Mark Titus

Mark Titus is the founder and proprietor of a finance-focused platform. His ardor for finance led him to create the website, where he imparts his years of acquired knowledge to others. His attraction to the subject began in his college years, where he obtained a finance degree. Mark commenced his career in the financial sector, where he worked for a major financial institution, enriching his knowledge and expertise. Over the years, he has developed a profound understanding of financial markets, investment approaches, and financial planning, resulting in an extensive skill set in the industry.

What Is Mezzanine Debt and How Does It Work? With Examples

Reading Time: 3 minutesBusiness financing can be complex, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. From all the financing means available to businesses, mezzanine debt emerges as one available funding option for acquisitions and buyouts. But it’s important to understand what mezzanine debt is and how it works before considering it as a financing option.  In this article, we’ll explore mezzanine debt, its types, how it works, and examples of how it has been used successfully before. What Is Mezzanine Debt? Mezzanine debt is a hybrid form of financing that lies between senior debt and equity. It combines debt and equity financing features, giving businesses more flexibility in their financing options. Mezzanine debt is generally used by companies that need additional capital to fund their growth but don’t want to dilute their ownership or control. Compared to other types of financing options, mezzanine debt is far riskier but generates higher returns – usually 12% to 20%.  Types of Mezzanine Debt There are two types of mezzanine debt: unsecured and secured. Unsecured mezzanine debt is not backed by any collateral, and its repayment is based on the business’s success. On the other hand, secured mezzanine debt is backed by collateral, such as assets or property, which can be seized if the business fails to repay the debt. Mezzanine debt also differs in the types of equity included in the debt, including embedded options (stocks, warrants, rights).  How Does Mezzanine Debt Work? Mezzanine debt is usually structured as a loan, but it also includes an equity component in the form of warrants or options. Warrants give the lender the right to buy equity in the company at a future date and at a predetermined price. Options give the lender the right to buy equity in the company at a future date but at market prices. The interest rate on mezzanine debt is higher than senior debt but lower than equity. The repayment of mezzanine debt is usually deferred until the senior debt is paid off, allowing the business to prioritize its other financial obligations. Mezzanine debt typically has a maturity of five to seven years. Examples of Mezzanine Debt Let’s see a few examples of mezzanine debt to get the whole picture. Mezzanine Debt Example #1 One notable example of mezzanine debt is the acquisition of the popular fashion brand Jimmy Choo by Labelux in 2011. Labelux used mezzanine financing to acquire the brand, allowing it to preserve its equity and control over the company while providing the necessary capital for growth. Mezzanine Debt Example #2 Another example of mezzanine debt is the financing of the $26 billion acquisition of Hilton Hotels by the Blackstone Group in 2007. Blackstone used mezzanine debt to finance the transaction, preventing it from diluting its company ownership. These are two of the most popular examples of the use of mezzanine debt. But these examples don’t give us a conclusive image of how mezzanine debt is used.  Mezzanine Debt Example #3 The final mezzanine debt example is a made-up one for clarification purposes.  Mary owns a successful SaaS startup and is interested in expanding her business by adding new features to her software. However, she lacks the capital to fund the development. So, she decides to use mezzanine debt to finance the expansion.  Mary approaches a mezzanine lender who agrees to provide her with $1 million in financing in exchange for warrants that give the lender the option to buy equity in the company at a later date. With the additional capital, Mary can now fund the development of the new features, which will help her company grow faster. But she must repay the mezzanine debt lender, so they decide on a 10% yearly repayment. So instead of forking $1 million of her own money, Mary will only pay $100,000 in interest for the mezzanine loan each year.  Conclusion Mezzanine debt can be a useful financing option for businesses needing additional capital but not wanting to dilute their ownership or control. It offers a flexible form of financing that combines debt and equity financing features. By understanding how mezzanine debt works and its types, businesses can make informed decisions about whether it’s the right financing option for them. FAQs

Is It Better to Quit or Be Fired?

Reading Time: 4 minutes“Is it better to quit or be fired” is a question that boggles the mind of dissatisfied, mismanaged, and frustrated employees. But it’s also a question for those seeking a higher salary. What exacerbates the need to switch jobs, in one way or another, is the necessity of better career prospects, opportunities, and higher living standards. Through the years of Covid, hundreds of thousands of employees traded their current jobs for higher-paying ones. But how did they do it? Did they quit, or were they fired? To answer the question, we must examine the pros and cons of quitting and getting fired to determine which option best suits you. What Does Quitting Mean? Quitting, in relation to employment, means voluntarily ending your employment with your employer. Quitting is done by notifying your employer that you will no longer work for them. In many cases, companies have policies that state employees must hand in their notice one or several months in advance – it is rarely possible to quit on the spot. Still, it generally depends on the industry and status within the company.  Common reasons for quitting include personal reasons, the need to take a break, dissatisfaction, and others.  Advantages of Quitting While quitting your job might come off as negative, you get the added benefit of departing in a positive way for future employers. Quitting isn’t the same as getting fired; your resume will show that. Furthermore, quitting might still leave you on good terms with your current employer, which might give you the benefit of putting a good recommendation and the possibility to negotiate severance pay.  Disadvantages of Quitting With that said, quitting does have negative consequences. Most of these disadvantages come in the area of unemployment benefits. While it is possible to negotiate severance pay, that is rarely the case. Employees who quit also will not be able to collect unemployment, nor are they eligible for similar compensations. Therefore, it’s best to have a job lined up before quitting. What Does Getting Fired Mean? Getting fired means the employer terminates your contract due to various reasons. Common reasons for getting fired are poor job performance, violation of contract or company policies, misconduct, budget cuts, and others. Similarly to quitting, there is a degree of notice when getting fired, usually between a few weeks and a month. If you’re still under contract and your employer decides to fire you, they must outline why.  Advantages of Getting Fired It’s safe to assume that getting fired from your job can be a harmful experience that can negatively affect your mental state. Judging by this, one would think there aren’t many advantages to getting fired. However, as one door closes, a new one opens, and getting fired leaves you eligible for unemployment benefits unless the cause for the firing is related to unethical or illegal activities.  Another inherent advantage of getting fired is the chance of a fresh start. Getting fired means you have the time to pursue new job opportunities that reflect your interests, values, and skills.  Finally, there is one last advantage of getting fired. Namely, if you were forcefully fired without cause, you can sue for wrongful termination. However, this is often a double-edged sword, as the case could take years to settle and endless resources which you might not have compared to the company.  Disadvantages of Getting Fired The inherent disadvantage of getting fired is the inevitable negative experience, which can have short- and long-term repercussions. An obvious disadvantage is a financial instability that comes with a loss of employment. While your unemployment benefits might satisfy you in the short term, getting fired means, you must actively look for new employment to prevent further financial disarray.  Other disadvantages of getting fired would include potential legal or ethical consequences if the reason for the firing was violating company policies and misconduct, loss of benefits (healthcare insurance, retirement savings, etc.), and reputational damages.  So, Is It Better to Quit or Be Fired? Now that we’ve examined both pros and cons of quitting versus getting fired let’s answer the question.  In general, quitting is better than being fired because quitting allows you to maintain some control over the circumstances of your departure and may help you preserve your professional reputation. However, in some situations, being fired may be preferable or unavoidable. If you’re considering quitting your current job, it’s best to have a backup job lined up. Moreover, you must be financially prepared to sustain your current lifestyle and the challenges that might arise due to the lack of employment.  On the other hand, getting fired might negatively reflect on your resume and reputation. In addition, future employers might be discouraged from employing you if you are fired for behavior reasons or illegal activities.  Ultimately, whether it is better to quit or be fired depends on your unique situation concerning the circumstances surrounding your employment.  FAQs 

Decamillionaire: What Is It and How to Become One?

Reading Time: 5 minutesDecamillionaire is a term used to label a person with a net worth of more than 10 million. The currency in question can be any given currency, but it is most often US dollars. Other accepted currencies include Euros and the British Pound Sterling.  The history of the term “decamillionaire” originates from Ancient Greece from the word “deca,” meaning ten, and “millionaire,” representing one million. Decamillionaire represents successful and wealthy individuals. They have made their wealth through entrepreneurship practices or, in many cases, inherited it. Becoming a decamillionaire is possible, but everyone would be a decamillionaire if it were that easy. Regardless, the question of “how to become a decamillionaire” boggles the minds of millions of people.  So, let’s learn more about decamillionaires and even see how becoming one is possible. When to Use the Term Decamillionaire, Multimillioinare, and Millionaire?  The terms decamillionaire, multimillionaire, and millionaire label individuals based on their net worth. Individuals that make one or more than a million of any given currency can fall under these three categories. While an individual can also be a billionaire, we will focus specifically on these three categories. Based on that, we can use each term to more precisely reflect an individual’s net worth. So, for example, we can use “decamillionaire” to refer to an individual with a net worth of $13 million, but not if they have a net worth of $7 million.   Millionaire Over $1 million Multimillionaire Over $1 million and less than $10 million Decamillionaire Over $10 million How Many Decamillionaires Are in the World? Our world has a population of around 7.8 billion. Many experts are claiming that the world population will soon eclipse 8 billion. But how many of these 7.8 billion people have a net worth of more than ten million?  What Are the Traits of Decamillionaires?  There is no one-size-fits-all rule when examining the traits of decamillionaires. However, one thing for certain is that decamillionaires have managed to amass a significant amount of wealth. The problem is that many wealthy individuals in the world leave an inheritance to their children. This means that, even though millionaires generally have managed to accumulate wealth through hard work, that is not often the case.  However, we can still look at some character traits of the most successful individuals to come to some conclusion. So, here are some trait commonalities shared between decamillionaires: Strong Business Acumen  Self-made decamillionaires tend to have a deep understanding of business and finance. Many of them have started and grown successful businesses, and they often have a knack for spotting opportunities that others may overlook.  Persistence Self-made decamillionaires are not deterred by failure. In fact, many of them have experienced setbacks and failures along the way to their success. However, they persist and keep working hard until they achieve their goals. Hard work and persistence are key traits of any successful individual. Risk-Taking Decamillionaires are notorious risk-takers. They are willing to invest in new ventures and explore new opportunities, even if the risk is great and there is a chance of failure. As Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, once said: “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” Strong Work Ethic  Decamillionaires tend to be highly driven and hardworking individuals. They are focused on achieving their goals and willing to put in the effort and hard work necessary to make it happen. Discipline Decamillionaires tend to be disciplined with their finances, despite being risk-takers. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that they live below their means, they tend to have a long-term mindset and are willing to delay gratification to achieve their financial goals. However, it’s important to mention that spending habits and discipline are traits not synonymous with every decamillionaire.   Continuous Learning Decamillionaires tend to be lifelong learners. They constantly seek new knowledge and skills and are not afraid to ask for help or advice when needed. Strategic Thinking Decamillionaires tend to be strategic thinkers. They can see the big picture and make decisions to help them achieve their long-term goals. How to Become a Decamillionaire? Judging by the traits of successful individuals with more than ten million net worth, one cannot refrain from asking, “How to become a decamillionaire?” However, before we outline some commonly-accepted steps to building mass wealth, we must also mention that becoming a decamillionaire is anything but easy. It involves hard work, dedication, discipline, above all else, and many other traits we mentioned before. With that said, here are some steps to help you achieve the status of decamillionaire: Step #1: Set Clear Financial Goals  Determine what you want to achieve and create a plan to reach those goals. This plan should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Step #2: Build Multiple Streams of Income  Focus on building multiple income streams, such as starting a business, investing in stocks, or earning passive income through real estate or other investments. Step #3: Live Below Your Means  Live a frugal lifestyle and avoid unnecessary expenses. Spend your money on things that will help you achieve your goals rather than on things that will achieve the opposite effect. Step #4: Invest Wisely  Learn how to invest your money wisely and diversify your portfolio. Consider investing in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other assets. Step #5: Continuously Learn and Improve Make sure to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in your industry, and continuously learn and improve your skills. Attend seminars, workshops, and other training programs to help you stay ahead of the curve. Step #6: Build a Strong Network Build a strong network of like-minded individuals who can offer advice, support, and guidance. This can include mentors, coaches, colleagues, and other professionals. These contacts can provide valuable and life-changing opportunities to help you become a decamillionaire.  Step #7: Take Calculated Risks Be willing to take calculated risks, but do your due diligence before making big decisions. This involves researching the market, seeking

Best Retirement Blogs, Books, and Podcasts to Take Charge Of Retirement Planning

Reading Time: 7 minutesEveryone should educate on retirement by reading the best retirement blogs, books, and podcasts. Retirement planning can be daunting for many. The subject covers various topics that educate us on financial security before, during, and after retirement. These topics can be challenging for several reasons, including: No one really knows how much money they need to support a comfortable retirement. Our world keeps changing, and the cost of living, inflation, and economic changes directly impact our ability to come to rough financial estimates. As the world changes, so do our investments and savings.  These challenges make it nearly impossible for people with no retirement planning skills to approach the topic. Luckily, the online world is home to endless resources and educational material to aid your retirement planning journey.  And that’s why we advocate reading retirement blogs, books, and podcasts. But with so many of these readily available, it can be equally difficult to determine which deserves our attention. Fear not; we have a comprehensive guide to walk you through the process. These retirement blogs, books, and podcasts are run by financial experts who’ve devoted their lives to advising those with little to no retirement skills.  Therefore, in this article, we’ve compiled a list of the best retirement blogs, books, and podcasts to help you take charge of your retirement planning. 5 Best Retirement Blogs When it comes to retirement planning, the internet is home to an abundance of established and up-and-coming retirement blogs that provide readers with up-to-date information. These blogs are run by finance industry professionals who share their wisdom on all things retirement-related.  Mr. Money Moustache  Mr. Money Mustache is a well-known and one of the best retirement blogs available on the internet. The blog offers an innovative and refreshing approach to retirement planning that challenges conventional wisdom and promotes financial independence. Mr. Money Moustache emphasizes the importance of early retirement. What separates this retirement blog from others is the author’s first-hand experience with the subject. The author gained financial independence by 30 and shares his wisdom with everyone willing to read his blog. He also argues that adopting a frugal and mindful lifestyle makes it possible to retire early and enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful life without relying on traditional retirement savings plans. Mr. Money Mustache also provides practical retirement tips and advice for managing finances, investing, and reducing expenses. The blog’s clear and concise writing style makes it seamless for readers to understand and implement complex financial concepts in their own lives. The author also emphasizes the importance of developing a particular type of mindset – coined Badassity – towards money and retirement, which is a critical factor in achieving financial independence. NerdWallet NerdWallet is yet another established financial blog that educates readers on the importance of personal finance literacy. It is one of the most well-known retirement blogs and one you’ve probably heard of before.  NerdWallet covers a wide range of personal finance topics, of which retirement is one of them. The experts at NerdWallet write well-researched and articulated retirement articles to educate readers on the importance of retirement planning. In addition, NerdWallet’s retirement section also covers retirement guides, Social Security, 401(k) guides, and more.  But the blog’s stand-out feature is its use of interactive tools and calculators. These tools and calculators are available for readers and act as supportive elements in their retirement planning. From retirement savings calculators to retirement plans comparative tools, NerdWallet has everything readers need to gain retirement literacy.  Investopedia Investopedia is, by far, one of the best financial websites. But we’re happy to include them on their list of best retirement blogs for a few reasons. First, the depth and breadth of its retirement coverage make Investopedia one of the best retirement blogs. Expect to read guides, planning steps, and comparison articles in their retirement section.  Secondly, Investopedia’s editorial team is considered industry experts. They love what they do and are more than happy to share their love of money with others. Lastly, Investopedia’s retirement section publishes regular articles with up-to-date information.  Similarly to NerdWallet, Investopedia has numerous great features to aid readers in retirement planning. But probably the stand-out feature of their retirement section is the use of case studies and examples to illustrate retirement planning concepts and ideas.  Investor Junkie Yet another top-rated retirement blog is Investor Junkie. Unlike other retirement blogs on our list, Investor Junkie emphasizes retirement planning through investing. Although, expect plenty of well-researched articles and guides on retirement planning as a whole. Investor Junkie provides readers with up-to-date information on 401(k)s, Social Security, retirement plans, and more. However, the blog’s stand-out feature is the use of practical guides and strategies for managing retirement accounts and building diverse retirement portfolios. Through these examples, readers can plan retirement independently and at their own pace.  Investor Junkie is a well-established and respected website covering all financial aspects, not just retirement. NewRetirement While the above-mentioned retirement blogs go beyond retirement planning and investing, NewRetirement focuses exclusively on these subjects.  NewRetirement isn’t solely a retirement blog, however. Instead, it is a project with a product aimed at individuals who want to take financial wellness into their own hands – as they say, themselves. Nevertheless, the financial experts at NewRetirement run a blog where readers can gain insight into retirement planning, saving, and investing. NewRetirement covers topics few retirement blogs cover. Popular examples include Real Estate retirement, debt and retirement, retirement budgeting, and more.  They also offer numerous retirement tools, such as retirement calculators and lifetime annuity calculators.  5 Best Retirement Books Like retirement blogs covering all aspects of retirement, there are books on any retirement topic. Books are the preferred medium for many individuals who want to educate and take charge of their retirement journey. The books we’ve selected on this list are written by bestseller authors and personal finance experts who’ve put pen to paper to help you set and reach your retirement goals.  The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins The Simple Path to Wealth

Pretirement Planning: Making the Most of Your Career and Retirement

Reading Time: 5 minutesWorkforce changes and demographic shifts pave the way for a new working state dubbed pretirement. The concept of working until you’re 65 and then suddenly retiring has been the norm for generations. However, recently, we’re seeing that early retirees aren’t as interested in giving up on making a living and instead continue to take part-time jobs well into their retirement.  This new concept isn’t popular with every retiree, but many aren’t as comfortable giving up working again altogether. If you’re one of these people, you’re probably unaware of pretirement and what it is. If so, this guide will walk you through the concept of pretirement, what it is, and how to go about pretirement planning to make the most of your career and enjoy retirement at the same time. What is Pretirement?  Pretirement is a new working state that bridges the gap between full-time employment and retirement. In its essence, it is a flexible arrangement where you can work part-time, take on consulting or freelance projects, or start your own business while still enjoying retirement.  The state of pretirement allows individuals to continue working and earning an income while gradually reducing their workload and transitioning into full-time retirement. As a result, Pretirement offers more leisure time and less stress while maintaining a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Pretirement aims to ease people into retirement instead of abruptly halting their existing employment arrangement and going into retirement. Pretirement is positioned between traditional employment and retirement and is gaining popularity in first-world economies with aging populations. But considering the unfamiliar aspect of this concept, many early retirees struggle to go about pretirement planning.  Why is Pretirement Gaining Popularity?  As with any new or emerging concepts, it will take time before pretirement becomes the norm. While at is, we cannot say for certain that pretirement will become the new norm. With that said, pretirement is trending due to a variety of factors. Here are some reasons why people are deciding to try pretirement:  These factors aren’t the sole reason pretirement is gaining popularity in first-world economy countries with aging demographics. But it helps paint a picture of the need for individuals to continue working in some capacity. So if you’re considering trying pretirement, careful planning is crucial to making it work for you. Therefore, let’s see how to plan for pretirement.  5 Steps to Plan for Pretirement Whether you’re forced to remain in the labor force in your retirement years or want to try pretirement to escape boredom, the reality of the modern world forces many to seek working opportunities past 65. That means many are preemptively planning for working in retirement, regardless of the situation they find themselves in. Here are the steps to prepare for pretirement: Step 1: Determine Your Financial Situation The first step in pretirement planning is assessing your finances. That means assessing your income sources and savings to determine whether you can reduce your workload or take part-time jobs and gigs.  In this first crucial step, individuals must come to terms with the outcome. For those with little to no savings in their accounts, pretirement might be the only solution for a stable life in retirement.  Step 2: Assess Your Skills The reality is that old age limits your part-time employment options. Many individuals who’ve worked labor-intense jobs and lack the skills to transition to other areas will have difficulty identifying employment options like before while in retirement.  Therefore, the next step in pretirement planning is to determine what you’re good at and how to apply said skills by working part-time or freelance gigs.  Step 3: Lower Your Living Standard Whether pretirement appeals to you or not, it’s well-known that retirees don’t make the same money as they used to. So unless you have a stable investment portfolio and passive income to support your existing lifestyle in retirement, you’ll need to lower your standard of living. Determining how much, however, is nearly impossible, as unexpected costs are equally impossible to predict.  Step 4: Identify Passive Income Ideas The best way to support your lifestyle in retirement is to supplement monthly paychecks with passive income. However, again, you’ll need time to build up your passive income portfolio. Fortunately, there are options out there. For example, one of the best passive income ideas is to turn to rental properties, such as rental condos or self-storage units.  Another option is to build up a stock investment portfolio. But unlike rental properties, investing in stocks and other commodities takes years to bear fruit.  Step 5: Plan Ahead of Time It’s impossible to plan for pretirement at 65; you need years to prepare for it. This final step may be obsolete for many individuals who lack the financial capacity to support their families on a pension. But if you’ve got time, planning is key to making sure you’ve got enough money to retire while remaining in the workforce in some capacity.  Benefits of Pretirement Pretirement is more than just a solution to maintain your current income level. Quite the opposite, pretirement offers numerous benefits for individuals not ready to quit working. Here are some of the main pretirement benefits: Improved Work-Life Balance Pretirement provides more leisure time, which can lead to a better work-life balance. This allows for more time to pursue personal interests and hobbies while still working in some capacity.  Reduced Stress Pretirement can be less stressful than retirement, as you have more control over your workload and schedule while enjoying your retirement years. This can lead to better mental health and well-being. Sense of Purpose Many people find purpose and fulfillment in their careers, and pretirement allows them to continue working in some capacity. In addition, many people lose their sense of purpose while in retirement. Retirement can lead to boredom and loss of meaning in life. So one way to negate the adverse effects of retirement is to ease your way into retirement.  Continued Social Connections Pretirement allows you to stay connected with your professional network and colleagues.

I Don’t Want a Career, What Should I Do?

Reading Time: 4 minutesWe are led to believe that having a career has become a significant part of one’s identity. But what happens when you wake up one day and say, “I don’t want a career anymore.” It might sound strange, but not everyone is interested in pursuing a career. Some people prefer to live a simpler life, work part-time, or pursue their passions. Many work in what they love and don’t consider their work a career. If you don’t want a career anymore, you’re not alone.  This article will explore why some people don’t want to pursue careers, whether it’s okay not to be career-driven, and what you can do instead. Why Some People Don’t Want Careers Every person asking the question has different motives for not pursuing a career. Of course, some aren’t as career-driven as others, but why are the most popular reasons for such thinking? We can look at ourselves and what others say about it and come to several conclusions. Therefore, here are some of the reasons why people don’t want careers: A Career Doesn’t Align With Their Personal Values People live their lives based on a specific set of values they hold dear. For example, some prioritize family, relationships, and personal growth over their careers. Others refuse to be a part of the 9 to 5 cycle and find other ways to make money. But one of the most common reasons people don’t want careers is they find it challenging to balance work and their personal lives. As a result, they choose not to have a career. A Career Can Cause Burnout and Stress Burnout and stress are common issues in today’s society. But did you know that stress and burnout can also come from your career?  It’s not uncommon for people to have negative experiences from pursuing careers. But, while negative experiences aren’t uncommon, it leads to burnout and stressful days. These are the days when lack of motivation takes a front-row seat and makes it impossible to get up for work. Due to the stresses of our job requirements, people choose not to pursue a career anymore.  A Career Makes Them Lose Interest In some cases, high expectations directly cause people to wake up and say, “I don’t want a career anymore.” Unfortunately, these feelings aren’t unusual and uncommon, making us feel lost and unsure about the predicament we find ourselves in. We might’ve loved our career once, but it became stale and uninspiring after some time. Losing interest in something makes it impossible to find the motivation to do it. And these feelings also apply to career-driven individuals who’ve set their lives on a path to pursue a particular career.  Once the flame burns out, they no longer want a career.  Is It Okay Not to Want a Career? Not wanting a career is perfectly fine if you are satisfied with the decision. In the beginning, we mentioned that society is leading us to believe that careers are part of our identity. This couldn’t be more wrong.  Plenty of other things make up our identity; a career isn’t one of them. These things include family and relationships, experiences, and our beliefs. As long as these things make you happy and help you lead a fulfilling life, it’s perfectly okay not to be career-driven. What Should I Do Instead? If you don’t want a career, what else will you do? Well, there are plenty of other alternatives to do instead. But some may ask, is it possible to live a fulfilling life without money? This is a valid point. After all, money makes the world spin. So even if you don’t want a career, you still need money to pay for your mortgage, food, clothes, etc.  That means you need to find other ways to make money. Luckily, there are dozens of ways to make money without pursuing a career. That’s because a career is nothing but a metaphor for a journey to progress in a sphere of work.  And the demands of this journey make us miss out on other things, things we deem more important. So instead of a career, here are some things you can do: Focus on Personal Growth Personal growth is highly fulfilling for your development as a person. Your personal growth journey can mean anything. For example, you could improve the skills that make you better at doing the things you love.  Pursue a Passion Project The vast majority of people indeed pursue meaningless careers. These careers aren’t essential for them. Instead, the lure of a better life appeals to them. But at the end of the day, they’re not happy because they’re not pursuing their passions.  So what you can do instead is start a side hustle you’re passionate about, like photography or blogging. As the saying goes, if you love your work, you’ll never work in your life.  Volunteer Volunteering is one of the best ways to give back to your local community and make a positive impact. In addition, volunteer work provides opportunities to learn new skills and make valuable connections that could prove fruitful down the road. Travel the World Traveling can be a transformative experience that allows you to gain new perspectives and learn about different cultures. You can also use your travels to explore new opportunities or pursue new interests. Conclusion Pursuing a career isn’t mandatory and won’t make your life more meaningful. If one day you say, “I don’t want a career,” that’s perfectly fine. What’s important is to do the things that make you happy and make your life more fulfilling.  FAQs

Can You Have Multiple Robinhood Accounts in 2023?

Reading Time: 3 minutesA frequent question we come across is, “Can you have multiple Robinhood accounts?” It’s a simple “yes or no” question, and the simple answer is no; you cannot have multiple Robinhood accounts. After all, owning multiple accounts with Robinhood or any other broker-dealer sounds smart. After all, having multiple accounts can offer flexibility and allow you to diversify your investments.  But even though it’s impossible, investors are still eager to learn about potential workarounds and exceptions to the rule. So if you’re interested in that, this is the guide for you. In this guide, we will explain what investors need to know about the subject and answer whether or not it’s possible to have multiple Robinhood accounts in 2023. Can You Have Multiple Robinhood Accounts? According to the platform’s terms of service, each user is limited to a single brokerage account. This means you cannot open multiple accounts under the same name or with the same Social Security number. And that last part is important. To open a Robinhood account, you must add your Social Security number, which is a unique identification number only to you.  But if you’re familiar with online trading and have previously used other online brokerages, you might wonder if there are any exceptions to the rule.  Are There Exceptions to the Rule? Further scouting of Robinhood’s terms of service page shows us that there may be exceptions to the platform’s terms of service for having multiple accounts. For example, some investors may be able to open multiple accounts for business purposes, such as managing separate portfolios for different clients. However, these situations would likely require special approval from Robinhood and may not apply to individual investors. Some brokerage dealers do allow other exceptions, such as joint accounts. So, are joint accounts allowed on Robinhood?  Are Joint Accounts Allowed on Robinhood? Sadly, joint accounts aren’t allowed on Robinhood at this time. Although, the platform does hope it will introduce joint accounts in the future. We currently have no information as to when this new change might arrive.  Joint accounts allow two or more investors, usually spouses or family members, the possibility of operating the account. Each person has separate login credentials and can manage investments together.  Furthermore, joint accounts aren’t new, and many brokerages allow them. Some of the most popular brokerages for joint accounts include Charles Schwab, Personal Capital, SoFi Money, Betterment, and M1 Finance, among others. Can I Add My Spouse to my Robinhood Account? Some investors might also be wondering if it’s possible to open a dual Robinhood account the same way you could open a dual checking account. Sadly, dual accounts fall under the same terms as joint accounts. Therefore, you cannot add your spouse to your Robinhood account. But there is one other thing you can do. What Are Robinhood Beneficiaries?  The closest thing we have to multiple or joint accounts on Robinhood are beneficiaries. A Robinhood beneficiary is a person designated to receive the assets in your Robinhood account in the event of your death. In other words, a beneficiary would inherit the investments and funds held in a Robinhood account if the holder passes away. When creating your Robinhood account, you can add beneficiaries to your account. This can be one person or multiple people. You can also add or remove beneficiaries as you please at any time. Moreover, you are encouraged to update beneficiaries in case of any life circumstances or changes in family relations. With a Robinhood beneficiary, you ensure your assets are distributed based on your wishes. So, for example, if you would die without a beneficiary, the assets in your Robinhood account might not get distributed based on your wishes. Furthermore, these assets would be subject to probate, a legal process no one wants to go through.  Conclusion Having multiple Robinhood accounts under the same name or Social Security number is impossible. To the surprise of many, Robinhood still doesn’t offer joint accounts, a feature that would undoubtedly change how we look at investing on the platform. But there might be possible to have multiple Robinhood accounts for business purposes. Unfortunately, you would need to contact Robinhood to know more about it.  FAQs

How to Delete Robinhood Account: A Step-By-Step Guide

Reading Time: 3 minutesRobinhood is an online brokerage platform that has recently gained significant popularity. During that time, investors rushed to create accounts and take advantage of the commission-free trading, user-friendly interface, and accessible stocks. However, as with most trading trends, not everything sticks, and some users want to delete their Robinhood accounts.  After all, not everyone is a Wall Street guru, and those with no account balance may decide to close their account. If you’re one of them, this guide will walk you through the steps to delete your Robinhood account. Things to Know Before You Delete Robinhood Account Before you proceed to delete your Robinhood account, here are a few things to know: Make sure to withdraw all the funds from your Robinhood account before you delete it. If you have any unsettled trades, you must wait until they are settled before withdrawing the funds. If you have realized gains or losses on any investments in your Robinhood account, you must account for them when filing your taxes. Deleting Robinhood account is a permanent action, and you won’t be able to retrieve it or any associated data after deletion. With these things in mind, users wishing to close and delete Robinhood accounts should consider the decision before proceeding. The last thing users want is to close the account without withdrawing funds, as it’s impossible.   Steps to Delete Robinhood Account Now that you have learned what you need to know before deleting your Robinhood account, let’s move on to the steps you must follow to delete your account. Step 1: Open the Robinhood App or Website You must access the app or website to delete your Robinhood account. Open the Robinhood app on your phone or tablet, or go to the Robinhood website on your desktop or laptop. Step 2: Go to Settings Once you’re logged in, click on the profile icon located in the top left corner of the app or website. Then, from the dropdown menu, select “Settings.” Step 3: Select “Account Information” In the “Settings” menu, scroll down and select “Account Information.” Step 4: Click on “Close Account” Under “Account Information,” you’ll find the option to “Close Account or Deactivate Account.” Click on it. Step 5: Verify Account Details Before you can close or delete Robinhood account, the platform will ask you to verify your account details. This built-in security feature prevents unauthorized users from deleting Robinhood accounts. Make sure to read and understand the information provided before proceeding. Step 6: Confirm Account Deletion After verifying your account details, Robinhood will ask you to confirm the action. Click on “Continue” to proceed. Step 7: Enter Eeason for Deletion Robinhood will ask you to provide a reason for deleting your account. This option is entirely optional. Select a reason from the dropdown menu or enter your own reason. Step 8: Confirm (Once More) Account Deletion Once you’ve provided a reason, Robinhood will ask you to confirm once again that you want to delete your account. Click on “Delete Account” to confirm. Step 9: Receive Confirmation After clicking “Delete Account,” Robinhood will confirm that your account has been deleted. You’ll also receive an email confirming the deletion of your account. Conclusion As you can see, deleting your Robinhood account is easy and seamless and can be done in a few steps. What’s important regarding the Robinhood account deletion process is to withdraw your balance and close your positions before confirming the action. If you don’t do that, you won’t be able to delete your Robinhood account.

Banking vs Accounting: Understanding the Key Differences

Reading Time: 4 minutesThe vast and diverse world of finance offers numerous career options for those interested in crunching numbers. Among the most popular and lucrative career choices are banking and accounting. Although both professions are related to finance and money management, they are distinct in their roles, responsibilities, and required skills.  Understanding the differences between banking and accounting is crucial for individuals considering these career paths in the future. Our article will delve into the key differences in the banking vs accounting debate to help you determine which career path is right for you. What is Banking? Banking refers to managing money for individuals, businesses, or governments. Bankers perform several roles in the modern banking system, including accepting deposits, providing loans, and other financial services.  Banks are important institutions in the economy as they are tasked with facilitating the flow of money and ensuring its safety. Therefore, individuals working in banking have a set of responsibilities. But what does a career in banking look like? A career in banking can mean anything from working as a financial analyst, loan officer, investment banker, and branch manager. Banking requires individuals to have strong analytical skills, the ability to work under pressure, and exceptional communication skills. In addition, bankers must be able to turn complex financial matters and concepts into easily digestible information for their clients.  What is Accounting?  Accounting is the process of recording, classifying, and analyzing financial transactions to provide accurate financial information. The main objective of accounting is to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements. Accountants play a vital role in organizations, helping them make informed decisions and comply with regulatory requirements. Careers in accounting include positions such as bookkeepers, auditors, tax accountants, and financial analysts. Working in accounting requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work with numbers, and excellent analytical skills. Banking vs Accounting: The Key Differences It’s important to lay out the key differences in the banking vs accounting debate to understand both industries and career paths. Let’s do that. Key Difference #1: Job Responsibilities While both banking and accounting deal with finance, they have different job responsibilities. Banking professionals focus on managing money, lending, and investments while accounting professionals focus on financial reporting, analysis, and compliance. Key Difference #2: Required Skills Banking and accounting require different skills. Banking professionals must have excellent communication skills, the ability to work under pressure, and strong analytical skills. On the other hand, accounting professionals require strong attention to detail and the ability to work with numbers while also having excellent analytical skills. Kye Difference #3: Education and Certification  One similarity in a sea of differences in banking vs accounting is the requirement of a bachelor’s degree. With that said, both career paths require a bachelor’s degree in different specializations.  A bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or business administration is typically required to pursue a career in banking. Banking professionals may also need licenses or certifications to work in specific roles, such as investment banking or financial planning.  On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business administration is typically required to pursue an accounting career. Like bankers, accountants may also need to obtain certain certification, such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant (CA), to work in specific roles. Key Difference #4: Work Environment  Another difference between banking vs accounting is in their work environment. Banking professionals may work in various settings, including banks, investment firms, and financial planning firms. They may work long hours and be required to travel frequently. Accounting professionals may work in accounting firms, corporations, or government agencies. During tax season, it’s not uncommon for accountants to spend long hours in the office crunching numbers to ensure the accuracy and compliance of financial records.  Banking vs Accounting – Which Career Path Is for You?  That brings us to the question many of you are asking. Choosing between banking and accounting ultimately depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Despite both professions operating in the finance industry, they are entirely different. So how do you know which career path is right for you? If you enjoy working with people, have strong communication skills, and are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, banking may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are detail-oriented, enjoy working with numbers, and have a passion for financial reporting and analysis, accounting may be the right choice for you. Conclusion The banking vs accounting debate helps readers understand the work requirements and responsibilities. One of the best ways to analyze this debate is by looking at what makes both careers so different.  Banking and accounting are two popular career paths in the finance industry. Although they share certain similarities, they differ in their job responsibilities, required skills, education and certification, and work environment. By understanding the key differences between banking and accounting, you can decide which career path is right for you.

Exploring the 4 Different Types of Investment Accounts

Reading Time: 5 minutesUnderstanding the different types of investment accounts will allow beginner and rookie investors to grow their wealth over time. Investing your money is the smartest decision you could make, especially if your goal is long-term wealth creation. However, understanding the various types of investment accounts can be daunting for rookies in the investment world.  We aim to educate our readers on such topics. As a result, in this article, we will explore the four main types of investment accounts and provide insights into each. But first, let’s explain what an investment account means. What Is an Investment Account?  An investment account is a type of financial account that allows you to invest your money in various securities, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and more. Several types of investment accounts are available, each with its unique set of features, benefits, and limitations.  The 4 Types of Investment Accounts If you like having options, you’re in luck. Various types of investment accounts exist that provide investors with plenty of options. As mentioned previously, investors can use these accounts to invest in various securities. Moreover, some types of investment accounts specialize in achieving your savings goals.  As the market is overly saturated with all kinds of investment accounts, we must first begin by explaining the types of investment accounts. Standard Brokerage Account In a traditional investment sense, where investors buy and sell stocks, bonds, ETFs, etc., a standard brokerage account is a popular option for beginners and experienced investors. These flexible accounts allow investors to invest in a wide range of assets, and there are no restrictions on how much you can invest.  Some brokerage accounts require a minimum balance, while others do not. You can open a standard brokerage account with a broker, bank, or online investment platform. However, there’s more to standard brokerage accounts rookie investors must learn. How the account is owned makes these accounts so distinct from others. Your options include the following: Standard brokerage accounts can be cash or margin accounts. It depends on the firm offering the account. Cash accounts are by far the most popular brokerage account type. It works simply: you deposit money into the account and use it to buy and sell securities.  On the other hand, margin accounts are a popular option for more experienced investors. However, these accounts are riskier and operate based on lending money and collateral.  Retirement Accounts A retirement account is an investment account designed to help you save for retirement. Several types of retirement accounts exist, including traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), and more. Each type of retirement account has its unique tax benefits and contribution limits. Understanding these are essential for ensuring the retirement account meets your retirement saving goals.  Retirement accounts fall into several sub-types, including the following: Retirement accounts have their unique eligibility rules. For example, you or your spouse must have earned an income to qualify to contribute to an IRA account. Moreover, IRA accounts have contribution limitations of $6,500 or $7,500 if above the age of 50. There are also eligibility and contribution rules and limitations to Roth IRA and 401(k) retirement accounts.  Education Account An education account is a tax-advantaged investment account designed to help you save education expenses, such as college tuition, room and board, and more. There are two main types of education accounts. Those include the 529 plan and a Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA). The great thing about education accounts is that anyone can contribute any amount of money on behalf of a beneficiary. Furthermore, the account owner can name anyone as a beneficiary so long as the money in the account is used for education-related expenses.  As mentioned previously, education accounts fall into two distinct options: Investment Accounts for Children Investment accounts for children are specifically designed for minors. The parents, or another adult (custodian), maintain these accounts until the child reaches an age of maturity (18-21 depending on the state). These accounts can hold traditional securities (cash, bonds, mutual funds, bonds) and even real estate assets. Because of that, these types of investment accounts for children can be the following: Not every state allows both types of children’s investment accounts. You must consult a broker to determine what type of investment account your state allows. It’s common for states to allow either or both UTMA and UGMAs. Moreover, unlike educational accounts, investment accounts for children have no limitations on what the money in the account can be used for.  Conclusion For individuals looking to take charge of their financial future, choosing the right type of investment account is essential for achieving your long-term investment goals. Fortunately, there are plenty of options and different types of investment accounts. But unfortunately, understanding all of them can be a daunting task. What’s important is to do your due diligence and examine your investment plans and goals to determine the right type of investment account for you. Frequently Asked Questions