It’s (officially) summertime! Kick back, relax, and enjoy these interesting articles on investing, personal finance, and Christian stewardship.
Mutual fund expense ratios in 401(k) plans continued to decline in 2017 (Investment Company Institute). 401(k) investors paid an average expense ratio of 0.45% last year on equity funds — e.g., $45 on a $10,000 investment. In 2000, that ratio was significantly higher: 0.77% percent.
G.E. dropped from the Dow after more than a century (New York Times). G.E.’s share price has plummeted over the past year. One culprit: large losses in the company’s long-term-care insurance business.
’Dying at your desk is not a retirement plan’ (Washington Post). A profile of several retirees and near-retirees, each with a different level of financial readiness for retirement.
Retiree do’s and don’ts in a rising-rate environment (Morningstar). Ideas for side-stepping the negative impact of higher rates, and also for turning higher rates to your advantage.
The ’Protestant Work Ethic’ really does fight poverty (Christianity Today). Three economists recently studied how Christian discipleship affects household income. Here’s what they found out.
And from the bloggers and pundits...
Why the next bear market may feel more painful (Ben Carlson, A Wealth of Common Sense). The pain level is directly correlated with how much money you have invested.
How to avoid getting sick from financial markets (Barry Ritholtz, Bloomberg). Investing may be hazardous to your health (but it doesn’t have to be).
Why do investors focus on the wrong things? (Joe Wiggins, Behavioural Investment). It’s no wonder we tend to look at the wrong things. Markets — and the media — conspire against us, lurching from one obsession to the next.
Life is more than compounding money (Sean Iddings, Intelligent Fanatics). The author offers examples of notable Scrooge-like investors who made lots of money but, alas, didn’t enjoy life.
Infographic: What is a mutual fund? (Visual Capitalist). A helpful visual "explainer" covering fund history, types, fees, and more.
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