions. Whether you’re…
Everyone wants to keep more of their hard-earned money, and that includes you, the responsible investor, trader, real estate owner, or even someone with a regular paycheck. Let’s face it, seeing a significant chunk of your income disappear to taxes can be frustrating, especially when you question where those funds are being allocated. The good…
Earning a high income should ideally set the stage for a comfortable lifestyle. However, the reality can be surprisingly different, as evidenced by the story of my friend, a well-paid engineer who’s recently found herself in a financial crunch. If you’re in a similar boat, fret not. This blog will guide you through practical steps…
Introduction: Investing in rental properties in today’s fluctuating U.S. market requires a blend of sound strategy and awareness of regional opportunities. This guide not only covers the essential steps for smart investing but also highlights states and cities primed for rental property investment in the current economic landscape. Step 1: Hunting in Target Markets While…
In today’s ever-evolving U.S. rental property market, staying ahead means understanding the pulse of current trends. From fluctuating inventory levels to shifting interest rates, this guide blends timeless investment strategies with a keen eye on today’s market dynamics. Step 1: Hunting in a Changing Market The quest for the right property begins with a clear…
The market will crash. The market will go up. Although we don’t know when, we can definitely prepare. Risk is defined differently for different investors. For instance, volatility is a risk for short term investors, companies with weak fundamentals is a risk for long term investors. Several stargerties are discussed below. Portfolio Risk Management Below…
Are you ready to make the potentially biggest financial leap of your life? Buying your first home can be daunting, but there is no need to fear. Below are the key steps you need to consider as well as some tips and recommendations. Decide whether now is a good time FOR YOU On one hand,…
M1 Finance allows you to utilize long-term focused investment management. To ensure the proper investments are selected and intelligently allocated, I export my holdings, using excel and google spreadsheet to analyze each holdings. Below are the steps. Locate the “Holdings Page” 2. Filter Useful Information From the holdings page, I drag the holdings (the entire…
What is M1 Finance? M1 Finance (“M1”) is an investment brokerage that is known primarily for helping investors implement asset allocation strategies through investment “pies”. Like brokerages such as Webull and Robinhood, M1 offers free trading which seems to capture the attention of many traders, including myself. Feel free to find out more details on…
What is Intrinsic Value and why should you care about it? According to The Montley Fool, Intrinsic Value refers to an investor’s perception of the inherent value of an asset, such as a company, stock, option, or real estate. Knowing an investment’s intrinsic value is useful for value investors who have a goal of buying…