Jean Folger is a freelance writer and editor specializing in real estate, retirement, investing, and other personal finance topics. She is passionate about helping people make better financial choices so they have more money and time to spend on the things that matter most. She believes investing in your health—whether to eat well, hit the gym, or try a new sport—is as important as saving for retirement.
Articles by Jean Folger
8 Ways to Invest $1,000
A $1,000 investment can be the perfect way to save for a financial goal or jumpstart your retirement nest egg. Here are eight ways to invest $1K.
January 29, 2024
10 Best Ways to Invest $10K
If you’re looking for the best way to invest $10K, here are 10 options to consider, from maxing out your retirement accounts to investing in yourself.
January 29, 2024
Mega Backdoor Roth: What Is It, How It Works, What to Consider
A mega backdoor Roth lets you save an extra $43,500 in 2023, but not all workplace plans allow them.
January 23, 2024
12 Best Online Brokers and Stock Trading Platforms in January 2024
The best online brokers offer a full range of investments, low fees, and user-friendly trading platforms. Here are our top picks for online brokers in 2024.
January 23, 2024
Dividend Kings List 2023: The Most Elite Group of Dividend-Paying Stocks
A dividend king is a stock that has increased its shareholder dividends for at least 50 years in a row. Learn more about this exclusive group of stocks and how to invest.
January 22, 2024
How to Plan for Retirement: 5 Steps
Retirement planning takes some effort, but the sooner you get started, the more flexibility you'll have later in life.
January 18, 2024
10 Ways to Invest $20,000
Looking for the best way to invest $20K? Here are 10 options to consider for growing your money and reaching your goals.
January 15, 2024
10 Best Money-Making Apps for January 2024
Money-making apps can be a quick and simple way to earn extra cash from your habits and hobbies with just a few taps on your mobile device.
January 11, 2024
How to Make Money on Twitch
Ever wondered how you can make money as a Twitch streamer? We talked with one of the best Tekken 7 players of all time to find out what it takes.
January 08, 2024
Can You Pay Your Mortgage with Your Credit Card?
You might be able to pay your mortgage with a credit card, but it may not be easy or affordable. Find out when it makes sense.
January 08, 2024
What Is a Secured Credit Card and How Does It Work?
A secured credit card requires an upfront security deposit, but it can help you establish or build your credit and improve your credit score. Here's what you need to know.
January 08, 2024
What is a Balance Transfer & How Does it Work?
A balance transfer credit card can save you money on interest so you can pay down your debt faster, but it's essential to understand how the process works before diving in.
January 08, 2024
What is a covered call? Pros, Cons, Strategy
A covered call is a basic options strategy that can generate investment income from stocks you own, but you could miss out on profits if the stock jumps in value.
January 05, 2024
Alpha vs. Beta in Investing: What’s the Difference?
Alpha measures an investment's return relative to a benchmark, while beta measures risk. Find out how these two metrics can help you pick investments that match your risk/return profile.
January 05, 2024
What is a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP)?
A dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) lets you accumulate more shares of the same company over time, generating higher potential long-term returns due to the power of compounding.
January 05, 2024
How to Make Money on Instagram in 2024
Instagram influencers can earn hundreds or thousands of dollars per month. Learn the top five ways to make money on Instagram in 2024.
January 04, 2024
Best Money-Saving Apps 2024
The best money-saving apps can make saving more effortless—and even fun. Here are our favorite apps for saving money in 2024.
January 02, 2024
What Is Wealth Management and Do You Need It?
A wealth manager helps you grow and protect your wealth and reach your financial goals, but they aren’t cheap. Here’s a closer look at wealth management to help you decide if it’s a smart investment.
January 02, 2024
What Is a Stock Portfolio? Definition, Strategy, Considerations
An investment portfolio is a collection of assets designed to earn a return or grow in value over time, but the right portfolio for you depends on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
January 01, 2024
Best Time to Buy a House in 2024
Spring signals the start of the homebuying season, when home inventory and sales typically hit their annual peaks. But it's not necessarily when buyers get the best deals.
December 24, 2023
Masterworks Review 2024
Masterworks makes fine art investments accessible to a broader audience by offering fractional shares and handling the research, acquisition, management, and sale of artworks.
December 24, 2023
6 Proven Strategies To Invest In Real Estate in 2024
Real estate can be a lucrative investment, whether you invest directly in properties or indirectly through REITs, REIGs, and crowdfunding. Here are six ways to invest in real estate.
December 24, 2023
What Is the Secure Act 2.0?
President Biden signed the SECURE Act 2.0 into law in late 2022, bringing dozens of new provisions aimed at making it easier to save money and better prepare for retirement.
December 12, 2023
Open-End vs. Closed-End Funds: Differences & How To Choose
Open-end and closed-end funds are professionally managed portfolios that can provide diversification, but there are some key differences to consider before investing.
November 30, 2023
What Is an Appraisal Gap Clause?
An appraisal gap clause says you agree to pay the difference between the appraised value and the agreed-upon purchase price of a home, up to a limit.
October 25, 2023