Moomoo is a new commission-free brokerage offered by Futu Inc.  It is currently offering two free stocks to new users.

Moomoo Free Stocks (Up to $2,000)

December 1 through December  31, Moomoo is giving away five to fifteen free stocks when you sign up with our Moomoo Free Stock Link.

You will receive your free stocks from Moomoo depending on how much you deposit:

• You will get your five free stock from Moomoo when you deposit at least $100 into your account within the promotion period and maintain an average assets of more than $100 for 60 days or more to unlock the stocks.  The stocks will be valued between $2 and $2,000.
• You will get your ten free stock from Moomoo when you deposit at least $1,000 into your account within within the promotion period and maintain an average assets of more than $1,000 for 60 days or more to unlock the stocks.  This stock will be valued between $2 and $2,000.
• You will get your fifteen free stock + 1 free share of Tesla or Google from Moomoo when you deposit at least $5,000 into your account within within the promotion period and maintain an average assets of more than $5,000 for 60 days or more to unlock the stocks. 

Important: Unlike the Webull free stock promotion, you do not have to deposit $100 (or $1,500 for the second free stock) all at once.  You can deposit little by little and as long as your net deposits — that is, your deposits less any withdrawals — total to $100 or more during the first 90 days you have your Moomoo account, you will qualify for the first free stock.  If they total $1,500 or more during the first 90 days you have your Moomoo account, you will qualify for the second free stock.

Get 2 Free Stocks From Moomoo Now

What Are My Odds of Getting a High-Priced Stock?

The free stock(s) you get through Moomoo’s free stock promotion are completely random.

Here are your odds of getting a stock at various price points after your net deposits to Moomoo reach $100 within the first 90 days (Outdated):

• 99.6% chance of receiving a stock worth between $4 and $15.  This is a 249 in 250 chance.
• 0.04% chance of receiving a stock worth between $10 and $200.  This is a 1 in 250 chacne.

Here are your odds of getting a stock at various price points after your net deposits to Moomoo reach $1,500 within the first 90 days (Outdated):

• 98.8% chance of receiving a stock worth between $10 and $50.  This is a 247 in 250 chance.
• 0.08% chance of receiving a stock worth between $50 and $200.  This is a 2 in 250 chance.
• 0.04% chance of receiving a stock worth between $200 and $1,000.  This is a 1 in 250 chance.

Related: Here are all the companies giving away free stocks right now.

Are Moomoo Free Stocks Taxable?

Yes, you have to report the value of free stocks you received from Moomoo as “Other Income” on your tax return.

Moomoo Referral Program

After opening your Moomoo account to get your own free stocks, you will receive your own referral link to refer others to Moomoo.

After someone you refers reaches each of the deposit hurdles described above within the promo period, both you and they will receive free stocks as described above.

Other Free Stock Apps

In addition to Moomoo, several other investing apps are currently giving away free stocks to new users.  We’ve put together the entire list in this article.

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Send us a text Join us on Average Joe Finances as our guest Dr. Kimberly Harms shares her compelling life story, involving personal challenges, the loss of her child and husband, and how these experiences shaped her career and mission in life. She talks about the significance of being financially and emotionally prepared, and how […]

The post Podcast 278. Building Resilience and Planning Your Legacy with Dr. Kimberly Harms appeared first on Average Joe Finances.

“We usually just stay in and try to find new shows to watch until one of us falls asleep.” When I tried bringing up fun date night ideas, a buddy shared this about his love life. His girlfriend didn’t look enthusiastic when he described how their weekends went. I’m sure that watching a new show […]

The post The Ultimate List of Date Night Ideas So That You Never Get Bored appeared first on Studenomics.

IN JANUARY, I surrendered to passionate irrationality, buying a park unit in Arizona that has become my second home.

Now I understand why, at least in the movie cliché, a man might buy house slippers for his long-suffering wife’s birthday, while giving flashy, expensive baubles to his girlfriend for no reason at all.

My single-wide “girlfriend” is tiny and fragile, the bloom off her youth. Things that improve her are easily obtained. A phone call to a friendly fellow at a store, the provision of a credit card number, and—voila—my private world is transformed for the better. Rational me knows the value I derive from each expenditure might be marginal, perhaps an imaginary gain or even an actual loss.

Meanwhile, our longtime family home in California could also benefit from a new refrigerator, as well as much, much more. Over three decades of living in that house, I’ve remodeled, bought new appliances, replaced a furnace, changed out windows, and completed countless other projects. I have clear memories of improvements that helped and ones that disappointed.

As of today, my 2007 kitchen remodel refrigerator has yet to die, so I’m thinking it can wait another year. After all, even when I’m living in the old family house, I’m not staring at the refrigerator nonstop. I might be in the living room, or dining room, or upstairs or out in the yard, with no thoughts of refrigeration clouding my mind.

Here in my immobile home, the living room is also the dining room and the kitchen. Its tiniest flaws, any neglected maintenance, sit in plain view. On top of that—though not always the case—improving my single wide can require minuscule amounts of time, effort and cost. Less than a single quart repainted the “kitchen” and, with under 20 square feet of visible wall, no ladder was required. The whole of the “living room” took one evening to paint.

In a minor triumph of inspiration and imagination, I removed two cupboard doors to create a built-in bookshelf. Then I repurposed the doors as a faux cupboard, masking a badly executed prior owner’s remodeling project. Total expenditure: zero dollars and an hour with a screwdriver, tape measure and level.

Refurbishing the main family house, by contrast, usually involves dollar amounts that start close to $1,000 and easily end on the high side of $50,000. Not to mention weeks or months of arranging details and schedules with scarce home-improvement contractors.

Even here in Arizona, in the land of easy upgrades, a new refrigerator is not a low-cost item. Neither was the washing machine, nor installing a water conditioner. And I have my eye on an electric induction range next.

The easy immediacy of improvements in a small home is a delight. I see changes in an afternoon, making the place ever more useful and attractive as I put my individual stamp on its functionality.

I like to show off my trophy wife—or is it girlfriend?—of a holiday home. Family and friends smile at my fresh paint, a patched and scrubbed counter, a single fixed railing. By contrast, it’s been a decade since anyone walked into my California house and said, “Wow, this place looks so much better.”

I’m learning new things, having fun, and spending my hard-saved investment dollars on myself and others while I’m still around to enjoy the effects. This is my new self and a different life. I’ve uncovered an inner home engineer, and she turns out to be a spender.

I’m not that man in the cliché, however. Next time that I’m back in California, at the big old reliable house with her good bones, I promise to measure for a new refrigerator.

Catherine Horiuchi is retired from the University of San Francisco’s School of Management, where she was an associate professor teaching graduate courses in public policy, public finance and government technology. Check out Catherine’s earlier articles.

The post Household Affairs appeared first on HumbleDollar.

Earlier this year, I set an ambitious goal to read 1000 books—something I expect will take me many years. My fall reading update covers what I read from July 27 to October 31, and a peek at what’s next on my reading list.

The post Fall reading update – The road to 1000 books appeared first on Boomer Eco Crusader.

Once you’ve reached retirement age, your free time is yours to do as you wish. You can spend your days doing things around the house, going on day trips and vacations, or spending quality time with family and friends.  You might invest more time in hobbies and other interests. Sometimes, your hobbies, like the ones … Read more

Sustainable investing is gaining popularity, but it comes with its own set of risks. You might worry about greenwashing or lower returns. Don’t let these concerns stop you from positively impacting your money. You can reduce risks in sustainable investing by doing thorough research and diversifying your portfolio. To start, look closely at companies’ ESG […]

MY LIFE’S GOAL WAS to make money. I make no apologies for this. I’m not particularly gifted in this pursuit, but I did persevere.

I take satisfaction that I stuck to my goal despite all obstacles. There were many trips, falls, mistakes and failures along the way. I had to work hard and seek a new job each time my old employment ended. I set out to do something—and I did it.

That all changed when I retired. It felt like crossing the finish line at the New York City Marathon. I’d completed my career race at last. It was a good feeling. Knowing that someday I’d reach that finish line was a vital part of my motivation.

The satisfaction now is to look back on my journey and see what I accomplished. I fought the good fight. I’m proud of never giving up. But now, I move on to other goals, the ones that I still have time for. We are all given one lifetime. The longest will be about 100 years.

Using 100 as a measuring stick, where are you on your 100-year timeline—and what’s next? What would you do today if you had just one week to live? I hope you’d feel fulfilled, that you’ve done what you wanted to do all along. The goals you pursued might not be what your friends and family thought you should do. Still, if you did what you wanted, you should have no regrets.

If this isn’t true for you, I’d advise you to get going. What do you think you should be doing? The more you do things of your own choosing, the better you’ll feel. Retirement is a perfect time to think selfishly. Doing one selfish thing, while you do 10 things for others, will motivate you to keep going.

Remember, you’re trying to live the rest of your life with zero regrets—to be on your deathbed and think, “I had a good life.” Life is a gift. When you receive a gift, the giver would love to see your appreciation. The way to show that appreciation is to enjoy each day. If you use the day for a guilty pleasure, good for you. The idea is to use the day for what would make you happy.

This might make others happy too—or perhaps not. To be sure, you need goals that won’t disrupt your home life. Breaking your marriage vows or the law might not be a smart move. I hope you’re thinking of goals like skydiving, pursuing hobbies, or visiting places you’ve been pondering for a long time. Let the urgency of a limited lifetime motivate you to accomplish your ambitions.

Maybe you’ll be lucky and have 100 years to work with. Think of all the things you could accomplish. The opportunities are endless. But also remember the expression “time’s a-wasting” applies to us all. We don’t have an unlimited supply of years.

Spread the Wisdom

WHEN THEY ENTER retirement, many folks seem to lose their sense of purpose, especially men who’ve held the traditional role of breadwinner and provider. Once that aspect of their life ends, guys often start to question their purpose.

Our life’s meaning is based on who we are. Some of us are brilliant thinkers. Others are great friends to many. Yet others offer inspiration to the younger generation based on their careers as public servants. We all have a unique combination of gifts. To find meaning, we should apply those gifts in whatever way they can be best used.

That brings me to everybody who reads, writes for and comments on HumbleDollar. Is the subject of money and investing easy for you to understand? Are you comfortable discussing finance with others? Within your social circle, you’re probably the finance whiz, even if you don’t think of yourself that way.

We can use this money sense to provide meaning to the lives of others—by teaching those who are less financially savvy at handling money.

We all know people who are terrible with money. Some tune out as soon as they hear phrases like cost basis or capital gains. Others never acquire the savings habit. Many spend far too freely.

For those who are comfortable with money, advising others on their financial challenges can provide a life’s purpose. To put your gift to work, start by finding your tribe. Join with others who share your interest in spreading financial literacy.

Some people think finance is selfish. I was once told, “The love of money is a sin.” That’s not true. Money is a tool. A hammer in the hands of a skilled carpenter is a thing of beauty.

If your gift is developing friendships, people will praise you for having many friends. Why should the gift of handling money intelligently be viewed any different? Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Embrace your gift and pass it on.

My Retirement Purpose

GEORGE BURNS, one half of the legendary comedy duo Burns and Allen, had a secret to a long and fulfilling life. “Always have a reason to get up in the morning,” he said.

That reason doesn’t have to be world peace or saving starving children. It just needs to be something that’s important to you.

Retirement experts often advise that we find a grand purpose—an encore career or running the board at a local nonprofit. But what if “purpose” sounds intimidating? What if simply picking up trash with your son on a daily walk becomes your reason to rise and shine?

Collecting trash may sound mundane. The act takes on greater meaning, though, when viewed through the lens of environmentalism. On our walks, my son and I focus on aluminum cans, those 100% recyclable wonders. Every one we pick up means one less can in a landfill. It may be a small contribution, but it’s ours.

My son, driven by an innate desire to clean, leads the way. He’ll crawl under bushes and climb hills to retrieve discarded items. The reward he gets is the shout-outs from people walking past or the horn toots when cars drive by. His autism prevents him from acknowledging these positive encounters, but he hears them and it makes him smile.

My son loves to collect trash and recyclables wherever they are. My job is to find honey pot locations with lots of trash. These are usually near industrial sites or close to highways, those in between places where people apparently feel free to throw bottles and cans out the car window.

Litterers may be bad actors, but we don’t care who littered or why. Removing the burden of judgment makes picking up the trash easier. The beauty of our activity is its simplicity. Our only expense is the cost of an occasional replacement grabber for my son. That’s a far cry from the extravagant expenses of, say, a golf-centered retirement.

What started as my son’s fascination with trash has become a shared obsession—a commitment to leaving these neglected areas cleaner than we found them. It’s a niche with no competition, and the satisfaction we gain is immeasurable.

Is my purpose to save the environment or simply make my son happy? Perhaps both, which is a win-win in my book.

I now understand George Burns’s wisdom. He booked a gig at the London Palladium for his 100th birthday, underlining his reason to get up each morning. He did live a century and seven weeks more but, in the end, was too unwell to perform on his 100th birthday. Still, his advice resonates: Find your purpose, big or small, so you find joy in each new day.

David Gartland was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and has lived in central New Jersey since 1987. He earned a bachelor’s degree in math from the State University of New York at Cortland and holds various professional insurance designations. Dave’s property and casualty insurance career with different companies lasted 42 years. He’s been married 36 years, and has a son with special needs. Dave has identified three areas of interest that he focuses on to enjoy retirement: exploring, learning and accomplishing. Pursuing any one of these leads to contentment. Check out Dave’s earlier articles.

The post Time’s A-Wasting appeared first on HumbleDollar.

The post Insider Tips: Choose the Right Investment Strategy for Your Business appeared first on Dividend Power.

Choosing the right way to invest is key for a business to succeed and grow. Whether you are new or aiming to expand, it’s important to pick a strategy that matches your goals, what you have, and how much risk you can take. The correct business investment strategy can boost your gains, handle risks well, and help you reach long-term goals. This guide covers five essential points to consider when creating a business investment plan to secure your and your business’s future.

Getting the Necessary Funding

The first step in setting up a good investment plan is ensuring you have the funds needed for your goals. Getting enough funds is key for buying gear, growing your business, hiring skilled people, or boosting your ads. Many companies explore external funding options, such as business loans.

A business loan can provide the funds for new or ongoing investment plans. Loans can come from banks, credit unions, and special business lenders. Each lender has its own rules, interest rates, and payback terms, so it’s smart to weigh your choices to find one that matches your business style. 

One way to find a reputable lender with excellent terms and reliable security all in one place is to learn more from customer reviews and expert insights. Discover the trusted options available to make a confident, informed choice.

Moreover, for some fields or areas, grants and government loans might give cheaper funding options. Crowdfunding and private equity investors are other ways, but each has its own demands, like on shares or decision-making power. Carefully looking at your business needs and payback ability will guide you to the right funding source and help lay a strong base for your investment plan.

Diversifying Your Investments

After securing funds, think about diversifying your investments. Diversifying helps reduce risks by placing assets in different types. This keeps your business strong during market swings. A balanced approach could mean putting money into real and non-physical items, like real estate, machinery, software, marketing, and research.

For example, investing in machinery and software promotes growth and prepares your business for technological changes. Some companies also invest in hiring skilled professionals or offering specialized training, leading to more productivity and fresh ideas. Diversifying helps avoid the risks tied to one area and creates a more steady and flexible mix of investments that can handle market or industry shifts.

Aligning with Industry Trends

Another important part of building an investment plan is keeping up with what’s happening in your industry. Each field has its own unique chances and hurdles, and staying in line with the latest trends can help you make wiser choices likely to bring good returns. By diving deep into your sector, you can spot where new ideas or growth might offer significant advantages.

For example, if you’re in tech, putting money into cybersecurity or AI could match well with what the market wants. Plus, with around 6.5 cyberattacks daily, you’ll be protecting your business. In contrast, those in hospitality might gain from going green or boosting the guest experience. 

Reading industry magazines, attending events, or joining groups can keep you informed. Investing in growing areas establishes your company as a leader, making it stronger and more relevant in the market.

Assessing Your Risk Tolerance

Every business investment strategy comes with a risk. Knowing how much risk your business can take is critical to making wise choices. Risk tolerance varies a lot between industries, stages of growth, and business goals. Some companies might choose a safe path, opting for low-risk investments with steady returns. Others, like startups, might go for high-growth chances with more risk but promise significant gains. 

To figure out your risk tolerance, consider your cash flow stability, existing debts, and the overall economy. Assessing risk helps you mix high-risk, high-reward options with safer ones for a balanced portfolio. For example, a business with steady cash flow might fund innovative projects that could shake up the market, while one with less money might prefer safer investments like bonds. Balancing different risks ensures you’re not too exposed to high-risk choices, which can harm your finances when the economy dips.

Bottom Line About a Business Investment Strategy

Picking the best business investment strategy is an ongoing task that needs thoughtful planning and constant review. Securing funds, diversifying investments, and staying aligned with market changes contribute to sustainable growth. Knowing how much risk you can handle and planning for future gains lets you make choices that help both your current desires and future dreams. By sticking to these ideas, you can make a steady and flexible plan that helps your business grow strong in a challenging market.

This is a paid guest post.

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The post Insider Tips: Choose the Right Investment Strategy for Your Business appeared first on Dividend Power.

We woke up to rain the next morning. How lucky – imagine if we were trying to bushwalk in the rain? It would have been miserable. As it was, we packed our bags, Liga and I had some Latvian hazelnut chocolate as a snack – Liga2 had had the forethought to save a slice or […]

The post The Ligas’ Crazy Road Trip- Days 5 and 6: Salt, a son and a steak. appeared first on Burning Desire For FIRE.