What Can We Learn from Past Performance?

When it comes to mutual funds, as we all know, past performance is not indicative of future results.

But past performance can still be useful information. One of my favorite ways to use such data is to get a quick, first-glance look at how similar two funds are.

For example, a reader recently asked about whether Fidelity Total Bond Fund (FTBFX) would be a suitable replacement for Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBMFX) he had wanted to use the Vanguard fund, but the Fidelity fund appeared to be the best bond fund available in his 401(k).

The following chart (produced via Fidelitys website see the end of this article for instructions on making similar charts) shows us how an investment of $10,000 in each of the funds would have done over the last 10 years.

Conclusion: Theyre certainly not the same thing, but they dont appear to be wildly different either.

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Debt Reduction – Get Out of Debt Plan

It is important for a consumer to work on a Get Out of Debt Plan once he/she finds it difficult to repay monthly installments for multiple debts. The debt may have been caused due to excessive spending on family by obtaining unnecessary loans and using Credit Card Service. The Get Out of Debt Plan makes use of Credit Services such as Debt Consolidation, Debt Settlement, Bankruptcy Management and Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

Companies offer consumers the relief of debt elimination within a fixed time frame according to a formal agreement. Some companies work for profits while other do this work for free. The ultimate result of using these services is that the consumer shall be free of threat calls and legal notifications from creditors any further. Most of these Debt Management companies do not require any pledge by the borrower or a good credit history.

Filing for Bankruptcy can be the easiest and most feasible method for most consumers to get relieved of debt.

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Paying for college: What you should know

Misty makes some excellent points in this video, especially for families who are applying for financial aid for the first time. She mentions that the FAFSA is free, and we cant stress this enough! For families who have questions about the FAFSA, feel free to pose a question to the financial aid experts at FinancialAidForum, or check out some of the othermon questions from families.

She also talks about how families must pull their tax information for the FAFSA from the IRS in order for the form to beplete. Id clarify that families who arent required to file their taxes for whatever reason, dont need to use the IRS data retrieval option.

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5 tips to improve your credit score

With the number of Brits applying for credit rising every day, improving your credit score is the first thing you should aim for in order to ensure your pay loan request is successful.

“Each lender applies their own criteria when processing an application, and it is almost impossible to second guess when applying. Consumers need to be savvy and understand what they can do to minimise the risk of being rejected,” said Tim Moss, head of loans and debt at MoneySupermarket.com.

If you know your credit score is less than perfect, or you dont have much of a credit history, there are steps you can take to improve your rating and increase your chances of getting a loan.”

Check your credit report - It is important to check what your credit report shows and correct any mistakes that could decrease your credit score.

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