The College Investor Audio Show

Latest Episodes:

How To Handle Deflation: Best Investments For Deflationary Periods Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

In its nearly 250-year history, the U.S. has experienced more periods of inflation than deflation. The last big period of deflation occurred during The Great Depression.

There was another smaller period during the Great Financial Crisis. Both coincided with a recession. During a recession and deflation, people lose their jobs, demand drops, and with it, prices.

But for those who are able to hang on to their jobs and have investments, what should they look at for some of the best investments during a deflationary period? In this article, we'll explain how deflation works and offer a few strategies for defending against it.

What Is An Escrow Or Impound Account And How To Cancel It? Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

Around 80% of mortgage borrowers in the United States have an escrow or impound account. In fact, these accounts are required by some lenders.

These accounts hold money on behalf of the buyer to ensure certain payments are made on time - typically homeowners insurance and property taxes. This can help reduce liability and risk lenders take on, giving buyers access to better financing options.

What is an escrow or impound account? Is it required? More importantly, how do you cancel an escrow or impound account if you don’t actually need it? This article will dive into all of those questions to help you figure out whether or not an escrow account is a good move for you.

Is A 401k A Scam? Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

When you think of financial scams, you may think of Bernie Madoff and Nigerian Princes. But if you listen to enough “financial experts” on YouTube and TikTok, you may hear that the humble 401(k) is a scam.

A 401(k) is a tax-advantaged retirement investment account offered by many employers. It's an account so basic that it may be a victim of its own success. Has the 401(k) scammed aspiring retirees out of their hard-earned money? We don’t think so, but we will explain why the account is being so harshly maligned.

8 Last-Minute Tax Reminders For 2024 Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

The tax deadline is almost here! Here are some last minute tax reminders if you're still working on filing your taxes.

Although it might not be the most enjoyable financial task, it's a necessary obligation that we each undertake every year. And if you use great tax software, filing taxes doesn’t take as much time as you may dread.

But tax filing time isn’t only about filing returns. There are things you can do today to help you save money on your tax bill, and help you save time on filing.

Here are the best last-minute tax tips to consider this season.

Can You Use A 529 Plan For SAT Prep? Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

The short answer is no, you cannot use a 529 plan to pay for SAT prep.

However, all is not lost. While SAT prep courses can be expensive, they don't have to be. There are affordable options to help you prepare for the SAT. Here's what you need to know

DIY MBA: How To Learn Business On Your Own Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Getting an MBA, especially at a top school, can come with an expensive price tag. After investing in an expensive degree you might not get the high-paying job you hoped for – or you might decide management isn’t for you and you want to pursue a completely different career entirely.

If you’re eager to learn the material covered in an MBA program without the burden of paying for one, you can create a DIY MBA curriculum. While this approach isn’t foolproof, it allows you to create a customized curriculum tailored to what you want to study while helping you learn the skills you’ll need to advance in your career.

Top 10 Threats To Your Investment Portfolio Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Threats to your investment portfolio can come from anywhere, including politics, the economy, and even your own mind. Understanding the threats to your investments is the first step to combating them.

Birch Gold, a company that helps investors buy and sell gold, polled its investors about their thoughts on the greatest threats to their well-being.

We combined some of the Birch Gold responses with other sources to deliver these top 10 threats to your investment portfolio.

What To Do With Your Tax Refund Mar 08, 2024

Show notes

If you’re one of the 80% of taxpayers who will be receiving a tax refund this year, here's what to do with your tax refund according to experts.

The average tax refund payment was more than $2,753, according to the IRS. That's a lot of money that you can put to good use.

While you can probably imagine plenty of places to put your prized refund check today, you might not be thrilled with the choice tomorrow.

Rather than spend all of your money frivolously, why not use it to boost your bottom line?

Invest that money in one of the ideas listed below, and you can guarantee your future self with thank you. You may even have some fun along the way.

Here are some of the best ways to put your tax refund to good use this year.

How To Create An FSA ID Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

A Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) is a unique identifier that allows you to log in to Department of Education websites.

You need this ID to complete the FAFSA online, view your financial aid history, accept loans, and select student loan repayment plans.

The sooner you get your FSA ID setup, the easier it will be for you to manage everything related to loans and grants. Let's explore how to set up your FSA ID.

How To Use A Leap Year To Maximize Your Finances Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

Leap Year's extra day can serve as a reminder to stop and evaluate. An extra day in the year represents an opportunity to earn more money, pay off debt, or think long term about your finances.

Here are a few of the best ways you can use a Leap Year to maximize your finances.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The College Investor Audio Show

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected