Given that the Federal Reserve cut interest rates this week with the goal of stimulating economic growth and curbing potential job and economic declines, here are nine financial “cardinal rules” to follow.
If you already practice these habits, great. But if you’re missing any of these tactics, consider adding them to your day-to-day life.
These strategies for managing your money are key to protecting you from problems that can arise from an economic downturn.
1. Invest in gold before a market crash
One of the best ways to protect your savings is having money in different types of investments: ideally, ones that can go up when others are going down. For example, stocks tend to do poorly when inflation and interest rates are rising and there’s political turmoil brewing.
One investment that thrives in this scenario: gold.
Keep in mind, though, that not everyone in the gold business is on the up-and-up. Be careful who you deal with.
Preserve Gold is a family-owned company committed to helping investors protect their wealth and retirement with physical precious metals. They offer gold, silver, platinum and palladium coins and bars delivered directly to your home. Plus, enjoy up to $25,000 in complimentary gold and silver, along with waived IRA storage fees for up to 5 years!
They also lead the industry in retirement account rollovers and will help to facilitate a transfer from your current custodian into a precious metals IRA.
Preserve Gold will beat any competitor’s price on gold and silver, and offers fast, free, insured shipping. And once you’re a client, they’ll buy back your metals and charge no fees.
Gold has been hitting record highs. Why not take a look right now?
2. Have a long-term investment strategy
Invest regularly — each week or each month (to manage stock market fluctuations). Also diversify: Put a small portion of your retirement money into a wide variety of investments (or funds) rather than into just a few companies’ stocks.
Another good idea: Have a strategy for selling your investments and cashing in on market gains. When your broad-market or individual stocks rise to a targeted trading level — each year, for example — cut your ownership percentage a bit. This is called rebalancing.
And don’t sell investments in the midst of widespread economic problems, or you might fail to realize gains following a recovery.
If you’ve got at least $100,000 in investments, check out a free service called SmartAsset. You fill out a short questionnaire and instantly get matched with up to three vetted financial advisors in your area, all legally bound to work in your best interests.
Even if you don’t want help picking investments, an advisor can help lower your tax burden, create a comprehensive financial plan, maximize your Social Security, help with estate planning and making sure you’re on the right track. They can also be there in case one day, you’re not.
Using SmartAsset only takes a few minutes, and in many cases you’ll be offered a free consultation.
Nothing to lose and lots to potentially gain. Take a minute and check it out right now!
Please carefully review the methodologies employed in the Vanguard white paper, “Putting a value on your value: Quantifying Vanguard Advisor’s Alpha.”
3. Stop losing up to $600 on your car insurance
How would you feel if you found out you’re throwing away $600 annually just to pad some insurance company’s bottom line?
It’s very possible. But there’s only one way to know for sure.
Take a minute and use This new insurance shopping tool from FinanceBuzz. It can tell if you’re overpaying for your car insurance with just a few clicks.
Savings will vary by driving history and how many discounts you’re eligible for, but don’t be surprised if you can find the same coverage for hundreds less. And if not? You’ll get peace of mind by knowing you’re already getting the best possible deal.
To find out if you’re losing up to $600 or more a year, just click this link, answer a few questions, enter your zip, email, and phone, and within 2 minutes you’ll see if you qualify for a lower rate.
4. Make your home work harder for you
Why settle for less when you can create the home of your dreams right where you are? Or use the cash for anything else you need?
With today’s soaring real estate prices, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) could be the answer to unlocking your home’s full potential without breaking the bank.
Instead of stretching your budget on an overpriced new home, tap into the equity you’ve built to finance those renovations you’ve longed for. Upgrade your outdated kitchen, build your dream master suite, or finally add that home office. But the flexibility doesn’t stop there – use your HELOC funds for other goals like consolidating debt, paying for education, taking a dream vacation and more!
The best part? HELOCs typically offer lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans since they’re secured by your home’s equity. That means big savings while you build lasting value.
Don’t wait any longer to unlock your home’s potential. Visit Money.com's home equity loan table today to easily compare HELOC rates from multiple lenders and find the most affordable option. With just a few clicks, you could be on your way to an envy-worthy dream home or funding anything else on your list!
5. Don’t let home repairs drain your savings
Home repairs aren’t cheap. Whether it’s a leaky roof or a broken appliance, your castle can quickly crumble and cost you hundreds, or even thousands.
Unless, that is, a home warranty company has your back. Example? First American will protect you from giant bills by covering everything from home appliances to electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems — even pools and spa equipment.
They also allow you to customize your plan, so you only pay for what you need.
When something goes wrong, just call First American, day or night. The company has a network of prescreened technicians and typically dispatches an independent contractor within 48 hours.
Hey, if you’re handy and like to repair stuff yourself, that’s obviously the cheapest route. But if that’s not you, a penny spent now could save you big bucks later.
Get your free quote in 30 seconds.
6. Shield yourself against costly auto repairs
The cost of car repairs is skyrocketing. One shop told Consumer Reports that a decade ago, their average repair was $1,600. These days, the average bill is $4,000.
If you’re concerned about coming up with thousands of dollars for a repair bill, protect your investment with a CarShield auto warranty.
CarShield provides extended warranty plans of up to 24 months, and allows you to choose from at least six different plans, so you’ll only pay for the coverage you need. They cover cars up to 20 years old and offer flexible month-to-month plans so you’re not locked in for years.
CarShield has a network of thousands of ASE-certified repair shops, and they pay the repair bill. All you cover is the deductible. All their warranties include 24/7 roadside assistance and rental car benefits while your vehicle is being repaired.
ConsumerAffairs calls CarShield “a solid choice” for drivers of any age, and “particularly appealing” for those with older vehicles.
Take a minute right now and get a quote.
7. Stop missing out on real estate gains
Real estate has long been a path to wealth. But you need to be wealthy to get started, right?
Wrong. For as little as $10, Fundrise can get you started. Fundrise lets you buy into real estate properties the same way stocks let you buy into companies.
In effect, you’re a landlord without having to run background checks or serve eviction notices. While not a guarantee of future results, Fundrise investors have earned an average of 25% within three years; if they held on for five years, the increase was more than 50%.
People are always going to need a place to live — and recent rent jumps make real estate investing more profitable. Rent prices went up almost 17% in 2021, according to data from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Take two minutes and check it out.
Note: This is a testimonial in partnership with Fundrise. We earn a commission from partner links on moneytalksnews.com. All opinions are our own.
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