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Alert Investor

TheAlertInvestor

An Alert Investor is a smarter investor. Our goal is to provide an understanding of investing that forms the basis of smart participation in financial markets. We’re sponsored by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the largest independent financial industry regulator.

Recent Articles by Alert Investor

family of four smiling in park with kids on parents backs

Apr 13, 2017 by Alert Investor

Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Learn About the Earned Income Tax Credit

This tax break could be worth thousands, especially for low-income families with children.

man wondering whether to act now or later instant gratification

Apr 12, 2017 by Alert Investor

Need Cash ASAP? Slow Down and Think Before Getting a Tax Refund Advance

It may cost you more than it's worth.

woman putting money in piggy bank smiling retirement saving

Apr 11, 2017 by Alert Investor

Don't Forget to Make Your Retirement, HSA Contributions by the Tax Day Deadline

It's not too late to make contributions toward 2016.

gold bars bricks ingots

Mar 19, 2017 by Alert Investor

Golden Rules for Investors: 8 Things to Consider Before Buying Actual Gold

Many people think of gold as a "safe" investment, but if you don't understand this asset, it's anything but.

wallet full of hundred dollar bills cash money

Mar 18, 2017 by Alert Investor

6 Tips to Boost Your Savings

Nearly everyone can find at least a little room in their budget for savings.

man shrugging confused surprised uncertain

Mar 17, 2017 by Alert Investor

What's Your Investing IQ? Take the Quiz

Less than 1% of respondents got a perfect score.

woman thinking about how to make money

Mar 16, 2017 by Alert Investor

Know Before You Borrow: 7 Questions Before Considering Peer-to-Peer Lending

These unique online lending platforms could help you get fast and easy access to cash -- but you need to understand what you're getting into.

shredding documents in paper shredder

Mar 15, 2017 by Alert Investor

Save or Shred: How Long You Should Keep Financial Documents

Here are some documents you may want to hang on to for anywhere from a week to 30 years.

risk reward balance

Mar 14, 2017 by Alert Investor

Before You Say Hi to High-Yield Bonds, Read This

Don't let the hefty interest rates tempt you to buy "junk bonds" without fully understanding them.

college savings money in jar

Mar 14, 2017 by Alert Investor

Giving It the College Try: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About 529 Plans

These tax-advantaged savings plans may be the smartest way to save for college.

person smashing piggy bank with hammer

Mar 13, 2017 by Alert Investor

Cashing Out Your 401(k) Early? What You Should Know

It may be tempting to tap your retirement savings in order to cover near-term expenses, but there can be severe consequences.

Mar 12, 2017 by Alert Investor

Hidden Treasure: Why Modest-Income Taxpayers Should Learn About the Saver's Credit

This credit could reward you richly for doing something that's to your benefit.

senior woman in shop business owner entrepreneur

Jan 13, 2017 by Alert Investor

"Have It Your Way" Retirement Accounts: 4 Things to Know About Self-Directed IRAs

These tax-advantaged retirement accounts come with options and risks that you may not be aware of.

puppy sitting on money cash bills

Jan 9, 2017 by Alert Investor

11 Pet Names for Finance Fans

If you need a name for your new pet, there's plenty of inspiration in the world of finance. If you don't like these options, at least you'll learn something.

torn hundred dollar bill cash money ripped stock split

Jan 9, 2017 by Alert Investor

A Piece-by-Piece Guide to Stock Splits

A stock split does not change the value of a company, but it can have a number of indirect effects.

human network connection people peer to peer

Dec 11, 2016 by Alert Investor

Peer-to-Peer Lending: 7 Things Investors Should Know

Read up on P2P loans before you invest, because they're not for everyone -- and they may come with substantial risk.

jenga tower risk

Dec 8, 2016 by Alert Investor

The Lowdown on Leveraged and Inverse Exchange-Traded Products

These instruments are complex and sometimes extraordinarily risky.

board of directors

Mar 25, 2019 by Alert Investor

Get on Board: Understanding the Role of Corporate Directors

Even CEOs have to answer to somebody.

earth under microscope small world

Dec 7, 2016 by Alert Investor

Incredibly Shrinking Markets

The number of stocks on the U.S. market has shrunk by almost half in the past 20 years. What's behind the market's contraction?

401k savings jar

Oct 28, 2016 by Alert Investor

Read It and Weep? What You Need to Know About 401(k) Fee Disclosure

Do you know how much your 401(k) is costing you? If not, find out immediately.

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