In this bubble, we'll discuss what budgeting means, how to think about it, and share useful tips and insights as you think about creating (or tweaking) your own budget!

Budgeting FUNdamentals

Within this adventure, we’ll share a few practical ideas to help make your budget stick!

Make Your Budget Stick!

We're sharing with you why it matters to build up an emergency fund, ideas on starting it and keeping it up, and tips on selecting savings accounts.

Save for a Rainy Day

We're going to cover the basics of frugal living in this adventure.  We hope you'll pick up a few new tips as you consider frugal lifestyle!


Frugal Living

Being frugal is about... Better money management. When you know how much money you have in the bank and how much money you need to cover your monthly bills, you can begin to make better decisions about your money. When you know where you stand with your debt repayment, savings goals, and investments, you can take charge of your money and make it work for you. Spending your money smartly. Learning how to get the best deal on everything that you buy is a tenant of frugality. It also means you know when not to shop, and how to hold off on a purchase that doesn't matter to you. Being frugal doesn't always mean being cheap all the time either. Being creative, entrepreneurial, and scrappy about getting things done. Being frugal assumes you can find ways to do more with what you have, and to learn how to do things yourself (e.g., sewing a patch on a pair of worn-out jeans instead of buying a new pair of jeans). When you adopt the habits of a frugal person, you are in greater control of your spending. But, most of all, it's about being you. You create your own approach. You decide where you want to live stingy and where you don't.

Frugal living is gaining more interest every day. Not surprising given the times we’re living in now! Frugal living is not about sacrifice and deprivation. It’s about controlling your spending—particularly on those things that matter less in your life—so that you can achieve financial freedom &amp; wellness, and decide what actually matters to you most. In this quiz, we share the basics of frugal living. We hope you'll pick up a few new tips as you consider this lifestyle!

Frugal living is gaining more interest every day.  Not surprising given the times we’re living in now! Frugal living is not about sacrifice and deprivation.  It’s about controlling your spending—particularly on those things that matter less in your life—so that you can achieve financial freedom & wellness, and decide what actually matters to you most.  In this quiz, we share the basics of frugal living.  We hope you'll pick up a few new tips as you consider this lifestyle!

Wondering how to save money fast?  We’ll share a number of tips and ideas... so you can save quickly to fulfill your personal financial goals!

Save Fast!

Lower Your Energy Bill

Fighting over the thermostat, flipping the lights on and off, taking long loquacious showers—these are all the things&nbsp;we do on a daily basis that&nbsp;contribute to our monthly energy bill.&nbsp; Though paying the utility bill at the end of the month is just a byproduct of modern life—unless you are living off the grid but that's a conversation for another day—there are plenty of ways for you to keep more of your money in your pocket!&nbsp; In this bubble, we’ll go through just some ideas of how you can save money on your energy bill.

How to lower your energy bill

Are Solar Panels Worth It?

Between 2001 to 2019, the average rate of electricity for residential use in the United States rose by 150%, registering an average annual inflation rate of 2.35% during this period. Today, American households pay between 8 cents per unit (in Washington) to as high as 29 cents per unit of electricity (in Hawaii). During the same period, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells fell from an average of $12 per watt in the year 2000 to less than $3 per watt in 2020 for an average 5kW size system. Growing concerns of climate change and pollution have further pushed for the use of cleaner sources of energy including the wide-scale installation of solar panels. However, the installation of solar panels continues to come at a huge cost (between $15,000 to $25,000 for residential solar systems) and several factors influence the feasibility of the project and the return on investment you can expect out of it. So, now the big question: are solar panels worth it for you? Let’s find out more in this bite-sized quiz!

Between 2001 to 2019, the average rate of electricity for residential use in the United States rose by 150%, registering an average annual inflation rate of 2.35% during this period. Today, American households pay between 8 cents per unit (in Washington) to as high as 29 cents per unit of electricity (in Hawaii).  During the same period, the cost of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells fell from an average of $12 per watt in the year 2000 to less than $3 per watt in 2020 for an average 5kW size system.  Growing concerns of climate change and pollution have further pushed for the use of cleaner sources of energy including the wide-scale installation of solar panels. However, the installation of solar panels continues to come at a huge cost (between $15,000 to $25,000 for residential solar systems) and several factors influence the feasibility of the project and the return on investment you can expect out of it.  So, now the big question: are solar panels worth it for you? Let’s find out more in this bite-sized quiz!

Budgeting & Saving

Your credit score is a key indicator of your financial well-being. If your credit score is low, lenders won’t make you attractive offers, which can cost you a lot of money! Learn the credit score FUNdamentals!

Credit Score FUNdamentals

Your credit score is a key indicator of your financial well-being. If your credit score is low, lenders won’t make you attractive offers, which can cost you a lot of money! Learn the credit score FUNdamentals!

Your credit reports have a crucial impact on your finances. Within this adventure, we’ll share with you some of the basics about reporting and how to spot and correct errors that will improve your record over time!

Credit Report FUNdamentals

Our goal within this adventure is to help you think about ways to improve your credit score and save thousands and thousands of dollars by simply learning with Finny! 


Improve Your Credit Score

Within this bubble, we’ll take you through quick scenarios that may or may not impact credit scores.  Let’s put all your credit score and reporting knowledge to the test!

Credit Score: Impacts or Not?

Credit Scores

Within this adventure, we'll share with you a real-life case, and you'll have to decide whether it's a taxable event or not.  Our goal is to help you hone your tax skills, have fun, and hopefully learn a thing or two that gives you some practical ideas. 

Taxable or Not? (Part 1)

It may surprise you to find out that some of these scenarios are taxable events! Play this bubble and discover new things about taxes!

Taxable or Not? (Part 2)

In this bubble, we'll teach you the basics of tax so you can better manage your taxes.  Remember, money saved on taxes is money that goes into your pocket!

Tax FUNdamentals

Understanding what’s tax deductible and what’s not will help you get the most out of the US tax system!

Tax Deductible or Not?

In this bubble, we’ll clarify some jargon and special rules for taxing capital gains and losses.  We hope you come out of this bite-sized guide a little more enlightened!

Capital Gains & Losses

In this bubble, we’ll clarify some jargon and special rules for taxing capital gains and losses. We hope you come out of this bite-sized guide a little more enlightened!

Taxes

Did you know you can negotiate your debt?  This is something often overlooked by most of us, since we're taught to think that debt is a fixed thing.  The simple tips we'll teach you here can potentially save you oodles of money!     

Negotiate Your Debt

Credit card mistakes can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars!  In this bubble, we'll cover key credit card concepts, so you're well prepared to avoid those excessive fees.

Credit Card FUNdamentals

Getting a personal plan in place to help you manage your debt will keep you on task and get you out of debt faster. Within this bubble, we’ll go over some helpful tips on how to think about and set up your debt repayment plan.

Plan Your Way Out of Debt

In this bubble, we'll explore consumer credit counseling, an option you should consider if you're not able to pay the debt off on your own!  

Credit Counseling

Interested in consolidating your debt to get a better interest rate?  In this bubble we'll teach you the ins and outs of debt consolidation!

Consolidate Your Debt?

Before you apply for a personal loan, you need to understand how it stacks up against other options, and key reasons why you would consider it.  You may save yourself a lot of money just by educating yourself on the basics! 

Personal Loans: the good, the bad & the ugly

Within this bubble, learn the FUNdamentals about student loans, the types of student loans available and the key differences among them.  The knowledge you gain here will help you figure out how to manage student debt better!

Student Loan FUNdamentals

<h2>Student Loans FAQs
</h2><h4>What’s a good student loan calculator? </h4>
A good student loan calculator allows you to input all
factors that determine how much you will end up paying in
principal and interest over time. It will also allow you to add more
than one loan and explain how long it takes to pay off
all your loans, including how the individual loan interests add up. Typically, good student loan calculators will output the
following:<ul><li>How much interest you will end up paying over the lifetime of your loan(s)</li><li>Your annual loan balance&nbsp;after
repayments</li><li>The total lifetime cost of your student loan(s)
</li></ul><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;;">Here are some student loan calculators
you should check out:<ul><li><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;;"><a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/student-loans/student-loan-calculator" target="_blank">NerdWalletstudent loan calculator</a></li><li><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;;"><a href="https://smartasset.com/student-loans/student-loan-calculator" target="_blank">SmartAssetstudent loan calculators</a> 
</li></ul><h4>What’s the difference between government and private
student loans? </h4>
Private loans are provided by private organizations like
banks, fintechs and credit unions, while government loans (e.g., federal loans)
are provided by the government and include a lot of benefits like loan
forgiveness and income-driven repayment plans. 
Federal loans have fixed interest rates, so the interest
stays the same until you finish paying off the loan, regardless of how the
market rises and falls.&nbsp; With private
student loans, you can get a fixed or variable interest rate. 
Federal student loans are
subsidized, which means that the government pays the interest for you while you
are in school.The biggest benefit of private
student loans is that you may qualify for a lower interest rate if you have
excellent credit.&nbsp; For government student
loans, you don't need a credit score or check to qualify (one exception is PLUS
loans).
&nbsp;
<h4>Should I refinance my student loans?
</h4>Refinancing means swapping your existing student loan for a
new loan with a lower interest rate. Refinancing your student loan could save
you a chunk of money, but it depends on your current situation. &nbsp;Below are factors you should consider before
refinancing your loan:
Current loan benefits – you could lose some benefits of your
federal student loans (such as loan forgiveness and student loan relief) if you
refinance your student loan. &nbsp;If you’re
not ready to lose those benefits, refinancing is not for you.
&nbsp;
Your credit – you will need a credit score of around 650 or
above and a solid income stream to get a good refinancing offer.&nbsp; If your credit or income is not high enough,
you could refinance with a co-signer who meets the standard.&nbsp; In that case, your co-signer is legally
liable for the loan.
The offer – there is no reason to refinance your student
loan if you won't end up paying less in interest. Use a loan calculator to find
out how much you will end up saving before refinancing.
<h4>What’s student loan forgiveness?
</h4>Student loan forgiveness releases you of the commitment to
pay part or all of your federal student loan debt. Note that you can get loan
forgiveness only on a federal student loan.
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit, or
you teach for 5 years in a low-income school, you may be able to receive loan
forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.
Broader student loan forgiveness is also an actively debated
topic in Washington, DC.&nbsp; There are
several proposals on the table, but most of them limit the amount that will be
forgiven (e.g., $10K) and apply to federal loans only.
<h4>What qualifies you for student loan forgiveness? </h4>
Most commonly student loans are forgiven if the borrower
winds up working for the government or not-for-profit, or teaches for at least
5 years in a low-income school district.&nbsp;

There are some other student loan forgiveness cases.&nbsp; In situations like disability, closedown of
the college, or other circumstances beyond the borrower's control, federal
loans could be forgiven. &nbsp;Students who
feel misled or defrauded by their educational institution can also apply for
loan forgiveness, as long as school’s behavior violates their state law. Students
should address their applications to the Department of Education under the ‘borrower
defense’ category.
<h4>Will student loans be forgiven? </h4>
Student loans are usually forgiven for those people working in
public service or non-profits.&nbsp; Broader student
loan forgiveness is an actively debated topic in Washington, DC.&nbsp; There are several proposals on the table, but
most of them limit the amount that will be forgiven (e.g., $10K) and apply to
federal loans only.
<h4>What is student loan forbearance? </h4>
Student loan forbearance is a means to suspend or reduce your
student loan repayment temporarily, usually for 12 months or less, during times
of financial difficulties. With loan forbearance, you are still required to pay
the interest accrued during the period of forbearance (except in certain&nbsp;cases such
as&nbsp;the COVID-19 pandemic). &nbsp;Note: forbearance is only a temporary solution
for managing your student loan.
Basically, student loan forbearance has two flavors: discretionary
and mandatory. Discretionary forbearance means that your loan holder may grant the&nbsp;forbearance, but is not&nbsp;required&nbsp;to do so.&nbsp; It allows you to get a&nbsp;suspension for 12 months on
your loan&nbsp;if you can't make your payments because of medical expenses, financial difficulties, employment changes, or other reasons.&nbsp;Should the financial difficulty continue, you can reapply for
another 12 months until a cumulative period of three years is reached.Mandatory student loan forbearance
means that your loan holder&nbsp;must&nbsp;grant the forbearance&nbsp;if you provide all supporting documentation (it's legally required to do so).<h4>What are student loan interest rates? </h4>
Student loan interest rates vary by level of education and loan
provider. Below are interest rates ranges on government and private student
loans currently:Federal student loans (fixed) <ul><li>Undergraduate: 2.75%
</li><li>Unsubsidized graduate: 4.30%
</li><li>PLUS loans: 5.30%
</li></ul>Private student loans<ul><li>Fixed: 3.34% - 14.99%
</li><li>Variable:&nbsp; 1.04% - 12.40% 
</li></ul>Private refi student loans<ul><li>Fixed: 2.79% - 8.77%
</li><li>Variable: 1.99% – 8.56%
&nbsp;
</li></ul><h4>Ready to brush up on&nbsp;student loans FUNdamentals?</h4><a href="https://www.askfinny.com/learn?bubble=5efa35b22f8013018aa3bf5c" target="_blank"></a>

<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;; font-size: 11px;">Featuring <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans&quot;, sans-serif, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Noto Color Emoji&quot;; font-size: 11px;"><a href="https://bit.ly/goearnestgo" target="_blank">Earnest</a><a href="https://bit.ly/goearnestgo" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/78d916f4-0d0b-40ac-869f-35037e90baf6.png" style="width: 141px; height: 34px;"></a>Before we start: <a href="https://bit.ly/goearnestgo" target="_blank" style="">Earnest</a> is Finny's partner that helps students find education&nbsp;loans with lower interest rates.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/goearnestgo" target="_blank" style="">Variable rates start at&nbsp;1.05% APR</a> if you're enrolled in auto pay.&nbsp;&nbsp;You could also&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/goearnestgo" target="_blank">save on interest when you refinance</a> a student loan with Earnest. Variable rates for refinancing start at&nbsp;1.99%&nbsp;APR with auto pay.Ready to learn something new about student loans?&nbsp; Within this lesson and quiz, you'll learn the FUNdamentals about student loans, the types of student loans available and the key differences among them. The knowledge you gain here will help you figure out how to manage student debt better!<a href="https://www.askfinny.com/learn?bubble=5efa35b22f8013018aa3bf5c" target="_blank">Take the quiz</a> and find out the key things you need to know about student loans!

Ready to learn something new about student loans?  Within this lesson and quiz, you'll learn the FUNdamentals about student loans, the types of student loans available and the key differences among them.  The knowledge you gain here will help you figure out how to manage student debt better! Take the quiz and find out the key things you need to know about student loans!

Student Loan Quiz

Student loans are complicated!  Within this bubble, we’ll share with you the basics of what it means to consolidate versus refinance student loans, when it makes sense to consolidate, and when you shouldn’t do it. 

Student Loans: Consolidate or Not?

Within this bubble, our goal is to help you decode debt jargon used quite often in debt-land and help simplify all the key principles behind borrowing money, so that you can manage your finances better.

Decoding DEBT Jargon (Part 1)

In Decoding DEBT Jargon Part 2, we're continuing to explain debt jargon and all the key principles behind borrowing money, so that you can manage your finances better.

Decoding DEBT Jargon (Part 2)

Within this bubble, we’ll go through the realities of what debt settlement means and how it works, so you can decide for yourself if it’s really an option for you!

Is Debt Settlement Right For You?

Within this bubble, our goal is to help you hone your debt skills and get a couple of practical tips,  so you can better manage your finances.  And remember to have fun while you're solving Debt IQ problems!

Debt IQ

Debt Management

How much should you spend on a car?  Should you get a fancy auto that will make you feel good?  How much is too much when it comes to cars?  We’ll answer those questions in this adventure!  

Car Budgeting

In this adventure, we’ll help you navigate the car-buying process.  You’ll learn things that can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars when it comes to buying a new car!

Buying a New Car

You might have heard people say that shopping for a used car is like going on a treasure hunt.  In this adventure, we’ll give you the tips and tools to find that ‘treasure’ waiting for you!

Buying a Used Car

Do you know how to get the best price from selling your car? In this adventure, we’re going to cover the must-knows for selling a used car!

Selling a Car

A car lease gives you a brand-new car for a low monthly payment.  But should you lease a car?  Find out in this adventure!

Buy vs Lease?

One of the first questions that car buyers face is whether to purchase a new or  a used car.  Learn about the merits and drawbacks of both approaches--and find out which one is the right option for you! 

New or Used?

Need to get car insurance, but you're not fully familiar with insurance terms?  What are the things you shouldn’t skip when it comes to car insurance, and what things you likely won’t need?  If you want to find this out, this adventure is for you. 

Car Insurance FUNdamentals

You’re thinking about buying auto insurance but you don’t know what exactly to look for aside from price?  If so, this adventure will help you select the right auto insurance for you.   

Buying Car Insurance

By now you’ve learned car insurance vocabulary and you know what to look for when you’re purchasing an auto policy.  But is that all you need to know about car insurance?  In this adventure, we’re sharing with you some power tips about car insurance policies that people find very useful.

Car Insurance Power Tips

Cars

Some people have a strong preference for buying vs. renting a home.  What do you need to know about buying vs. renting to avoid big-time mistakes?

Buy vs Rent?

In this adventure, we'll cover key home buying concepts that could save you money, time and hassle!

Home Buying FUNdamentals

Whether you already have a mortgage or you're planning to get one in the future, this lesson will reveal some tips that can save you bug bucks and save enough for the future!

Mortgage FUNdamentals

Whether you’re thinking of buying a home or already have a home loan, we have a few mortgage tips for you.  Make sure you know your mortgage stuff well before you take the biggest loan of your life! 

Mortgage Tips

What are all the things you need to know to sell a home?  Arm yourself with knowledge.  Never leave money on the table!

Home Selling Tips (Part 1)

What are all the things you need to know to sell your home?  Arm yourself with knowledge in this Home Selling Tips sequel!  Never leave money on the table!

Home Selling Tips (Part 2)

When does an adjustable rate mortgage make sense?  How can you get a grant for a home downpayment?  Can you dip into a Roth IRA to pay for your home?  Find out in this adventure.

Home Buying Power Tips

When does an adjustable rate mortgage make sense? How can you get a grant for a home downpayment? Can you dip into a Roth IRA to pay for your house? Find out in this adventure.

In this adventure, we’ll learn key concepts in home insurance so we can later show you how to buy & save on it!

Home Insurance FUNdamentals

In this adventure, we’ll explain how to shop for home insurance.  We’ll cover what factors influence the price of home insurance, what’s important when selecting the right policy for you and how to save on home insurance.

Buying Home Insurance

In this bubble, we’ll go through why it’s worth negotiating your rent, tips to make your case and prepare!

Negotiate Your Rent

What's a Reverse Mortgage?

Contributed by Susie at Financial IQ by Susie Q<a href="https://financialiqbysusieq.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/c5a1b69c-8c9b-48c0-97ef-c02b7ce2f958.png" style="width: 114px; height: 114px;"></a>Are you or your parents or grandparents looking for ways to stay in your home and use your home equity to fund expenses?&nbsp;A reverse mortgage is certainly one option and it can be a valuable financial management tool for seniors and their families.However, if misunderstood or misused, borrowers and their heirs can encounter any one of a number of different challenges. Get the scoop on&nbsp;reverse mortgages so you can make be informed before deciding whether one will work for you!

Getting Out of a Timeshare

Contributed by Monica from Planner at Heart<a href="https://planneratheart.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/c673669b-1dea-4fb4-b6ff-238395a85a42.png" style="width: 158px; height: 49px;"></a>Are you looking for trusted advice on how you can get out of a timeshare without spending thousands of dollars? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As a fellow timeshare owner, I know how complicated it can be to find reliable information on how to get out of a timeshare with your credit score in tack.&nbsp; Take this bite-size quiz to separate fact from fiction and learn proven ways to get out of your timeshare ownership.&nbsp;

Are you looking for trusted advice on how you can get out of a timeshare without spending thousands of dollars? Well, you’ve come to the right place!   As a fellow timeshare owner, I know how complicated it can be to find reliable information on how to get out of a timeshare with your credit score in tack.  Take this bite-size quiz to separate fact from fiction and learn proven ways to get out of your timeshare ownership!

How to Get Out of a Timeshare

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home

Contributed by Ryan of Arrest Your Debt<a href="https://arrestyourdebt.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/ef56d03c-bb28-46ff-b3ad-56427aa5bb14.webp" style="width: 152px; height: 60px;"></a>With the ever-increasing home prices, those who can afford to purchase a new home can’t afford to be throwing money away in the process. There are many different ways that new home buyers waste money and make other people rich. Are you looking for ways to save money on a new home purchase? Look no further, this quiz will reveal some of the easiest ways to protect you and your pocketbook during the process. You work too hard to give your hard-earned money away. Learn how to make your money go further!

Expensive Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home

What's Renters Insurance?

Ever wonder why and when you might need renters insurance? Or what it is exactly, what it covers and how much it costs?&nbsp; Simply put, renter’s insurance is insurance coverage for renters, offering financial support in the event they experience an unfortunate event covered under the policy. It doesn’t just cover some of the basics you’d expect, but much more. Here, we’ll unpack the jargon and simply share with you the basics to help you determine whether you need it or not!

Ever wonder why and when you might need renters insurance? Or what it is exactly, what it covers and how much it costs? Simply put, renter’s insurance is insurance coverage for renters, offering financial support in the event they experience an unfortunate event covered under the policy. It doesn’t just cover some of the basics you’d expect, but much more. Here, we’ll unpack the jargon and simply share with you the basics to help you determine whether you need it or not!

Renters Insurance Basics

Choosing a Realtor

Housing

Are you investing smartly?  Test your investing knowledge--and find out what you can do better!

Investing IQ

Are you investing smartly? Test your investing knowledge--and find out what you can do better!

Stock investing can help you build your wealth.  But you could also lose your savings. We'll dig into key stock investing concepts and help you navigate your way forward in this adventure!

Investing in Stocks

Did you know that 44% of all American households own at least one mutual fund?  Here are some tips to help you grow your mutual fund investments and your wealth!

Mutual Funds IQ

You might have heard that simplicity is key to living a good life.  So in this adventure, we'll show you how to construct your own simple, three-fund investment portfolio.  Once you learn this, you could become your own investment manager! 

Create a Simple 3-Fund Portfolio

Looking to expand your knowledge of investing?  We'll start by helping you decode the basics.  Let's dive in!

Investing FUNdamentals (Part 1)

If you work with the right financial advisor, they could be huge help to you.  On the other hand, bad financial advisors can cost you a lot of time and money!  Get the ins and outs of working with financial advisors in this adventure, and learn how to avoid big financial mistakes.

Need a Financial Advisor?

In this adventure, we'll cover a few super important investing concepts you should remember.  Learn about the role of SEC, FINRA and SIPC, common and preferred stocks, and bonds!

Investing FUNdamentals (Part 2)

Investors buy bonds because they provide a predictable income stream and can help offset exposure to stock holdings, which tend to fluctuate more. Learn what you need to know about bonds in this adventure! 

Investing in Bonds

Investors buy bonds because they provide a predictable income stream and can help offset exposure to stock holdings, which tend to fluctuate more.  Do you have what it takes to be a solid bond investor?  

How Bonds Work

Are you wondering how you should invest when the market is volatile?  And how to respond to bear markets?  You've come to the right place--here you'll arm yourself with knowledge to handle a wild ride!

Bear Markets & Volatility

Recessions are the scariest creatures in the eyes of many people.  How much do you know about recessions and how to prepare for them?

About Recessions

Recession 2020

Risk tolerance is super important when it comes to investing.  Here we’ll cover all the key ideas behind risk tolerance in investing so you can come out of this bite-sized learning with better understanding of your risk appetite or aversion!

What is Risk Tolerance?

Let's face it, it’s hard to control emotions when it comes to money and investing! Pick-up a couple of tips to help you make better and smarter investment decisions when emotions are running high. 



Emotions in Investing

Within this adventure, we’ll cover the FUNdamentals of ETFs, their innovative structure and unique advantages. 


What Are ETFs?

So you've learned a thing or two about ETF investing and want to get started, but not sure how?  Here we'll give you a few value bombs for ETF investing!

ETF Investing: Getting Started

Within this learning bubble, find out what short selling means through a quick, fun example!

What's Shorting Stock?

In this bubble, we’ll show you some of the ways to value stocks, and we’ll also talk about different types of stock investors you’re likely to encounter.  Let’s dive in!

Valuing Stocks

We hear a lot about what the S&P 500 is but do you really know what it is and why it matters?

What is the S&P 500?

What is Inflation?

Consider this: the item you paid $250 for last year now costs more than $250. So, you need to earn more than the rate of inflation on your money just to afford the same lifestyle.&nbsp; And if you want to afford a more lavish lifestyle, you need to out-earn the inflation rate. It’s tricky because it’s difficult to project into the future, but just the realization of how inflation reduces your buying power is a great start!A gallon of gas, a loaf of bread, a visit to the hospital, the cost of an average home, four years in college. All these goods and services cost more today than in the past, and most likely they cost less today than they will in the future. This is the effect of inflation on purchasing power. Here is a chart that shows the historical rates of inflation. As you can see, some years it’s low while other years are much higher.<img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/c470f013-f0d4-42d6-b0a1-f776bf119c9c.jpg">The good thing about investments and financial decisions is that you can make mid-course corrections! The key is not to worry so much about year-to-year fluctuations, but to understand the concept and how inflation erodes your actual rate of return, so you aren’t lulled into “safe” investments that cost you purchasing power.&nbsp; In this fun quiz, we’ll go through how inflation impacts your investment returns and your buying power!

Contributed by Ilene Slatko of DSS Consulting<a href="https://www.dssfinancial.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/a6bfacb6-5888-4891-967e-34821f6b7204.png" style="width: 237px; height: 61px;"></a>Understanding inflation is a key financial concept. Why? Without taking inflationary pressures into account, your investment returns won’t truly reflect your purchasing power!&nbsp;Inflation is commonly used to describe the increase in the absolute cost of goods and services. Another way to say this is inflation reduces what your money can buy. Knowing that, we hope you’ll begin to consider inflation in your financial decisions!

How much do you know about inflation?  What is it and how does it impact you?  Take the quiz and find out!

What is Inflation? Why does it matter? 

Real Estate Investing FUNdamentals

First, congratulations on considering real estate as an investment strategy. Second, real estate investing can be a little intimidating. And you're at the perfect place to get educated. The common two obstacles that hold people back from getting started are the lack of capital or the fear of managing tenants. I hear you! I was in the same boat and never imagined I would be a landlord. But, here I am today with multiple rental properties under my belt.&nbsp; In this bubble, we might resolve any second thoughts you may have with real estate investing and hope you come out of this bite-sized lesson with some new ideas!

Contributed by Jonathan Sanchez at Parent Portfolio<a href="https://parentportfolio.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/6c01b6a8-5ebb-4598-ae6c-19b7d2578b61.png" style="width: 134px; height: 108px;"></a>Interested in real estate investing but don’t know where to begin? Before you start attending auctions on the courthouse steps, it’s important to understand the basics. The more you know, the wiser your investing strategy will be.&nbsp; Let’s begin!

Investing in Gold

Contributed by Financial Freedom Countdown<a href="https://financialfreedomcountdown.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/b40b68ac-f277-4768-953d-9b0712223b60.jpg" style="width: 228px; height: 60px;"></a>Are you looking for information on investing in gold? Well, you've come to the right place! Gold has a recorded history of over 5000 years as an asset. The shiny metal has attracted generations. Gold doesn't corrode. It can be melted to form various shapes. Moreover, gold has a unique and beautiful color, unlike other metals. Many of you will have questioned if gold is a good investment based on the gold price's rapid increase. Or due to&nbsp;policy announcements by global central banks. In this bubble, we'll go through what makes gold a good investment and how to invest in gold!

What is Fundamental Analysis?

One of the things that distinguish successful investors is that they are willing to do their due diligence (dd). And, no, that does not include taking advice from your best friend’s uncle’s college roommate! You might get lucky, but that is not dd. FA is like your personal financial health, but on a company level: how much you make, how much you save, how much you spend on fixed costs, and how much cash you have on hand for emergencies. And FA doesn’t consider how popular you are (how the stock is trending). Analysts performing FA will also study market trends, industries, and the economy.In this bite-sized lesson, we'll cover key key metrics so you can be on your way to analyzing stocks:<ul><li>Earnings per share (EPS). What it means and how to calculate it.&nbsp;</li><li>Price to earnings ratio (P/E). Is a low or high P/E ratio better?&nbsp;</li><li>The quick ratio. What it means and how to calculate it.</li><li>Debt to equity. What is good vs. bad leverage?</li><li>Outstanding vs. authorized shares</li></ul> So, let’s dive in and peel back simple Fundamental Analysis that you can do without making it your life’s work!

Contributed by&nbsp;Ilene Slatko of DSS Consulting<a href="https://www.dssfinancial.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/c9cc2e34-39a2-47b0-a089-1cb8f1655687.png" style="width: 221px; height: 56px;"></a> In researching potential stocks, there are two types of analyses&nbsp;many investors perform: Fundamental Analysis&nbsp;and Technical Analysis. Here, we'll cover&nbsp;Fundamental Analysis (FA), which allows you to quickly get a snapshot of the financial health of a company.Utilizing a few key metrics will help you to quickly determine if a particular company matches the profile you want when selecting your investments and what its future prospects might be.&nbsp;

What's the Wash Sale Rule?

Contributed by&nbsp;Ilene Slatko of DSS Consulting<a href="https://www.dssfinancial.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/c363d7d4-0ee6-4305-a477-6bc91f7d5932.png" style="width: 200px; height: 51px;"></a> If you’re investing successfully, you’re also probably looking for tax strategies to help you keep more of your gains! Tax-loss selling is a key strategy in managing your investment accounts. Tax law allows you to reduce capital gains by deducting capital losses (long-term to long-term and short-term to short-term) and to further reduce taxable income by applying any excess losses, up to $3,000 per year, against ordinary income.&nbsp; However, the IRS Wash Sale Rules are designed to ensure you do not unduly reduce your taxable income by booking losses and then re-purchasing the same or substantially same security within a 30-day window both prior to and following the sale of the original security. No one wants to pay more than their fair share of taxes, which is why understanding wash sales will prevent you from unknowingly invalidating your booked losses, resulting in more taxes owed.&nbsp; In this bubble, we’ll go through the fairly simple Wash Sale Rules to help you keep more of your money!

What is ESG Investing?

Wanna save the earth? You have probably heard of doing it with your money through your investments, by utilizing a strategy called "ESG" or sustainable investing. ESG investing has been gaining ground in the last several years and is considered an excellent way to grow your investments ethically and in a way that lines up to your values. As companies and funds try to establish themselves as ESG compliant, you are probably wondering what qualifies them and what they actually do.&nbsp; There are several ways in which an investor can determine if the investment can be considered sustainable or not. While company reports and available news are helpful, discretion must be utilized.&nbsp; &nbsp;In this bubble,&nbsp;we'll take a look into a few cases in the hopes it helps you understand the key principles of ESG investing!

Growth vs. Value Investing

Value investing is a strategy for identifying cheap or undervalued stocks based on financial ratios. In contrast, growth investing focuses on companies expected to grow at above-average rates compared to the market. One of the key parameters value investors use is the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E ratio). It's a metric that helps investors determine the market value compared to the company's earnings. The P/E ratio shows what the market is willing to pay today for a stock based on its earnings.Growth investors tend to favor younger companies poised to substantially grow their revenue and earnings in the future. When evaluating stocks, growth investors look for historical and future earnings growth and several other parameters.Both growth and value investors may (or may not) rely on analyst price targets. A price target is when an analyst believes a stock is fairly valued relative to its earnings. When an analyst raises their price target for a stock, they generally expect the stock price to rise. But keep in mind that analysts are not always very good at predicting stock prices! So, think twice before basing your decision on a price target.

Understanding the difference between a growth stock and a value stock is helpful&nbsp;in designing and diversifying your portfolio.&nbsp; While selecting stocks or funds, it helps to understand what's growth vs. value&nbsp;because the fund or&nbsp;company's characteristics will impact the risk and return profile of your portfolio.&nbsp;And these two types of investment strategies can be challenging to differentiate if one doesn't quite understand the typical&nbsp;criteria for classifying them. In this bubble, we'll help you simply understand&nbsp;the nuances between a growth investment and a value investment!

What is a REIT?

Real estate—the holy grail of investing for the masses, and often the largest asset purchase made in lifetimes! But does it have to be? And is there a way to invest in real estate without a significant downpayment? That's where a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) comes in. Thanks to REITs, liquidity has massively improved in the sector, and smaller players can get in with the click of a "buy" button. &nbsp; A REIT is an independent investment company that purchases real estate for the sole purpose of generating regular, predictable current income. REIT portfolios typically consist of commercial properties such as corporate offices, warehouses, shopping malls, and apartment complexes. Simply put, REITs are similar to mutual funds, only the focus is on purchasing income-generating real estate versus traditional stocks and bonds. This quiz will cover various aspects of REITs to help you better understand the pros and cons.

Real estate—the holy grail of investing for the masses. Often the largest asset purchase made in lifetimes. But does it have to be? And is there a way to invest in real estate without a significant downpayment?  That's where a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) comes in. Thanks to REITs, liquidity has massively improved in the sector, and smaller players can get in with the click of a "buy" button.    If you don't have the patience for large illiquid assets like buildings, this bubble is for you. A REIT is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate assets—basically, mutual funds for real estate. REITs pool everyone's capital together and then use those funds to purchase larger buildings that the individual holders may not be able to. Think of them as a mutual fund or exchange-traded fund for real estate.    REITs invest in almost every sector within real estate, from commercial, residential, multi-family, grocery stores. You name it, and there is probably a REIT for it.    This quiz will cover various aspects of REITs to help you better understand the pros and cons.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Contributed by&nbsp;Susie at Financial IQ by Susie Q<a href="https://financialiqbysusieq.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/494956a2-0ebc-4ec5-a64b-0bddd7c88c15.png" style="width: 114px; height: 114px;"></a>If you have an investment portfolio, you might want to re-balance it regularly.&nbsp; Re-balancing, you say?&nbsp; What is that?&nbsp; In this quiz, you’ll learn the different types of portfolio re-balancing, understand when you might or might not want to re-balance your portfolio and understand the impact of income taxes when you re-balance your portfolio!

Investing in Sectors

Sponsored by&nbsp;<a href="https://askfinny.com/link/tradestation" target="_blank"><img src="https://finny.s3.amazonaws.com/images/39d90cd2-0fe3-4db3-bac4-0eec2abb2ff2.jpg" style="width: 173px; height: 25px;"></a>Before we start, a word from our sponsor.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://askfinny.com/link/tradestation" target="_blank">TradeStation</a> is a high-quality platform for serious investors seeking a truly professional-level trading experience. In fact, at one time TradeStation catered solely to professional brokers and money managers. Now, regular investors have access to the firm’s high-octane tools, especially after the company cut trading costs to $0 and lowered the minimum investment to $0 for its TS GO offering.&nbsp; <a href="https://askfinny.com/link/tradestation" target="_blank">Open a TradeStation account</a> for free.&nbsp;At times during an economic cycle, specific sectors of the stock market have historically underperformed and outperformed. For example, when things are going well in the economy, there tends to be excess demand for consumer discretionary goods and commodities. On the other hand, when things are slowing down in the economy, sectors such as consumer defensive stocks and utilities tend to outperform. Timing your purchase into these sectors is called sector investing and can be a powerful way to practice portfolio management. While diversification will always be king, asset allocation tilts can add value over time as well. &nbsp; To get a better understanding of this method, have a try at the set of questions that follows!

At times during an economic cycle, specific sectors of the stock market have historically underperformed and outperformed. For example, when things are going well in the economy, there tends to be excess demand for consumer discretionary goods and commodities. On the other hand, when things are slowing down in the economy, sectors such as consumer defensive stocks and utilities tend to outperform.  Timing your purchase into these sectors is called sector investing and can be a powerful way to practice portfolio management. While diversification will always be king, asset allocation tilts can add value over time as well.    To get a better understanding of this method, have a try at the set of questions that follows!

Gold & the US Dollar

The correlation of assets can impact the overall return of a portfolio. Even as the dollar continues to be the most widely used currency, gold has not lost its luster. Investors continue to hold both these assets owing to their unique characteristics and, most importantly, their difference. &nbsp; However, one thing that may be underappreciated by investors is how the strength or weakness of the US currency affects the price of gold. Simply put, when a commodity asset is priced in dollars, it can have broad-ranging impacts when it strengthens or weakens. &nbsp; In this bite-sized quiz, you'll&nbsp;get a better understanding of the relationship between gold and the US dollar.

The correlation of assets can impact the overall return of a portfolio. Even as the dollar continues to be the most widely used currency, gold has not lost its luster. Investors continue to hold both these assets owing to their unique characteristics and, most importantly, their difference.    However, one thing that may be underappreciated by investors is how the strength or weakness of the US currency affects the price of gold. Simply put, when a commodity asset is priced in dollars, it can have broad-ranging impacts when it strengthens or weakens.    In this bite-sized quiz, you'll get a better understanding of the relationship between gold and the US dollar.

Tax Loss Harvesting

There are several ways in which investors can look to enhance the return on their portfolio. But sometimes, investment returns can sour and put you in the red.&nbsp;Not all is lost, however. A loss in your portfolio isn't always a bad thing, especially if you deploy a trick called tax-loss&nbsp;harvesting, which can lower your overall tax liability. In this quiz, we'll&nbsp;cover key points that will make the concept of tax-loss harvesting easier to understand and implement!

There are several ways in which investors can look to enhance the return on their portfolio. But sometimes, investment returns can sour and put you in the red. Not all is lost, however.  A loss in your portfolio isn't always a bad thing, especially if you deploy a trick called tax-loss harvesting, which can lower your overall tax liability without seriously affecting your longer-term returns.    This quiz will cover key points that will make the concept of tax-loss harvesting easier to understand and implement!

Tax-Loss Harvesting

Strong vs. Weak US Dollar

The impact of a strong vs. weak dollar can be profound,&nbsp;shaping how the economy develops. Managing the exchange rate is an ongoing process with different styles of management across economies. And understanding&nbsp;how the strength of the dollar affects various stakeholders to assess the overall outcome of fluctuations in exchange rates can come in handy. This bite-sized lesson will demonstrate how a change in the exchange rate can have different implications on various participants and pick up some tips while you're at it!

The impact of a strong vs. weak dollar can be profound, shaping how the economy develops. Managing the exchange rate is an ongoing process with different styles of management across economies.  And understanding how the strength of the dollar affects various stakeholders to assess the overall outcome of fluctuations in exchange rates can come in handy.  This bite-sized lesson will demonstrate how a change in the exchange rate can have different implications on various participants and pick up some tips while you're at it!