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Big Tech Moving Into Finance

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Big tech wants a bite of the financial services pie. I think technology and finance go hand in hand, but I also think it’s mostly a one-way street, in terms of benefits. Technology has definitely given the financial services industry an upgrade, but the finance industry tends to think of big tech as a threat. Why is that? Today, we’ll take a look at big tech, how they’re changing financial services, and if those big banks actually have something to worry about.

What do you mean by “Big Tech”?

The names you know off the top of your head. Apple and Google to name two, but there are other players that don’t get as much publicity. Cloud storage from Amazon and/or Microsoft. Software companies like Oracle. Chipmakers like Nvidia. Data companies like IBM. There are a lot of moving parts and it’s no surprise, everything uses technology. What’s different about financial services is the regulation, so adoption of new technologies is typically slower.

How tech changed finances

From a consumer standpoint, banking is easy. Checks are deposited directly into your bank account. You use your bank’s app to review expenses and deposit any real checks you may have. Practically all bills are able to be paid electronically. Not to mention you can automate bill payments and transfers. Also, if you want to save for retirement or invest some money, there are several companies that can do it all online (though we always advise you to speak with a person for advice).

Big tech in finance moving forward

Big tech is already offering some financial products. Google has Google Pay, Samsung has Samsung Pay, and Apple has Apple pay. Apple is also working on a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) offering, but nothing is out yet.

Big tech will be able to compete with legacy financial services companies because they have a competitive advantage. They don’t have the regulatory oversight that current companies do and they have a customer base (and their data) that they can leverage with new offerings.

Parting thoughts

Do I think several big tech companies will come out with financial services offerings? No. I think there will be a select few that come out with some, but I don’t think it’ll be the scale of Wall Street, for example. I think it would behoove big tech and other large companies to remember that being a conglomerate doesn’t work right now. Just this year, there were several companies that split their business up, based on industry (like GE). Could the conglomerate model come back around? Absolutely, but I don’t think now is the time.

Related reading:

Technological Investment Opportunities

Why Financial Literacy is Important

Disclaimer:

**Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; therefore, it is important to coordinate with your tax or legal advisor regarding your specific situation. Please see the website for full disclosures: www.crgfinancialservices.com

Can Public.com Help You Build The Best Stock Portfolio For Your Goals?

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Today, investing is often viewed as a pathway toward financial stability and long-term monetary growth. However, it hasn’t always felt like an accessible option. At Public.com, the company sees things differently. Not only does it strive to make investing something nearly anyone can do. Public.com also aims to help investors make wiser choices. If you’re wondering if Public.com can help you build the best stock portfolio for your goals. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Public.com?

Public.com – formerly Matador – was founded in 2017. It’s a trading app that allows investors to access stock and ETFs using a fractional share approach. People can buy portions of a stock or ETF instead of entire shares. Thus, making it possible to invest as little as $1 at a time.

Like many similar online brokers and trading apps, Public.com is commission-free. Additionally, there are no account minimums or monthly fees.

However, unlike other brokers, Public.com doesn’t earn money using payment for order flow. Which is a somewhat controversial practice that’s recently been targeted by legislators and scrutinized by the SEC. Instead, it relies on a tipping feature. Users can decide to give Public.com a tip after they execute a trade. Thereby, leaving investors in full control.

Public.com also includes a social feature. Portfolios on the site are public. This way other users can see the activities of all member investors. Additionally, they can communicate with each other. Chat groups are available that can help investors learn more about why various members made certain trade decisions. Plus, it’s possible to create new chat groups to have discussions with family members, friends, or other community members.

Most of the social information is displayed using a social media feed-based approach, making it highly familiar. Along with member posts, the feed showcases information about companies, recent IPOs, and more.

What You Can Invest in on Public.com?

Public.com allows members to invest in a range of stocks and ETFs. Whether investors want a piece of a publicly-traded company or prefer the ETF approach for at least a bit of inherent diversification, they have options. Plus, investors can purchase fractional shares to get started, allowing them to snag a piece of their preferred investment vehicle for as little as $1.

Additionally, Public.com offers some crypto assets. For people interested in crypto, this can make investing simpler by centralizing all of their activity, keeping it on a single platform.

Unique Public.com Features

Aside from the tipped-based financial model and the highly social information sharing strategy, Public.com has some unique features.

For example, members can organize their portfolios visually, separating out their long-term investments from the rest. Once a stock or ETF is in the long-term category, if a user attempts to trade it within one year of acquisition, they’ll get a reminder that their original plan was to hold it longer.

Additionally, Public.com makes learning easy. When viewing an investment option, users can tap on key terms to see a definition. It’s a straightforward way to broaden investing-related vocabulary, ensuring users fully understand what each piece of information means.

Finally, Public.com offers more customer support contact options that you see on many other platforms. Users can use a chat feature to get assistance from a real team member, not just a bot. There are also six other contact methods available, giving users the ability to choose how they want to communicate with a company representative.

Can Public.com Help You Build the Best Stock Portfolio for Your Goals?

Ultimately, Public.com is a robust platform for investors looking for an affordable option for purchasing stocks, ETFs, and crypto-assets. The tip-based approach means the app isn’t a part of the payment for order flow controversy. Additionally, it leaves investors in control, allowing them to contribute as much or as little to the company financially as they choose.

The social approach is also intriguing. While there is no guarantee that advice given by anyone on the platform is sound, it is an interesting way to learn more about investing. Plus, it can make trading feel less intimidating or confusing as there is a large community that’s willing to speak with other members to answer questions or simply talk about their decisions.

Additionally, while Public.com isn’t the only place offering fractional shares, the fact that it’s available works in its favor. Being able to invest with as little as $1 is an attractive option for anyone just starting out, particularly those without a ton of income to direct towards investments.

If you’re looking for a commission-free, no-fee platform that supports fractional shares and would appreciate the social elements, Public.com is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind that any advice shared by users should always be taken with a grain of salt and that doing your own research is still a must. That way, you can make choices that are ultimately best for you.

Have you used Public.com? Did it help you build a better stock portfolio? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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What Currently Present a Risk to Markets?

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Where is the market going? What kind of risks do we need to be aware of? There are three or four things to pay attention to right now. The FED, interest rates, inflation, Covid, China, the government, and geopolitics. Do any of these present a risk to markets?

Okay, more than three or four things, but the first three can all be lumped together. Interest rate policy is enacted by the FED and what happens with interest rates has a direct impact on inflation. Furthermore, the government also has a chance to impact inflation.

And I apologize if we bounce around a little from topic to topic.

The FED, Interest Rates, Inflation

The government and the FED have a lot of control over what inflation is going to do. We had a lot of liquidity injected into the market because of the pandemic, and there’s a very good chance we’ll see more of that in the near future.

A $3.5 trillion bill is circulating through Congress right now. If this bill gets passed, we’ll have a lot more liquidity injected into the market. That’s likely to be a large tailwind for inflation (which is already running much hotter than expected). If the FED continues to provide an accommodative monetary policy, we’ll see inflation get out of control, and they’ll have to increase interest rates much sooner than they had planned.

Covid

Covid is still hanging around. 75% of the country has received at least one shot and now the administration is pushing booster shots. This is even after the CDC and the WHO have insisted on holding off on a third shot until less fortunate countries have a chance to get more of their first poke. The numbers need to level off soon or I fear lockdowns may rear their ugly head, and we all know how much the economy liked that the first time around.

China

China is a new story. Specifically, Evergrande. The ginormous real estate company is on the brink of bankruptcy. Comparisons have been made to the collapse of Lehman Brothers during the GFC (great financial crisis). We’ll see what happens and if the Chinese government decides to step in. Ripple effects through the global monetary system are possible.

Geopolitics

The last story is geopolitics. This has to do with the deal the US and Australia struck to help the Australian government build nuclear-capable submarines. It angered France because they already had a deal with Australia to help them build submarines (not nuclear-capable though). Britain feels pretty good because they helped broker the US/Aussie deal. Most likely, this will end up being only noise but could present a risk to markets. Something to keep your eye on.

Related reading:

What does an increase in yields look like?

The resurgence of Covid and what it means

Investment concerns and opportunities

Disclaimer:

**Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; therefore, it is important to coordinate with your tax or legal advisor regarding your specific situation. Please see the website for full disclosures: www.crgfinancialservices.com

What Are The Major Downsides to Using a Roth IRA?

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downsides to using a Roth IRA

When people look at opening an individual retirement account (IRA), it isn’t uncommon to see recommendations directing them toward the Roth version. While Roth IRAs certainly have plenty of benefits, that doesn’t mean they are the best fit for everyone. After all, they are not drawback-free. If you’re considering a Roth IRA, here’s what you need to know about the downsides of using one.

Low Contribution Limit

For 2021, the IRA contribution limit is $6,000, though individuals age 50 and over can add another $1,000 to that. While that can feel like a substantial sum, it may not be enough to fully fund a retirement, depending on when you began.

Instead, many people with Roth IRAs may also need to set money aside elsewhere. If they are employed, a 401(k) or similar option through an employer could be a smart choice, particularly if they are offering a match.

For anyone who doesn’t have access to an employer-sponsored account, there are other options available. Self-employed individuals may be eligible for a solo 401(k), giving them a solid alternative. Using a traditional brokerage account could also work, though it doesn’t have the tax benefits that you get with formal retirement savings.

Income Limits

Unlike a traditional IRA, your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) has to fall within a certain limit to contribute to a Roth IRA. The limit that applies to a Roth IRA varies depending on the account holder’s tax filing status.

The contribution limit also has three phrases. If a person’s MAGI falls below a certain point, they can contribute the full amount allowable during the tax year.

MAGIs that sit above that initial cutoff but below a second one will see their maximum allowable contribution lower. If a person’s MAGI crosses an upper threshold, they are not allowed to contribute to a Roth IRA.

Here is an overview of the income phase-out ranges based on tax filing status:

Tax Filing Status MAGI Contribution Limit
Single / Head of Household Under $125,000 Up to Annual Maximum
  $125,000 to $139,999 Phasing Out
  $140,000+ Ineligible
Married Filing Jointly Under $198,000 Up to Annual Maximum
  $198,000 to $207,999 Phasing Out
  $208,000+ Ineligible
Married Filing Separately Under $10,000 Phasing Out
  $10,000+ Ineligible

For individuals with pre-existing Roth IRAs who become ineligible to contribute in a subsequent year, they don’t lose access to that retirement account. Instead, they simply can’t add contributions while their income exceeds the limits. If their income declines in a subsequent year, they can begin contributing once again.

It’s also important to note that MAGI limits don’t apply if you’re rolling a traditional IRA into a Roth. However, you do have to follow all of the rollover rules, some of which are relatively complex.

Additionally, it’s crucial to understand that the limits are subject to change each year. Annually, the IRS reviews both the income and contribution limits to determine if adjustments are necessary. Often, when those occur, the numbers shift upward, not down. However, the changes do tend to be pretty small in the grand scheme of things.

Set Up Falls on You

With employer-sponsored retirement accounts, contributing is fairly simple. Your employer has made most of the difficult choices, takes care of your enrollment, and even makes sure that contributions come right out of your paycheck.

Unlike an employer-sponsored retirement account, you have to set up your own Roth IRA. Along with choosing the bank or broker that will hold your account, you’ll need to determine when you’ll contribute. The money won’t come straight out of your paycheck. Instead, you’ll have to schedule transfers to fund the Roth IRA.

In many cases, even a Roth IRA is reasonably automated once you get it set up. However, the initial legwork can be time-consuming, particularly if you have to spend a lot of time exploring banks and brokers to find the right option.

No Upfront Tax Deduction

When a Roth IRA, you contribute after-tax dollars. That means you don’t receive a tax deduction for setting money aside for retirement during the tax year the contributions are made. Instead, you can take distributions once you reach retirement age tax-free.

Essentially, it’s the opposite arrangement you find in a traditional IRA. With traditional IRAs, there is an upfront tax deduction. However, distributions are taxed.

Technically, not everyone views the Roth IRA as a drawback. However, it doesn’t mean that you have to spend more of your money on taxes now. As a result, you may have less in your budget to spend or save, which could be troublesome for some people.

Additionally, depending on your financial situation, getting the tax break later instead of upfront may not yield the biggest benefit. If your income is higher during your earning years than it will be during retirement, you could end up spending more in taxes over the course of your life by using a Roth IRA.

The Five-Year Rule

When you hit the minimum age for withdrawals with most retirement accounts, you don’t have to worry about any penalties. However, Roth IRAs are subject to the five-year rule. That means if your first contribution to your Roth IRA wasn’t at least five years ago when you being making retirement withdrawals at age 59 ½ or older, earnings you receive as distributions could be subject to taxes.

For many people who begin contributing to a Roth IRA well before retirement age, this isn’t usually an issue. However, if you didn’t open a Roth IRA until after you were 54 ½ years old or older, you’ll have to wait past age 59 ½ to make tax-free earnings withdrawals.

Whether that is a problem depends on your financial situation. Some people work beyond age 59 ½ or have other sources of funds, so they don’t necessarily need the Roth IRA income right away. As a result, waiting until they can make tax-free withdrawals isn’t automatically an issue. Instead, it just requires awareness and planning.

For others, the delay could be more problematic. As a result, anyone who is considering opening a new IRA later in life should determine if the five-year rule applies to them. If so, they should make sure that the impact isn’t an issue and, if it could be, potentially explore other retirement account options.

Can you think of any other downsides of using a Roth IRA? Do you think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Investment Concerns and Opportunities

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There are investment concerns and opportunities pretty much any way you turn. Healthcare looks great, but what about the costs associated with treatment? Technology is improving every day, but what’s going to happen with possible regulations? Is the FED going to pop our bubble?

Plenty can happen so let’s explore it together.

The FED

The FED doesn’t appear like it’ll stop its asset-buying program and accommodative monetary policy anytime soon, and it said just that in its most recent meeting.

That’s a good sign for the economy and for certain sectors. The industries that find the most favor are those that use heavy borrowing to facilitate growth efforts. These include construction, retail, information technology, transportation, and healthcare.

Commodity Prices

We continue to see a rise in commodity prices. Copper, oil, and lumber are all near record highs. I believe we’ll continue to see a steady increase in the price of copper. Copper is used in electronics, and with the further development of new technology, electric and autonomous vehicles, and green energy…the demand for the metal is just getting started.

Big Tech

Silicon Valley is bracing for possible regulatory troubles. There’s a new head of the FTC and she has her gloves on. Big tech has come under increased scrutiny in a few areas, including content, privacy, and antitrust. This causes investment concerns.

The federal government has a problem with social platforms and some of the content users post on their sites. There’s a thin line these companies walk because they can’t censor speech and they can’t promote speech. But some people post very harmful and hurtful things.

Also, antitrust cases are likely to come in full force because some of these companies are so gosh darn huge. They have so much pull, so much money, and too much market share (in a lot of cases).

What’s more, they no longer hide that they harness user data to make money. How much they sell to other parties and what they sell isn’t entirely known, but their privacy issues are also coming to head.

With all of that said, compliance costs are going to increase. What those companies look like and what they’re allowed to do will likely look different than what it is now. Only time will tell what happens to these companies.

Healthcare

I’m reading and hearing more and more excitement about the healthcare space and the investment opportunities that lie within. The speed at which the globe was able to produce three or four viable and useful vaccines for Covid is incredible. I heard today that it’s the first vaccine to be created in less than 5 years.

The global population is getting older by the day. Not only that, but the baby boomer generation is around retirement age, so they’re going to require more medical attention.

Prescriptions, medical devices, new and improved medical technologies are going to treat and possibly cure more and more illnesses.

Telemedicine looks to be a great investment opportunity. Last year, medical attention was quite high but 90% of that was done in person. Virtual visits, remote monitoring, and in-home testing will grow in popularity.

Investment concerns and opportunities abound, I’m excited for what’s to come in the tech and healthcare spaces.

Disclaimer:

**Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; therefore, it is important to coordinate with your tax or legal advisor regarding your specific situation. Please see the website for full disclosures: www.crgfinancialservices.com

What’s Up With Oil?

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Oil is in the news a lot right now because of what’s currently happening on the East Coast of the United States. There was a hack of an oil pipeline, and the hackers have since been identified, but the consequences of that hack are being felt by the company and by consumers.

Due to the hack, the pipeline shut down. This pipeline provides the East Coast with nearly half of its gasoline and jet fuel. As a result, gas, and oil prices have gone up, there are gasoline shortages, and consumers are behaving erratically. Some are hoarding gasoline. Others are chasing down supply trucks and are behaving in a way, akin to when an animal’s food supply is threatened.

With all that said, I do want to talk about oil today. Not just the recent news about the hack, but also the price of oil, the supply and demand dynamics, and what my thoughts on the future of the precious fossil fuel are.

Oil Price, Supply and Demand

The price of oil is back to pre-pandemic levels. Back in the early days of the pandemic, however, there was a tremendous shock to the system. Oil prices dove into negative territory because demand projections dropped.

Everyone started staying home due to Covid and mandatory quarantines, so demand dried up. A lot of analysts said that pre-Covid was peak oil demand. More people are going to work remotely, which means less commuting and less consumption. More businesses are going to conduct meetings via Zoom instead of flying to different locations, which also means less consumption.

Do I think the “pre-Covid era” was peak oil demand? I think so, but it’s difficult to say with certainty.

The future of oil

I do believe, however, that the overall demand for oil will trend down going forward. With that said, oil producers are focused on their bottom line. If they see demand trending down, they’ll be inclined to reduce production to protect the price per barrel from plummeting.

There’s another force at play here – clean energy. We will continue to see start-ups and agile new companies bring new technology to market. I think the runway for clean energy, in terms of growth and return potential, is very large. However, don’t count out the big energy companies quite yet.

These companies (Exxon, BP, Chevron, and the like) have been investing a lot of money in green/clean energy. They see the forces at play and they see the direction in which the market is going. It’s in their best interest to plan for an energy market dominated by renewables.

How should we invest?

That’s a good question and due to regulatory constraints, I can’t tell you specifically. Do I think there’s a place for oil in your portfolio? Maybe in the short-term, but not for long.

Investing in energy will be more nuanced than it has in the past. Big oil companies, as I mentioned, are investing in clean energy, but I believe renewable startups and green energy companies will attract the majority of investment.

Keep up to date with what’s happening in the energy market and do your due diligence when it comes to selecting investments.

Related reading:

What Asset Allocation Matters

Inflation, Gold, Semiconductors

 

**Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; therefore, it is important to coordinate with your tax or legal advisor regarding your specific situation. Please see the website for full disclosures: www.crgfinancialservices.com

What Should I Do With the Next Stimulus Check?

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next stimulus check

With the new COVID relief bill passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden. Many Americans have stimulus checks on the way if they aren’t already in hand. However, figuring out what to do with the money can be surprisingly tricky. Particularly if you have some conflicting needs. Luckily, it is possible to choose the best path for you. If you aren’t sure where to begin. Here are some options for what to do with the next stimulus check.

Handle an Urgent Need

If you have an urgent financial need, such as issues buying enough food for your household or past-due utility bills, using your stimulus check to handle those costs is your best bet. It ensures you can continue to live without undue hardship, and that’s important during this pandemic recovery period.

Additionally, if you have secured debt – like an auto loan – and you’ve fallen behind on payments, putting the asset at risk of seizure, it may be a solid target. By catching up, you may be able to avoid the repossession or foreclosure. Depending on the asset involved, that might be crucial.

However, before you send stimulus money toward any bill, you may want to see if there are other programs available that may reduce that burden. For example, utility companies, mortgage lenders, certain state or county offices, and many other organizations have relief programs to help those who are struggling due to the pandemic. If you’re eligible for their assistance, don’t hesitate to use it. Then, you can direct your stimulus check toward other needs.

Pay Your Taxes

If you have filed (or are about to file) your federal taxes and owe money to the IRS, using your stimulus check to handle that burden isn’t a bad idea. Unlike for the 2019 tax year filings, the IRS isn’t postponing 2020 tax filings this year. If you want to avoid fees and interest, then you need to pay what you owe in full by April 15.

Even if the stimulus check only covers part of your obligation, using it to handle some of your taxes reduces this total burden. Then, if you need to enter into a payment plan with the IRS to address the rest, what you’ll need to pay could be easier to shoulder.

Create an Emergency Fund

If you don’t have any cash – or very little money – set aside in an emergency fund, using your stimulus check to get one started is a good idea. It’s wise to have a little cash available for unexpected events, something that the pandemic made abundantly clear for many.

Ideally, you want at least $1,000 set aside initially. Then, you can work your way up over time, aiming to save a minimum of three to six months’ living expenses.

Pay Down High-Interest Debt

Using your stimulus check to tackle high-interest debt is always a good idea. Not only will it reduce the amount of money you’ll pay over the life of the debt, but it could potentially boost your credit.

For many people, starting with high-interest credit cards is the best way to go, especially if the cards are close to being maxed out. However, for others, a high-interest personal loan could also be a good target.

Finally, if you have a payday loan, focusing on that might be your ideal option. Payday loans usually come with astronomical interest rates, making them a wise debt to tackle with stimulus money.

Boost Your Retirement Savings

By using your stimulus check to boost your retirement savings, you not only do something to help secure your financial future, but you may also get a tax benefit. You have until April 15, 2021, to finish up your 2020 retirement investing. If you contribute your stimulus to a tax-advantaged account, you might be able to lower your 2020 tax burden.

However, you can also use the money for your 2021 retirement savings. You may be able to get a jump start on it or even fully fund an IRA, depending on how much you receive in your stimulus check.

Handle a Large Purchase

If you have a solid emergency fund, fully funded retirement accounts, no high-interest debt, and have your financial house otherwise in order, then using your stimulus check for a large purchase is certainly an option. It may give you the ability to buy high-cost items in cash, allowing you to potentially avoid high-interest debt.

Even using stimulus money to fund a vacation can be a smart move if you’re in good financial shape otherwise. Again, it lets you avoid the need for debt and could give you something fun to look forward to once you feel comfortable traveling.

Invest, Invest , Invest

If you want to put your stimulus check to work but already have a fully-funded retirement account, then you could always invest separately. There are many options that can help people get started, including full-service brokers, robo-advisors, and anything in-between.

You will need to do some research if you don’t currently have an investment account, ensuring you choose the right brokerage for you. Additionally, if you aren’t sure where to invest the money, you might need professional guidance or to conduct more research.

In many cases, focusing on individual stocks isn’t wise for beginners. Instead, options like index funds may be a better bet, as they come with an innate level of diversification.

Save Money for College

Whether you have children or may go back to college yourself, setting your stimulus check aside in a 529 college savings plan could be a smart move. It lets your money grow tax-free, and any withdrawals you make for qualifying expenses aren’t taxed either. In the end, this option can help make college more affordable, allowing you or your child to potentially avoid or reduce the need for costly student loans.

Do you already have plans for your next stimulus check? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Should You Be Investing in SPACs?

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investing in SPACs

Many investors are constantly on the prowl for new options that could help them make a bit of cash. If SPACs have recently made their way onto your radar and you’re wondering if you should be investing in them, here’s what you need to know.

What Are SPACs?

SPAC stands for “special-purpose acquisition company.” Also referred to as “blank check companies,” SPACs are publicly-listed, but are considered non-operating. Instead, they exist solely to purchase private companies, allowing the company that has been acquired to have a connection with a publicly listed stock.

Generally, the process of becoming a publicly-listed is cumbersome. By going the SPAC route, a private company can avoid the challenges associated with an initial public offering (IPO). The SPAC is already public. Plus, by using a reverse merger after the acquisition, the once private company can transition to a public one while maintaining autonomy.

Are SPACs a Good Investment?

Like any part of the investment landscape, there is certainly risk associated with investing in SPACs, even if there doesn’t appear to be any on the surface. While it’s true that if a SPAC doesn’t find a private company to scoop up, investors get their money back after a set amount of time, your money may not be working for you as hard as it could going another route.

Additionally, there’s no guarantee that the private company a SPAC grabs is going to be successful once it is part of the market. As recent history has shown, not all IPOs go well. If the SPAC selects the wrong company, you can certainly experience losses.

Finally, by design, SPACs benefit the SPAC sponsors far more than individual investors. Generally, the sponsors get a significant stock allocation for the SPAC IPO, and the founder shares can dilute common stockholders.

In many cases, a SPAC’s performance can be subpar. When there is a high-valued private company serving as a potential target, it can generate competition among SPACs. When that happens, the price may inflate, causing the SPAC that “wins” to overpay, something that doesn’t work in investors’ favor.

SPAC Overpays

However, the sponsors – due to the nature of the arrangement – can still come out ahead even if the SPAC overpays, creating a level of conflict of interest. The decisions may not be in the best interest of individual investors. Instead, only the sponsors serve to gain.

Ultimately, it’s wise to be cautious about investing in SPACs. You may not know exactly what the SPAC will scoop up when you invest, which isn’t ideal. Additionally, there can be issues with transparency, as well as potential conflicts of interest.

In many ways, a SPAC is riskier than a traditional IPO. If you’re risk-averse, that’s far from ideal. However, even if you are open to some risk, the low historical performance should give you pause. If you do think SPACs are right for you, research is your ally, as it may give you an indication about the SPAC’s ability to choose the right private company. Make sure you really dig in, as that may be your only way to determine if a SPAC has potential.

Do you think investing in SPACs is a smart move? Do you plan on adding them to your portfolio? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Should You Care About Warren Buffet’s Stock Trades

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warren buffett's stock trades

Warren Buffett is a bastion in the world of investment. The billionaire has a reputation for making smart choices. As a result, many investors wonder if they should mimic his moves or if keeping an eye on his trades would help them achieve better results. If you are trying to figure out if you should care about Warren Buffett’s stock trades, here’s what you need to know.

Why Investors Follow Warren Buffett’s Stock Trades

Generally speaking, when an investor spends time tracking Warren Buffett’s stock trades, their main goal is usually to snag similar results. Following the investment moves of a legend usually seems like a great idea. Many think that, by using an approach that mimics the Oracle of Omaha’s strategy, they can reach the same level of success.

However, some many also watch Warren Buffett’s stock trades for other reasons. For example, instead of attempting to follow his moves directly, they may use his trades to identify sectors that could be poised for gains or losses. At times, investors simply enjoy seeing how their strategy aligns with or differs from what others are doing, including individuals with some fame.

Changing Your Investment Approach to Match Warren Buffett

As mentioned above, some people watch Warren Buffett stock trades in hopes of following his strategy to increase their gains. In reality, that isn’t always a great idea.

One of the biggest reasons why you may not want to follow in Warren Buffett’s footsteps is that his investment goals may differ from your own. For example, he isn’t stashing cash for retirement, while that may be your main objective. As a result, his choices may not align with your preferred risk level.

Additionally, there are certain moves that he can make that are out of the reach of the vast majority of investors. For instance, he can establish massive stakes in companies that are household names, something that most investors can’t pull off.

Finally, Warren Buffett can make deals that an individual investor just can’t. For example, his $5 billion investment in Goldman Sachs in 2008 – which many considered to be a bailout – resulted in a $3+ billion gain when he unloaded it. But he didn’t purchase Goldman Sachs’s stock the way a normal investor would when that happened, putting him in a different position.

Generally, Warren Buffett’s unique position means that he can make moves that nearly everyone else can’t. Mimicking his approach is, therefore, practically impossible.

Overall, all of the points above suggest that changing your investment approach to match Warren Buffett isn’t a great idea. His strategy doesn’t rely on traditional kinds of investing, so it may not be compatible with you.

Warren Buffett’s Stock Trades: Should You Care?

Even if you shouldn’t copy Warren Buffett stock trades directly, that doesn’t mean keeping an eye on what he does is a bad idea. You may be able to use his choices to figure out options that you were previously overlooking, like an emerging sector.

The trick is to make sure that, even if you want Warren Buffett’s trade activity, you only make moves that align with your strategy, goals, and risk tolerance. That way, you’re doing what’s right for you and not just copying a billionaire whose unique position gives them different kinds of options.

Do you think investors should care about Warren Buffett’s stock trades? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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The Best, Low Maintenance Way to Invest 30K

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If you’ve been building your savings to start investing and you’ve managed to put aside $30K, you may be wondering what your next step should be. How do I invest 30k? What is the best, low maintenance approach?

Here are some great ways to apply that 30K towards growing your wealth.

Pay Off Debt

First and foremost, use some of the money to pay off any debt you may have. It will save you money in the long-run. If you’re carrying a $10K credit card balance with a 15% interest fee, you’ll be paying an extra $1500/year in interest. That’s money that can be better spent on investments down the road. If you want to invest 30k, first start by getting rid of debt.

Emergency Fund

If you don’t already have one, put some of your money aside in an emergency fund so you know you’ll be able to manage if something unexpected happens. You should have 3-6 months’ worth of expenses put aside in an easily accessible account like a savings account. Just make sure it’s not linked to your debit card so you can’t spend it. The period of time you need to cover varies based on how long you think it would take you to find another job should something happen to your current job.

Earning return

What’s next has all to do with three things: risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment objectives. As a matter of fact, that’s how all of your investment decisions are made.

There are several different vehicles you can utilize, so what I’m going to do is give each vehicle its own section, explain what it is, and then give a little more detail as to when it could be used.

Certificate of Deposit (CD)

A bank product with a specified interest rate and a specified maturity. CDs are used to hold money for a specified period of time in a virtually risk-free fashion. More about CDs.

You’ll choose a CD for two reasons. The first is if you want a safe, federally insured vehicle to stash away some cash. The other reason is if you do not want to touch that money for a specified period. For example, you’re going to buy a house in three years and you don’t want to jeopardize that down payment. You buy/invest in a 3 year CD. At the end of year three, you’ll get back your principal (what you put in) and some accrued interest. Early withdrawal penalties apply.

Savings/Money Market Accounts

Typically used for your emergency fund. Easily accessible, and able to earn a little interest.

That’s pretty much it when it comes to these accounts. The interest they offer will be (not always) pretty low, but, like the CD, it offers a very safe place to store your cash until you need it. Unlike the CD, however, there are no early withdrawal penalties.

Qualified accounts

Basically any retirement account. Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and employer-sponsored plans (401k, Simple IRA, etc.). There are contribution limits associated with these accounts.

With these accounts, as I said, contribution limits are something to pay attention to. With your Traditional and Roth IRA, there’s a $6,000 contribution limit ($7,000 if you’re 50 and older). 401ks have a limit of $19,500 (25,500 for 50 and older). Simple IRA limit is $13,500 ($16,500 for 50 and older).

This is a long term investment solution, as early withdrawal penalties apply. There are several ways to “exempt” yourself from that penalty, however, such as a first home purchase. For an extensive list of these exemptions, click here.

These accounts are also called “tax-advantaged” accounts because, as the name suggests, there are tax advantages. You either lower your taxable income with your contributions or have the ability to withdraw the funds “tax-free” (barring an early withdrawal penalty, of course).

Non-Qualified Accounts

Brokerage accounts or any investment vehicle that doesn’t have any tax benefits. Meaning, you pay taxes on any capital gains and dividends you receive. No contribution limits.

Honestly, the only advantage to these accounts is there is no contribution limit. For example, if you’ve maxed your contribution for your employer-sponsored plan and your IRA, then you can dump the rest of your money here.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Accounts specifically designed to help you with your medical expenses. Money that you contribute to this account is “tax-free” or “tax-deductible”, which means it lowers your taxable income. Also, the funds, if used for qualified medical expenses, are tax-free.

With some, not all HSAs, you can invest what you’ve contributed. So if you have 30k to invest, I’ll point you to the below section to help with that. There are contribution limits with the HSA, however, so keep that in mind.

Asset allocation

After you’ve selected an investment vehicle (this section does not apply to CDs, savings accounts, or money market accounts), it’s time to invest your capital.

Asset allocation is my preferred method to invest, and I’ve written extensively on it here. So if you want to invest 30k, here’s what you need to ask yourself. How long until I need these funds? What is my ultimate goal for these funds? What am I willing to lose?

If your time period is less than 5 years, ignore this section and stick your money in a savings account or a CD. The risk/reward is unfavorable in this scenario.

If you have, ideally, 10+ years, then you have some options. The next question is about risk tolerance. What kind of portfolio are you comfortable with? Using the stocks/bonds/cash breakdown, are you a 60/40/0 type of person? Maybe you’re quite tolerant and prefer an 80/20/0 approach.

For those of you that are not tolerant of risk and/or you have a shorter number of years until you need to access these funds. Your portfolio should start at 50/50/0, and then adjust as you see fit. The cash portion in this breakdown should be used as investable cash for when you see a buying opportunity and/or funds you’ll need access to in the near future (unriskable capital).

Risk Tolerance

If you really want to know what your unique risk tolerance is, take our quiz!

I know I didn’t really give a concrete answer to what’s posed in the headline, but that’s the thing about investing – it’s incredibly personal. You need to do what’s best for you.

If time is on your side, max your retirement contribution, then put the rest in a savings account until next year. At that time, max it again.

If time isn’t your friend, a CD isn’t a bad idea. As I said earlier, paying down/off debt is incredibly worth it. That’s an automatic 15% return on your money if you pay off your credit card. Money that can be used more effectively going forward.

Read our articles, ask for advice, and do what’s best for you. That’ll help you answer the question: how do you invest 30k?

 

**Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc. Securities America and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice; therefore, it is important to coordinate with your tax or legal advisor regarding your specific situation. Please see website for full disclosures: www.crgfinancialservices.com