Stocks are shares that represent ownership in a company. Many people invest in stocks because their shares entitle them to a piece of the company’s future earnings in the form of dividends. Investors also buy or trade stocks to make money as the share price changes based on market conditions and the company’s prospects. How…
About the Author
Dock David Treece
Dock David Treece is a finance writer and editor leading our team of writers in the Personal Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate Investing space. Before his tenure at Fit Small Business, Dock’s professional background was deeply rooted in the securities and investment advisory industry.
As a former registered investment advisory rep and former registered securities rep, Dock advised clients with critical personal financial planning and decision-making. Dock also served on the FINRA Small Firm Advisory Board, where he assisted industry regulators in understanding the state of the industry and regulatory initiatives.
As an experienced columnist, he has provided engaging, actionable commentary on financial markets and economic developments for well-known publications like SafeHaven, GreenFaucet, and Marketwatch. His expertise has also been featured by the likes of CNBC, Forbes, and Yahoo Financial.
During his free time, Dock and his wife Kiah split their time between North Carolina—where they own their own business dealing antiques and fine art—and Tennessee where they own a small hobby farm.
7 Best 401(k) Companies 2019
401(k)s allow business owners and employees to save up to $56,000 annually through tax-free salary deferrals, matching, and profit-sharing. While all 401(k)s follow IRS rules, choosing the right provider is still very important. We’ve reviewed more than a dozen 401(k) companies and compare the seven best below. For a low-cost, full-featured 401(k) plan that is…
6 Best Solo 401(k) Providers for 2019
A Solo 401(k) allows small business owners to save up to $56,000 for retirement through tax-free salary deferrals and profit-sharing. Choosing the right provider is an important part of successfully using a Solo 401(k). We’ve reviewed many Solo 401(k) providers and compare the best below, including their costs and investment options. Spark 401k is an…
How Capital One is Bringing 401(k) Plans to the Masses
Capital One Advisors 401k Services began in 2011. Since then, Capital One has been focused on providing 401(k) plans through its two main offerings: ShareBuilder and Spark 401k. Through ShareBuilder 401k, which was started in 2005, Capital One provides custom 401(k) plans to smaller mid-market firms. Capital One Spark 401k was launched in 2016 to…
ETFs: What They Are, How to Invest, & Who They’re Right For
An exchange traded fund (ETF) is a type of fund that pools together individual stocks, bonds, and other securities. ETFs allow investors to diversify their investments much more cost-effectively than trading individual stocks and bonds. Investors can also trade ETFs anytime during the day, so they’re ideal for investors who want short-term gains. What an…
Mutual Funds: What They Are & How to Invest
A mutual fund is a professionally managed investment fund that holds a diversified basket of stocks and bonds. Using mutual funds, investors get more diversification, which lowers investors’ risks of losing money. Mutual funds are also more cost-efficient than buying individual stocks and bonds, making them ideal for investors who don’t have millions to invest….
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT) & Succession Planning
An irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is a trust that serves as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy. A life insurance trust helps wealthy individuals to protect assets and avoid estate taxes, and is a succession planning tool for small business owners who want to transfer a business to heirs or partners….
Retirement Calculator
How to Read Your Retirement Calculator Results You can use this retirement savings calculator to glean a number of key insights including: When you’ll run out of money: People typically retire between the ages 65 and 70; using the retirement calculator above you can predict when you can comfortably retire by adjusting contribution amounts, contribution…
Individual & Solo 401k Rules, Contribution Limits & Deadlines
A Solo 401(k) is a qualified retirement plan allowing business owners and their spouses to shelter up to $56,000-$61,000 of income from taxes each year. Solo 401(k)s are like any other 401(k) except they are lower cost and are an option for business owners with no full-time employees. Spark 401k is an experienced 401(k) provider…
Roth IRA: Rules, Contribution Limits & Deadlines
A Roth individual retirement account (IRA) is an individual retirement account that allows investors to contribute up to $6,000 per year for retirement. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs allow post-tax contributions that then grow tax-free and are withdrawn tax-free during retirement. Roth IRAs are ideal for tax-conscious investors who want to lessen their income tax…
6 Best Small Business Retirement Plans 2018
Retirement plans help business owners save for retirement and attract the most talented employees. There are 6 main types of small business retirement plans that allow pre-tax contributions each year by employers and/or employees. Each type differs widely, ranging from $6,000 – $56,000+ in annual contributions, with some requiring employer contributions or match. When you’re…
Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan: What it is, Contributions, & Matching Rules
A Safe Harbor 401(k) is a retirement plan allowing employers and high-earners to shelter income that would be considered “discriminatory” against employees in a standard retirement plan. Employers and high-earning employees can shelter $56,000-$62,000 per year from income tax without falling out of compliance by providing matching contributions to employees. Spark 401k can help small…
