Determining total return typically utilizes the:Inflation-adjusted annual performance of all mutual-funds.Annual capital gain plus dividend payout of a stock or fund.Math skills learned in college-level calculus courses.Dividend yield on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Beta is commonly used as a relative measure of risk. It measures:Standard deviation of a stock’s price.The expected total returns of a diversified portfolio.The unsystematic risk component of an investment.The risk of a security or portfolio relative to the overall market.
Dividends are taxed:At the investor’s marginal income tax rate.At a maximum rate of 15%.Only when the stock is sold.Dividends are never taxed.
Gold may be a good investment if:Inflation is expected to increase.You like the color.World peace comes to pass.Foreign governments sell their gold reserves.
Disability income insurance:Can cover part of your lost income while you are disabled.Pays medical expenses associated with a disability.Should only be purchased by star athletes.Is primarily for the unemployed.
For most Americans, taxes are due on:January 1.April 1.April 15.December 31.
Mortgage payments:Can be completely deducted from income for tax purposes.Vary from month to month on a fixed rate loan.Represent high principal payments early in the term of the loan.Are typically tax deductible to the extent that they represent payment of interest.
Long-term care insurance:Is only for the very elderly.Can help protect assets from the cost of a nursing home stay.Is not necessary since Medicare always covers long-term care.Is always available regardless of your past health history.