Articles by Blake Landon on ArticleSnatch.com

Investing: Proper Asset Location of Stocks, Bonds, Real Estate and Hard Assets

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Different types of investments are treated differently by the IRS - which is why proper asset location is an important strategy to minimize the tax that you will owe as an investor. The money manager that you work with will develop an asset location strategy to determine where your money should be invested in order to pay the least amount of tax while reaping the best returns. Investors who will garner the most benefit from an asset location strategy, according to most money managers, are those who have investments in both tax deferred and taxable accounts, with their assets divided between the two. In this manner, a balanced strategy can be determined and implemented that typically features a portfolio of a particular percentage of stocks and bonds, or some other mix of hard assets and real estate in the most cost-effective means when it comes to settling up with Uncle Sam each year. The amount of money from your portfolio that is dedicated towards a particular asset is determined by how the asset is taxed under this strategy. A money manager will use the United States tax code to make decisions about where you should invest. **End Summary** Topics: asset allocation]]> wealth building]]> investing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> MoneyManager.com can help you find a money manager in your area that is sympathetic to your needs and can help you with asset allocation. In addition, you can find more articles about personal finance and money management by visiting our www.moneymanager.com site today.

Personal Finance - Family Budgeting - Steps You Can Take to Save an Additional $100-$200 Monthly

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Living in the current economic environment and a weakened global economy has changed the way that most of us think about money. More specifically, many people are cutting back, curbing their spending, and looking for ways to save. Perhaps hardest hit by the economic downturn has been the American family. If your family is looking to cut corners to make ends meet or to simply put away an extra stash of cash for necessities and emergencies, you can find some middle ground and work together to save big. Top money managers list some tips below to help your family save an additional $100-$200 dollars this month: Money Manager Tip for Families #1: Know Where Your Money Goes This is a top concern of nearly every money manager and financial advisor - individuals and families simply have no real idea where their money is going each month. Money is so easy to spend, but oftentimes it is hard to remember where it was spent. Tracking the money that you and your family spend each month is the first step to becoming more budget-conscious. **End Summary** Topics: personal finance]]> saving]]> budgeting]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> MoneyManager.com can help you find a money manager in your area that is sympathetic to your needs and can take an impartial view of your financial situation. In addition, you can find more articles about personal finance and money management by visiting our www.moneymanager.com site today.

Real Estate: When to Buy Vs. When to Rent

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

At some point in life, nearly everyone has been a renter, and renting is advantageous for many people. Young adults, single persons, and students often find renting is their best option, as do those people who are planning to relocate to another area in a very short time period. Renting definitely has its pluses, including almost zero liability for repairs and maintenance to the home. In addition, renting your home allows you to be more flexible when you need or want to move because it is easier to get out of a lease than it is to sell a home (especially with the global economic downturn). Perhaps the most important and relevant advantage to renting is that the renter does not have to be out a lot of money upfront to have a place to live. Inversely, renting your home means that you will have less control over the property itself, and landlords are often less than expedient when doing needed repairs. If you are a pet lover, many landlords will not allow pets, making it difficult for you to find a suitable place to rent. **End Summary** Topics: personal finance]]> mortgage]]> buying a home]]> ]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> MoneyManager.com can help you find a money manager in your area that is sympathetic to your needs and can take an impartial view of your financial situation. In addition, you can find more articles about personal finance and money management by visiting our www.moneymanager.com site today.