The Free Financial Advisor

You are here: Home / Archives for Investing

Why There is a Need for Investing in Renewable Energy Projects

by Leave a Comment

Renewable energies are sources of clean, inexhaustible, and increasingly competitive energy. They differ from fossil fuels principally in their diversity, abundance, and potential for use anywhere on the planet, but above all in that they produce neither greenhouse gases – which cause climate change – nor polluting emissions. Their costs are also falling and at a sustainable rate, whereas the general cost trend for fossil fuels is in the opposite direction despite their present volatility.

Clean Energy Is Increasing Popular

Growth in clean energies is unstoppable, as reflected in statistics produced in 2015 by the International Energy Agency (IEA): they represented nearly half of all new electricity generation capacity installed in 2014, when they constituted the second biggest source of electricity worldwide, behind coal.

Clean energy development is vital for combating climate change and limiting its most devastating effects. 2014 was the warmest year on record. The Earth’s temperature has risen by an average 0.85 °C since the end of the 19th Century, states National Geographic in its special November 2015 issue on climate change. Meanwhile, some 1.1 billion inhabitants (17% of the world population) do not have access to electricity. As such, one of the objectives established by the United Nations is to achieve to access to electricity for everyone by 2030, an ambitious target considering that, by then, according to the IEA’s estimates, 800 million people will have no access to an electricity supply if current trends continue.

The transition to an energy system based on renewable technologies will have very positive economic consequences. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), doubling the renewable energy share in the world energy mix, to 36% by 2030, will result in additional global growth of 1.1% by that year (equivalent to 1.3 trillion dollars), an increase in well being of 3.7% and in employment in the sector of up to more than 24 million people, compared to 9.2 million today. It will also significantly reduce air pollution.

Considering the importance of energy sustainability, the gravity of climate change and its impact on our planet, and the prospects for economic growth an increase in renewable energy can have, a transition to a system majorly operating on renewable energy is not only desirable but absolutely required.

RE Royalties and the Green Investing Revolution

That’s why Bernard Tan started RE Royalties. His goal was to help build renewable energy projects faster through innovative royalty financing, while leading the way for socially conscious investors. Many of RE Royalties’ clients have great project opportunities, but are too small to secure traditional financing to fund their growth plans. Typically, these projects need $1M – $20M in financing and want to maintain ownership of their assets.

While the royalty business model is well-proven and the renewable industry is not new, the combination of the two is very innovative. RE Royalties is the first royalty company to focus solely on the renewable energy sector. They provide capital in the form of a cash payment or loan, in exchange for a percentage of future revenues from operating projects. RE Royalties’ clients retain 100% control of their assets and businesses, and there are no restrictions on how the funds are used.

“The capital we provide can be considered an “advance” to our client, and the periodic percentage payments can be considered “royalties” to our investors, explains Bernard. We call it Renewable Energy Royalties.”

The idea for the business came when Bernard was working with a local clean technology company to help with their financing. The company had a promising technology that looked to harness the kinetic energy from tides and canals to generate clean electricity.

Not only did they have the technology to generate clean renewable electricity from an unlimited resource, but they also had an established development partner, the government was waiting to provide them with permits to install at various sites, and a long-term revenue contract to buy the electricity at a very high price. The only stumbling block was raising capital.

RE Royalties was started to create an alternative and an opportunity to make a difference for future generations. Bernard then contacted Peter Leighton, who was experienced in the renewable energy sector and joined the company as co-founder.

RE Royalties officially launched in January 2016. In March 2016, the company closed it’s first deal and acquired it’s first royalty in British Columbia, Canada.

Since then RE Royalties has built a portfolio of royalties in Canada, the United States and Europe. These long-term royalties are on over 400MW+ of solar, wind and hydro projects that are currently in operations or will be in the near-term. These projects play a significant role in combating climate change, as they will displace over 300,000+ tonnes of carbon per year from entering the atmosphere.

The company also announced a Green Bond offering, which allow participants to align their investments with their values while earning a fixed 6% return. Green Bonds are an exciting opportunity for socially and environmentally conscious investors who want to ensure their investments are helping fight climate change.

In contrast to buying shares and owning a piece of the company, RE Royalties Green Bonds are a loan from the investor to the company to be used exclusively for investing in renewable and sustainable energy projects.

Learn more about RE Royalties Green Bond offering here: https://www.reroyalties.com/green-bonds

Image source: Cafe Credit.

The FED, The Dollar, and Opportunities

by Leave a Comment

My post for today was supposed to be a personal reflection, but in lieu of that, I’m going to lay out my thoughts on the market and the economy. Which includes the FED, the dollar, and inflation. In addition to that, I want to explain where I see risks and opportunities right now.

The dollar

We can expect the Federal Reserve to continue an accommodative monetary policy. They will invest in the fixed income market and they’ll resume the low-interest-rate stance.

If they continue this response to the Covid crisis, the dollar should go down in value. There are some risks and opportunities that arise if that happens.

Gold and cryptocurrencies should increase in value. A devaluing in the dollar is, normally, the right landscape for “alternative currencies” to do well.

International securities, especially emerging markets, do well when the value is priced lower. A large majority of international transactions take place using the USD. The value of their home currency goes up in relation to the USD.

The technology sector also has a negative correlation to a falling dollar. When the dollar goes down, that sector tends to outperform.

If the dollar, indeed, goes down look at these areas for possible investment opportunities.

The FED

As I mentioned earlier, the FED will continue to create an accommodative environment for the economy…until they don’t.

At some point, the recovery will gain momentum. GDP will go up and the population will gain confidence in that recovery. At this juncture, inflation will pop onto people’s radars.

If inflation runs too hot, the FED could possibly stop, or reduce, QE. They could halt the bond-buying program and they could raise rates. If that happens, keep your eyes out for a pullback.

We saw this happen at the end of 2018. The FED started raising rates until they went too far, and we had a 20%-25% decline in Q4. Then they reversed course and began easing again. We had a run-up in the market until March of 2020 when Covid hit.

Long term

I believe tech and healthcare will be the two sectors to watch over the next decade or more. With technology getting more advanced every day, investment opportunities will present themselves in these two areas.

Green energy, especially with the incoming administration, is also an industry with big potential. Technology will play a large role in the advancement of renewable energy.

My biggest concern

And I’ll preface this by saying I’m concerned because I truly don’t know the implications of it. MMT looks as likely as ever at this point.

The favorable stance by the FED plus the democratic party holding the House, the Senate, and the Presidency leads me to believe printing money is going to pop off.

An aggressive agenda to provide relief for Americans struggling because of Covid, a push for expanded Medicare/Medicaid benefits, possible student debt relief, as well as other initiatives.

It appears that reducing the national debt is not a concern. To be fair, it wasn’t a concern for the Trump administration either.

The bill comes due for everyone, and if other countries (namely China) are no longer buying US Treasuries like they were, I do not know how we can fund policies, branches, or even service the existing debt. Only time will tell.

Conclusion

I will close by saying that these are my opinions. Granted, I do a lot of research to come to these conclusions, but what I said above are still my thoughts and not foregone conclusions. Do your own research.

Related reading:

How to Beat Inflation with Investment

What Makes Gold so Valuable

 

**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

Should You Care About Warren Buffet’s Stock Trades

by Leave a Comment

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.

Read More:

The Best, Low Maintenance Way to Invest 30K

by Leave a Comment

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

The Pros and Cons of Index Investing

by Leave a Comment

What Are Index Funds?

If you are tired of trying to beat the stock market, index investing may be the best solution for you. Index funds work by investing your money into an index of stocks. (You may have heard of S&P 500 or the Dow.) When you put money into an index fund, you are investing in all of the companies that make up that particular index’s portfolio.

This is an alternative to choosing and investing in particular stocks. The same risks exist for you as those who buy stocks individually. However, investing in an index can provide broad diversification for your equity investments. Instead of putting your eggs in a few baskets, you’re putting one egg in 500 baskets (using the S&P 500 as an example).

Pros:  

They are inexpensive

There are usually no hidden fees or sales commissions with index funds. They have low annual fees- much more insignificant than the large fees that hedge funds and other alternatives charge. You can also increase your investments regularly without facing additional charges. Avoid indexes that do charge investors extra.

They Allow You to Invest in A Diverse Selection of Stocks

A well-balanced portfolio is key, and index funds aim to achieve this. As an individual, our investment opportunities are far more limited. By teaming up in an index fund we are able to share in the investments of many different stock companies. This is a much more attainable goal when we are part of an index fund.

They’re Efficient

Index funds financially outperform the majority of mutual funds. Although solo investors enjoy trying to “beat” the stock market and outsmart the institution, research has shown time after time that index fund earnings are much more consistent.

On top of bringing in more earnings, they are also user-friendly and easy. You can link your bank account to the index fund and it will automatically withdraw on a regular basis for you. No work on your part at all! Not only do you avoid having to study the stock market, but you also do not have to move the money over regularly.

It’s A No-Brainer

For anyone who is a newbie when it comes to investing, index funds are a life-saver. You don’t have to pick individual stocks or worry about the market rising and falling. All you have to do is provide the money, and the market should grow over time.

Cons of index investing: 

They Can be Vague

The assets making up a fund’s portfolio are constantly changing. It can be difficult to see exactly what you own and exactly how much you have made by investing. This is due to the fluctuating values in the underlying stocks and the index itself.

Limited Upside

Although investing in individual stocks can be messy and dangerous, some investors have a special eye for it. The professionals can often beat the market and get ahead of the game. In an index fund, you will never beat the market, because you will only grow consistently alongside it.

You’re Not in Charge

If you like to be in control, it could be difficult to learn to trust your money with strangers. Your index fund managers will be the ones in charge of what the fund gains in assets. You will likely never be personally able to call the shots in an index fund, and that is something you will have to come to terms with.

Not Suitable For All Investors

One of the most obvious cons of index investing is the “blanket” suitability for all investors. That’s, simply, not the case. The risk/return relationship suggests that higher return investments usually involve higher risk. Index funds are typically designed to capture the median performance of markets such as the S&P 500 or the Russell 2000.

As a result, they usually return market performance – no more and no less. If you want a very risky investment strategy, say, for example, investing in reverse convertible bonds, you likely won’t find index funds a suitable investment vehicle.

There Can be Fees

Some index funds do charge high fees and commissions. Be sure to stay clear of these.

My Concern

Generally speaking, index funds are great. They offer broad exposure to the market and do an incredible job at limiting fees.

But, in my mind, there are two more cons of index investing:

  1. Accidental concentration – As the market ebbs and flows, some sectors and industries will do better than others. For example, over the last 10+ years, the technology sector has outperformed the broader market by a large margin. As a result, tech makes up a greater portion of the index. If that sector experiences a pullback, the index as a whole will fall.
  2. Liquidity concerns – This mainly applies to index ETFs, but if the market, as a whole, drops, inexperienced investors will sell out of their positions to limit their losses. When there is a rush for liquidity, these ETFs need to sell underlying positions to provide investors with that liquidity. This can lead to an acceleration of losses. Investors sell, portfolio managers sell to give individuals their money, so underlying assets drop. This can cause more investors to sell, and again, portfolio managers to sell more. It’s a domino effect

Related reading:

Can you afford not to use index funds?

Robo-advisers: What I like and what I don’t like

Is It Too Late to Invest In FAANG Stocks?

by Leave a Comment

is it too late to invest in FAANG stocks

If you explore any information about the stock market, you’ll be hard-pressed not to trip across an article talking about a FAANG stock or two. These tech behemoths are always movers and shakers, at times for better, at times for worse. But when you see the price tags associated with these investment options, you may be wondering, “Is it too late to invest in FAANG stocks?” If you fall into that category, here’s what you need to know.

[Read more…]

Do Stock Splits Make Sense in 2020?

by Leave a Comment

history of stock splits

When a company is publicly traded, it has a set number of outstanding shares. This limits the number of potential investors, as there is only so much stock to go around. Additionally, it can, at times, hinder a company’s ability to bring in money. However, businesses do have the ability to practically create more shares out of thin air. With a stock split, they can increase the total number of shares available. The move can be financially beneficial, but it also comes with risk. If you are wondering, “Do stock splits make sense in 2020?” here’s what you need to know.

[Read more…]

What Makes Gold So Valuable?

by Leave a Comment

why is gold so valuable

At some point, every would-be or current investor hears that they should consider adding gold to their portfolio. Gold often has a substantial amount of allure, a psychological impact that affects how people perceive its value, stemming back to ancient times when it was highly coveted. It’s also viewed as a form of safe haven, an investment that remains stable even during tumultuous times. If you are wondering what makes gold so valuable, and if its value is deserved, here’s a look at it from an investment perspective.

[Read more…]

When Are Manufactured Homes a Good Investment?

by 1 Comment

are manufactured homes a good investment

Manufactured homes are a popular option for budget-conscious people who want to own a house. However, they don’t always have the best reputation. And they certainly have their quirks. As a result, figuring out if buying one is a smart move isn’t easy. As with all real estate-oriented purchases, the value can vary depending on a wide range of factors. If you are wondering, “Are manufactured homes a good investment?” Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Manufactured Home?

A manufactured home is a form of housing that’s built in a factory. They are usually built on a steel frame, instead of on-site. After a person purchases one. The structure is brought to the buyer’s property. Which could include land they own or a rental plot, such as in a manufactured or mobile home park. Once on-site. It is assembled and secured to a base. The type of which can vary.

Some argue that manufactured housing and mobile homes are different. This is true to a degree. Technically, to be a mobile home, the structure must have been constructed before 1976. Anything after that point is a manufactured home. Additionally, manufactured homes had to meet different building standards. These standard are higher than what their pre-1976 counterparts had to follow.

However, they are both factory-built structures that are usually assembled before being placed on the owner’s land or rental plot. Further, each of these housing types may not be on permanent foundations, depending on the requirements set forth by the state when they were placed. As a result, the general public usually uses the terms interchangeably.

There is also a third category of factory-built housing: the modular home. These can be similar to manufactured homes but are typically delivered in pieces and put together on site. They are also more likely to resemble a stick-built home and more commonly have a traditional foundation.

The Benefits of Owning a Manufactured Home

Manufactured homes are often appealing because they can cost less than a comparably sized and appointed stick-built house. Since they are factory-made en masse, the production costs are lower. Some of that savings is passed on to the buyer.

Many of the construction materials used are also similar to other kinds of houses. Depending on the requirements in your area, the building codes may be equal to, or even more stringent than, stick-built homes, too.

At times, buying a manufactured home may even cost less than being a renter in certain areas. To include if you have to purchase land. However, this isn’t universally true. So it’s important to examine the costs on both fronts before committing to a manufactured home purchase.

The Drawbacks of Investing in a Manufactured Home

There are some drawbacks that come with purchasing a manufactured home. Usually, if it isn’t on (or being placed upon) a permanent foundation. You may not be able to get a traditional mortgage to buy one. Similarly, if you don’t own the land – or aren’t in the process of buying it as well – most mortgage lenders won’t finance the purchase.

Even if you do buy land and want to put down a permanent foundation. You may not be able to place a manufactured home just anywhere. Local zoning laws may prohibit them in certain areas. If that’s the case, getting an exception can be incredibly challenging, and may not even be possible.

There can also be insurance concerns. Manufactured home insurance is generally more expensive than typical homeowners’ policies. They may not be at risk of greater damage during certain kinds of catastrophic events, such as fire, high winds, and floods. In some regions, manufactured houses have a higher rate of theft claims, something that causes elevated insurance rates for all owners in the area.

Negative Opinions About Manufactured Housing

Additionally, while some people are beginning to view manufactured homes more favorably, others still have negative opinions of them. This harms their resale value significantly. Even when they are on permanent foundations and can qualify for mortgage loans. When they aren’t on permanent foundations. The situation is usually worse.

Now, local market conditions, maintenance and upkeep, and similar factors can help manufactured homes retain value. Similarly, the value of the land can rise. Thus, offsetting some losses. However, this is almost universally an uphill battle. So it’s important to keep that in mind.

Finally, if you don’t intend to purchase land, that means you’ll have to rent a property. With this, permanent foundations usually aren’t an option. Plus, renting plots at mobile home parks can be costly, and some neighborhoods may not be the nicest options.

It can also put you at the mercy of the property owner. Especially, since moving a manufactured home once it has been set in place can be costly, structurally devastating, or both. As a result, you may not have a choice but to deal with plot rent price increases, neighborhood quality declines, or other potential issues that could arise.

Are Manufactured Homes a Good Investment?

As you can see, whether a manufactured home is a good investment depends on your goals. Paying for a manufactured house (even with land) may cost less than renting a comparable-sized space. Additionally, the value of your land may rise. Which is one aspect that could work in your favor.

However, the structure itself will typically decline in value. This is something that doesn’t always occur with stick-built homes. There can also be issues with obtaining a loan. As most don’t qualify for traditional mortgages. Not only can this be troublesome for would-be buyers, particularly when it comes to finding a reasonable interest rate.  It also means you’ll face hurdles if you ever want to sell.

Additionally, while many may call them mobile homes, moving them may not be an option, or may be incredibly costly. If you were considering placing a manufactured home on a rented lot, you could be making a long-term commitment to that arrangement, and that may not work in your favor over time.

Do you think that a manufactured home can be a good investment? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More:

Advertisers Note: If you are reading this article because you’re interested in financial options, consider a loan from Max Cash Title Loans.  Max Cash Title Loans is American’s largest network of title loan providers.  Visit them today for your title loan needs!

Down Payment, Rainy Day, Be Prepared

by Leave a Comment

rainy day

During the month of June, I wrote an article Down Payment or Investment Opportunities. It was my perspective on what to do with my savings, as I want to buy a home as soon as possible, but I also saw incredible opportunities to make money in the stock market.

Review a previous post

I thought I would revisit this topic, but my mindset shifted a little bit. That’s not to say that I’m proceeding in a different way than I thought I would, but now I’m thinking about it differently.

In that post, I said that I wanted to save $25,000 (I think) for a down payment, and wanted to do it in 4 years.

That meant that I would have to set aside a decent chunk each month to make that a possibility. The caveat to that is I would forego many chances to put money to work in the stock market.

Saving money for a down payment versus actively participating in the market is not the smartest financial decision (in my opinion), but in terms of what’s best for my family and for my psyche, this is the right move.

Because I have conviction in my decision now, my “regret” for not participating in the market has gone away.

When I first made the decision to save for a home instead, I often felt regret because the opportunities to make money were so great. Just from when I wrote that post (June 17) to now, the S&P 500 index ETF (SPY) is up 7.5%.

But I know this is the right choice, so I’m better able to focus my efforts on this goal. I’m eating out much less, I reviewed my budget to see where I could save more, and I’m finding bargains or buying second-hand items where I can.

Rainy day

While we are on the topic of saving money, I want to stress the importance of having some set aside for a rainy day.

As we’ve seen over the past few months, life can get pretty ugly. Now economic and humanitarian events of this scale don’t happen very often, but that’s not the point.

What I’m trying to convey here is that life is unpredictable. You don’t know what’s going to happen, or when. You don’t know how bad it’s going to be, so it’s important you have something set aside if things do get bad.

What’s more, it’s clear that the majority of businesses and corporations don’t have hardly any money set aside when disaster strikes. We like to think that if we put our time and energy working for a company, that they’ll take care of us when the time comes, but it’s clear now that most businesses won’t do that. They’ll protect the bottom line, and that’s that.

Obviously, not every company is like that, but I think it’s safe to say that the majority of organizations operate in this fashion.

Now, I do believe that this event will change how businesses operate. They’ll back away from the lean and mean operations, and start focusing on supply chain redundancy, as well as paying a little more for the security of their products and their people.

Be prepared

What I’m trying to say here is you need to look out for yourself and your family first. Sometimes, it’s necessary to forego big vacations, big expenses, or take out.

I think there’s room to be optimistic but also plan for the worst. I think it’s necessary to do both.

Living a life full of optimism is great, but you become a deer in the headlights when something bad happens. Taking the other side of things, being pessimistic, turns you into a cynic, and that has to be a depressing way to live.

Find room for both. Expect the worst, hope for the best, and save for a rainy day.

Related reading:

Everything You Need to Know to Set Up Your Own Emergency Fund