About Ruth Lyons

Trading three decades of financial publishing experience in the corporate world for a life of personal and financial freedom as a freelancer in 2012, Ruth is passionate about helping others take control of their personal finances and to become aware and educated on their options as self-reliant individuals. Disenfranchised with the high cost and lackluster performance of her IRA, college savings and other retirement accounts handled by a full-service broker, Ruth moved her retirement money to a self-directed IRA in 2015. Ruth holds an MS in Finance from Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business (1991) and a Business Management degree from University of Maryland (1984).

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403(b) vs. 401(k) – What’s the Difference?

You’ve certainly seen the term “401(k)” before. And it’s likely that you already have one set up through your employer. But what’s a 403(b)? If you’re wondering what this type of employer-sponsored plan is, who qualifies for it and how it’s different from a 401(k), read on.

What’s the Best Way to Determine the Value of My Property ?

For many of us, our home is the single biggest investment we’ll ever make. And just as we track the value of our other investments, it’s wise to assess the value of our main property (as well as any secondary properties we might own) from time to time. Of course, the value of any home fluctuates based on market conditions and other factors. So the question is: How do you determine the current market value of your home?

7 Ways to Fund Your Real Estate Deals

We’ve all heard the old saying “It takes money to make money.” And this is definitely true in real estate investing. Investing in real estate requires having access to a sizable amount of capital. Whether you’re building a portfolio of rentals or fixing and flipping for short-term profits, the biggest hurdle to doing deals is often funding.

3 Steps to Get Started As a Real Estate Investor

I firmly believe we are all budding entrepreneurs. We want to control our destiny, work for ourselves and feel good about making a difference in the world. Real estate investing is an excellent way to stretch one’s entrepreneurial muscles.

Should You Rent Your Property to Section 8 Tenants?

Finding a suitable place to live is often difficult for families with financial challenges. Many low-income families pay half their monthly income in rent and still find themselves living in sub-par, and even unsafe, conditions. Ever since the Great Depression, there have been housing assistance programs in the United States. One of the most popular is a federal program, known as “Section 8,” that’s managed by local Public Housing Authorities. And Section 8 may also provide investors who want to take part in active real estate investing with some great opportunities.

Betterment vs. Vanguard – Which Robo Advisor Is Better?

With so many robo advisor platforms on the market today, finding the one that best suits your individual needs can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this comparison of two of the most popular services, Betterment and Vanguard Personal Advisor Services. Both products have each received excellent ratings from our reviewers. So which one is better? Let’s put them head-to-head and find out.

Rent to Own – A Win-Win for My Problem Property

Becoming an energetic and persistent problem solver is crucial to real estate investing success. There’s the previously hidden plumbing issue that needs fixing now because the drywall guys are on site. Or the listed property with fewer-than-expected showings because some of the pre-rehab photos are still popping up online. Problem solving is a constant challenge.

Rent to Own – A Home Buying Option With No Down Payment Required

Are you sick of paying rent month after month with nothing to show for it? For generations, home ownership has been an American dream — a symbol of financial success and stability. Plus, as we’re constantly reminded, it can be a great investment. But for some of us, buying a home is not that easy.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide – What to Get the Investor on Your List

The holidays are here, which means it’s time to start checking off the items on your gift-shopping list. But what should you get the investors among your friends and family?

Six Things to Know Before You Do a 1031 Exchange

The 1031 exchange can be a great tool to increase your cash flow by deferring taxes. It has been used by savvy real estate investors for decades. Through a properly executed 1031 exchange, you can legally delay paying taxes on investment gains when you sell a qualified property.