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Learn here about the four major factors that affect emerging market performance and what they mean for international investors. Developed Market Demand Many emerging market countries make products and/or sell services to developed market economies. For instance, China makes all kinds of goods for the United States and Europe, while India is a leading exporter of information technology services. A downturn in developed economies can, therefore, hurt emerging markets that rely on demand to bolster their economic growth....

Nowadays, very few companies offer pension plans, and 401(k) plans are taking their place. There are a few distinct differences between the two plans. For example, pension plans are defined benefit plans, and 401(k) plans are defined contribution plans. In a pension plan, investment risks are the burden of the plan provider, while in a 401(k) plan, the investment risks are those of the employee. While the 401(k) plan may not sound quite as advantageous as a pension plan, one day it may fund the majority of your retirement....

Low Fees One of the most important features of your next bank account should be an affordable fee structure. Preferably, you can bank without paying any fees at all. Bank charges eat away at any money you manage to save in your account, and automatic monthly maintenance charges put you in catch-up mode before even get a chance to use your account. Free checking is not dead. Finding a fee-free account is especially easy if you’re open to online banking, but you should be able to find free checking at brick-and-mortar institutions in most areas, as well....

Here are six ways you can put your extra money to good use: Pay Off Another Credit Card On average, Americans have four active credit cards, with an estimated balance of $6,194. If you have multiple credit card balances, paying off one is only the first step of your journey toward financial freedom. Once you’ve eliminated the first (or second) credit card bill, you could keep applying your financial discipline toward the next one....

Netflix, probably the most well-known cable alternative, can be accessed directly on your TV—for $8.99 to $15.99 a month—so long as it has or can download the Netflix app. You can also watch Netflix through a video game console or Blu-Ray player. You could also consider giving up or cutting back on meat. Though produce can be expensive too, especially if you purchase fresh and organic options, meat typically costs more per pound....

While many are pleased with the outcome, some are devastated to see that they haven’t received enough funding to afford the costs of a particular school. The good news is that the financial aid award letter isn’t always the last word. There are several issues that could potentially affect your aid award and ways you can check to see if you have a chance to secure more funds. Check for Errors and Other Possible Issues It is possible that you may have made a mistake on your FAFSA, or the college might have made a miscalculation in their award amount....

Here are seven steps to help you find the best financial advisor for your needs. To find the best financial advisor for your situation, you need to know what type of financial advice you need and what services a potential advisor provides. Here’s a brief summary of three main types of service offerings: Financial planning focuses on all aspects of your financial life such as how much to save and what type of insurance you need....

To help keep your finances on track, we’ve compiled an annual to-do list for all of those activities that are best tackled early in every new year. Here are nine things that should be on everyone’s financial to-do list. 1. Check Your Credit Report Your credit report and credit history are foundations of your financial health. Good credit can help you get approved for loans or credit cards when you need them, and get you favorable interest rates....

How It Works When the store promises 90 days same as cash, they’re guaranteeing you no interest payments for 90 days, as would be the case had you purchased the item in full with cash. It may appear like there’s no reason not to take the offer; you get to walk away with your merchandise and a promise to pay back the money over the next few months — a seemingly win-win situation....

Most startups rely on a combination of fundraising options and by stages, starting with grants, microloans, angel investors, and ending with venture capital (VC) funding, as a way to seed the startup and allow it to grow at an exponential rate if the business model allows for it. Before starting your fundraising journey, however, you must lay the groundwork by doing your research, leveraging your network, and thinking realistically about how much cash you will need....

Want to make sure you’re financially prepared to be a homeowner? Here are the costs you’ll need to know about. Upfront Costs When you first buy your home, you’ll face several one-time costs. You also may need to cover several “prepaid” charges, likely placed in an escrow account, to pay for interest, insurance premiums, property taxes, and more that accrue from the date you close on your mortgage until your first monthly mortgage payment....

As a result, investors who are also Apple enthusiasts can purchase Apple stocks and bonds. But which option is better? AAPL Stock vs. Apple Bonds: Which Is Better? Every investor has their own specific goals and risk tolerance. Apple stock has more to offer than its bonds. However, the stock also experiences much more volatility. That means that it isn’t a good choice for those who want low-risk investments. But what if you’re not bound by a conservative investing strategy?...

Taxable Portion of Your Pensions and Annuities The IRS says that your payments are partially taxable if you made your contributions to your pension or annuity with after-tax dollars. You won’t pay tax on the portion of the payments that represent a return of the after-tax amount you paid in. These contributions represent your cost in the plan or investment. They include amounts that your employer might have contributed that were taxable to you as income at the time they were made....

To hold down your gasoline costs, the not-for-profit member association recommends these tactics: Combine trips to get errands done, minimizing the number of trips taken.Avoid driving during high traffic times, if possible.For those owning multiple vehicles, use the most fuel-efficient one for each journey.Because it takes more fuel to accelerate a heavier vehicle, lighten up the vehicle’s load by removing unnecessary, bulky items.Minimize use of the car’s air conditioning to achieve better fuel economy....

That phrase is enough in most states to avoid having to go to probate court to settle title of the home when one co-owner dies. In some states, additional language is included to ensure the two owners’ intentions are clear. For example, in South Carolina, the phrase “as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, and not as tenants in common” is used. Tenants in Common vs. Joint Tenants Joint tenants each own half of a property....

If you don’t have an online savings account, you’re missing out, but you might not want to completely ditch your traditional bank or credit union just yet. Although they may seem old-fashioned, branches offer several valuable services that you only miss when you can’t have them. Here are six perks of using a bank or credit union that offers physical locations. Instant Cashier’s Checks and Money Orders Need to make a purchase, but a card or personal check just won’t do?...

There are several ways to make money in real estate, but some can take time to start paying off. Some experts suggest that you start investing when you’re young, even in your 20s. Real Estate Appreciation Properties tend to increase in value, often due to a change in the market that increases demand for property in its area or because of the effects of inflation. It could also happen because of upgrades you’ve made to your investment to make it more attractive to potential buyers or renters....

Along with a good salary, parents often need jobs that offer flexible hours and even work-from-home opportunities. Here are jobs that offer parents the flexible schedules they need to balance a career and parenthood. Many of these jobs are also currently in high demand. Check out some of the best jobs for parents below. This job allows for a flexible schedule; customer service representatives can often either make their own hours or choose the shifts they would like to work....

What Are S&P 500 Index Funds? S&P 500 index funds are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that passively track the Standard and Poor’s 500 index. This index represents approximately 500 of the largest U.S. companies, as measured by market capitalization. This means that the largest companies receive the highest allocation in the index. How To Find the Best S&P 500 Index Funds There are three primary qualities to look for when searching for the best S&P 500 index fund to buy:...

The Deutsche economists’ forecast—one of the more emphatic recession warnings from experts—is a notable downgrade from their outlook in December. Since then, the trajectory of inflation has gotten worse and a war has broken out in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made the Fed’s inflation challenge much tougher by threatening the global supply of oil and other commodities produced by Russia, including food. The threat has triggered higher prices, including for gasoline and the oil it’s made from, they said....