Unlike stock investors, those who invest in bonds usually have a way to gauge how risky an investment might be. It’s the rating assigned to the bond by a credit rating agency, with triple-A being the agency’s best rating. However, not every triple-A rating means precisely the same thing. In fact, two bonds with that same rating can present different possibilities regarding timely repayment of principal. Here’s why: 1. The ratings are relative to the sector. A fundamental fact

Depending on your age and circumstances, retirement can feel far away and mysterious or achingly close and excitement (or panic) inducing. When you’re young, the idea of retirement is shrouded in the mists of future wealth and idle thoughts of what you’ll do when you don’t have to work anymore. But while those fast approaching retirement may have a clearer view of what is to come, in some ways, they are just as unaware of what is really in store for them over the next few dec

The sooner you start saving, the less you have to put away each month to accumulate the needed funds for retirement. For example, say as a 25-year-old you open an IRA and save $100 a month ($1,200 per year). The IRA earns an average of 6% a year. After 40 years — when you’re 65 and ready to retire — your account balance could grow to over $185,000. But let’s say that, instead, you put off saving until you were 45. At the same rate of saving in an IRA with the same returns, by

Saving money is a bit like exercising. We all know how important both are, but it can be hard to actually get into the habit of doing either. Here are five reasons to help keep you motivated. 1. You’ll Be Prepared for Emergencies Here’s an alarming fact: most Americans don’t have enough money saved to cover even relatively small unexpected expenses, such as emergency room co-pays, minor car repairs, or a broken furnace. Without cash on hand to cover these irregular but inevit

Protecting your financial accounts and information is extremely important. Here are some steps to help you: Passwords and PINs Create strong passwords that contain numbers, letters, and symbols, and don’t share them or store them on your computer. If you need to write down your passwords and PINs, put them in a secure place. You should change your passwords and PINs on a regular basis. Keep Your Computer Secure It is best to always use your own computer or device to access yo

Hello, I hope this note finds you healthy and hopeful. Of course, there are so many challenges that us individually and our country and world for that matter are faced with; a hope and prayer of mine is that each of us remember the very most important things and keep them prioritized. I know for me its faith, family, health, community, and a sense of adventure. What are the most important things in your life? Each of us at Hattig Financial appreciate you so much; our job i