Now and then, it is recommended you revisit your portfolio and realign it with your financial goals (which may also have changed amidst the current global pandemic). A popular investment is exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which allow you to hold a basket of high dividend-paying companies. It is a hybrid of mutual funds and stocks. Here are five of the top high dividend ETF funds that you can consider for investment during 2020: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) The CRSP US Total Market Index is tracked by the VTF. It is representative of almost 100% of the investable market, comprising micro-cap, small, mid, and stocks. As of March 31, 2020, the SEC yield was estimated at 2.20%, and the expense ratio was 0.03%. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) This fund keeps track of the NASDAQ US Dividend Achievers Select Index, which was previously known as the Dividend Achievers Select Index and covered approximately 182 stocks. As of December 2019, the expense ratio was 0.06%, and the SEC yield for the fund was about 1.80%. Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) This particular fund from Vanguard monitors the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. The fund represented about 404 stocks of companies with high dividend yields as of November 2019.

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.

Auto Insurance is an essential step to an assured investment return. It is a simple process that becomes even easier with the right knowledge. The number of policy options with different plans and jargons in the world of cars can overwhelm first-time investors. Appropriate considerations should be followed during the process to avoid unnecessary losses. Scroll further to know the mistakes to avoid when buying car insurance. Buying a lower premium insurance Most car buyers are calculative of their budget and end up with lower premium car insurance. Automobile insurance ​accounts for the benefits that one gains from the policy. The mere affordability of the insurance does not justify a quality decision. One should always go to reliable companies for such insurance. The lowest premium policy providers may not be faithful enough to sustain the policy and its returns. I gnoring basic research Primary research is mandatory before buying or renewing car insurance. Go through its details, features, continuing policy, and unbiased comparisons. Verification of the insurer is of utmost importance in the research. Not considering deductibles Policyholders agree to pay a certain amount when raising a claim. These deductibles can be of two types— compulsory and voluntary. The optional amounts that you agree to pay at the time of submitting a claim are voluntary ones.

Your income may not always grow at the same rate as your expenditure, and to combat inflation, you must invest wisely to make your money grow simultaneously. However, to invest, you first need savings from which you can set aside a lumpsum for your future security. Basically, the sooner you open a savings account, the quicker you’ll have a place to deposit and withdraw funds. Here are some other cool benefits of a savings account. Your money stays safe in a bank As cool as it sounds to bury a chest of treasure in your yard, you are better off leaving your hard-earned cash in the bank. For one, banks have giant vaults and guards to keep the funds safe. But mainly because of federal policies and insurance in place that safeguard the cash. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures up to $250,000 of your savings from any financial recession or depression that affects monetary value. So your money stays safe and is returned to you in any event up to the said limit. Better returns over checking accounts Checking accounts don’t accrue any interest. But putting your hard-earned money in savings accounts will earn you nominal interest. So, your money does not sit idle and also generates a second source of payments, however minor it may be, to pay off smaller bills.

In the world of investments, precious metals have long been a favored choice for those seeking to diversify their portfolios and hedge against economic uncertainties. The appeal of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium is not limited to their aesthetic appeal but extends to their intrinsic value. Investing in these metals may require some careful consideration. So, to help one get started, here are a few things to know before investing in precious metals: 1. Type of precious metal Before investing in precious metals, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the various types available and their unique characteristics. The four primary precious metals investors typically consider are gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Gold: This is a timeless, valuable investment due to its scarcity and durability, often used for wealth preservation. Silver: This is valuable for both its industrial and precious metal applications, subject to supply-demand fluctuations. Platinum: Rarer than gold, platinum is mainly used in the automotive industry and has more volatile prices. Palladium: This usually is in demand for catalytic converters but has limited supply and thereby offers significant price growth. Each of these precious metals has its own supply-demand dynamics and factors affecting its price. So, it is crucial to research and understand the specific market forces that influence the metal one intends to invest in.

Gold has long been considered a reliable investment, offering stability and a hedge against economic uncertainties. One can harness the potential benefits of gold by adding it to their investment portfolio. However, like any investment, gold comes with its set of challenges and pitfalls. Many individuals looking to invest in gold make common mistakes that can impact their financial goals. Here are a few of such mistakes to avoid when investing in gold. Not conducting research One of the most common mistakes people make when investing in gold is investing without sufficient research and knowledge. Gold investment involves various options, such as physical gold (coins and bars), gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and gold mining stocks. Each option has its characteristics, risks, and costs. To avoid this mistake, one must take the time to learn about the different forms of gold investment, understand market dynamics, and stay informed about economic factors influencing gold prices. Being well-informed is the foundation of successful gold investment. Falling for sales pitches Some individuals fall prey to aggressive sales pitches promising extraordinary returns on gold investments. These pitches often come with high-pressure tactics and may involve rare or collectible coins that are sold at inflated prices.

Getting a home loan is a significant financial milestone for many individuals and families as it allows them to achieve the dream of being a homeowner. However, the process can be complex and daunting for most. Making mistakes during the home loan application process might have long-lasting consequences. Awareness of these seven common mistakes is crucial to successfully navigating this journey. By knowing about these errors, one could also take steps to avoid them. Ignoring credit score management A high credit score signifies financial responsibility and makes qualifying for favorable loan terms easier. Many applicants make the mistake of neglecting their credit scores until they apply for a home loan. To avoid this mistake, potential home buyers should regularly monitor their credit scores and take steps to improve them if necessary. Paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, and avoiding new debt may positively impact credit scores. Neglecting to prequalify Prequalifying for a home loan is an essential step that might save applicants time and frustration. One needs to give basic financial information to a lender, who then estimates the loan amount for which the applicant may qualify. Some home buyers skip this step and proceed to search for homes, only to discover later that they cannot secure the desired loan amount.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer a valuable opportunity to save on qualified medical expenses, providing individuals with a powerful financial tool. However, without careful planning and knowledge, individuals can stumble into common pitfalls that may hinder the full benefits of their FSA. By addressing these potential pitfalls head-on, individuals can confidently navigate their FSA, ensuring they make the most of this valuable benefit while avoiding costly missteps. Here are 9 mistakes to avoid with FSA.  Failing to understand the use-it-or-lose-it rule The use-it-or-lose-it rule is a fundamental aspect of FSAs. This rule stipulates that any unused funds in the FSA at the end of the plan year are typically forfeited. To mitigate this risk, individuals should carefully estimate their annual eligible expenses. Employers may offer a grace period or allow a limited amount of rollover funds, but it’s crucial to familiarize oneself with the specific rules of their FSA. Not keeping track of eligible expenses Accurate record-keeping is paramount for successful FSA management. Neglecting to retain detailed documentation of medical expenditures can lead to challenges when substantiating claims. It’s advisable to maintain a dedicated file for all FSA-related receipts, invoices, and explanations of benefits (EOBs).  Misjudging annual contributions Striking the right balance with FSA contributions requires careful consideration.

Financial planning is a complicated endeavor that does not stop with simply opening savings and certificate of deposit accounts. You need an expert who can advise you on the best investment and diversification strategies for building a solid portfolio to secure your financial needs. But before hiring a good advisor, it is essential to understand how the process works and how to proceed from here. These questions can be a starting point. Here are the five questions you must ask a financial advisor: What are your qualifications? Financial planning is a vast topic with several areas of specialization in practice. So, you need to understand whether the advisor provides assistance for financial planning in general or focuses on a specific aspect of portfolio building. Primarily, they practice with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification approved by federal regulatory authorities and guidelines for safe practices. What is the range of services you offer? Their experience will vary depending on the type of services provided, ranging from planning for retirement to tax mitigation strategies and real estate trust services. Some CFPs work as fiduciaries, ensuring they keep your best interests at heart when planning and strategizing your finances. You must also check to confirm any disclosures on the record of previous misconduct or legal sanctions imposed on their range of services.

Financial scams are a common phenomenon in the country; according to data released by the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing more than $3.8 billion due to investment scams in 2022. So, it is important to remain vigilant and practice caution before initiating any online interaction or transaction with a business or a stranger. Here is a look at some common mistakes you should avoid to protect yourself from financial fraud: Using one password for multiple accounts You should frequently change passwords for your sensitive accounts, like those on banking apps and other platforms that have access to your confidential information. So, your accounts investment portals and digital wallets should have unique and strong passwords that are not easy to crack. It is also important to note that using one password for all your accounts increases the risk of fraud. When one account is hacked, others with the same password can also be hacked. Falling for shopping scams Online shopping has made it extremely convenient for customers to order anything from anywhere. While this has helped businesses grow, it has made room for all kinds of scams. You should ensure that the business you are buying from is legitimate. Not only that, you should use a secure Wi-Fi network to carry out all kinds of transactions.

A timeshare is shared ownership of a property, wherein multiple individuals own a “share” of a particular home or property in return for its access for a stipulated period, typically once a year. Investors may sometimes wish to sell their timeshare for various reasons, like the inability to pay for travel or illness. If you want a release from your timeshare ownership, you must consider a few things to sell it fast and safe. 1. Determine the value Owning a timeshare means you have essentially paid for a set number of vacation days upfront. A timeshare’s value decreases over time, unlike real estate, so it should not be purchased as an investment. Additionally, you need to have realistic expectations while reselling it. It is quite likely that the resale value will be lower than the price you paid while originally buying the timeshare. Some owners simply return their timeshares to the property managers without asking for any money, but if you wish to get back at least something, you can determine the value of a timeshare by researching the resort it is located in and checking the prices of similar timeshares currently up for sale. The valuation depends on the location, maintenance, and how long you have owned it.