Spring is here! And here's SMI Money Roundup, a weekly collection of interesting reads on investing, personal finance, and stewardship. Enjoy!
If equity markets didn't fall as much their returns would be lower (Joe Wiggins, Behavioral Investment). "One of the biggest mistakes investors make is trying to capture the upside of equities while avoiding the downside."
How not to invest (Nick Maggiulli, Of Dollars and Data). Observations inspired by Barry Ritholtz's new book, How Not to Invest: The Ideas, Numbers, and Behaviors that Destroy Wealth.
Roth conversions are the retirement version of 'buy the dip' (MarketWatch via Morningstar). "Roth conversions are most optimal in a down market because you can convert more shares."
Money market ETFs: An opportunity to attract mutual fund assets (VettaFi). This article is for financial-industry professionals, but it's a good primer on a new product you'll be hearing more about: money-market fund ETFs. (Both Schwab and BlackRock have such funds in the works.)
Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest? (Christine Benz, Morningstar). The answer to that question depends on the answers you give to seven other questions.
The SSA is changing how you apply for benefits and update your direct deposit information (Kiplinger). The new procedures are aimed at fighting widespread fraud.
Here's how to maximize your college financial aid offer — experts break it down (CNBC). "The goal is to maximize gift aid — money that doesn’t need to be paid back."
Trusted: Teaching kids about money, stewardship, & generosity (LEAD Pods podcast, MB Foundation). The guest is SMI's own Matt Bell (related resources here).
Visualized: How much gold is in Fort Knox? (Visual Capitalist). Did you know the Kentucky facility "was established in the 1930s to protect [U.S.] gold from potential foreign attacks"?
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