The High Costs of Life or Death Dental Care (Infographic)

In a country with the best available health care available in the world, there is occurring an epidemic in dental care problems. It seems the increase of emergency room dental visits is due to the fact that people tend to neglect their oral health till it's to late and they are in dire pain. 

This procrastination of dental care not only costs the patient increased pain and discomfort but the costs to treat their problems is ten times higher than going to your local dentist before the trouble occurs.

Let this be the motivation you need to make an appointment to see your family dentist. I realize how expensive the dentist can be but check out this infographic and see what you're in for by neglecting your teeth.

Source: FrugalDad.com

How to Make Money with Your Tax Return [INFOGRAPHIC]

This info graphic shows the magic when you save and invest your money. The trouble with most people is they don't have foresight or the patience to do this. That 55' Led 1080P HD TV feels so much better to buy. The payoff from owning the TV is immediate, the payoff from saving and investing is to far away to make that sacrifice.


This graphic brings home the point that a simple saving strategy pays off so well.

Via: YourLocalSecurity.com

Some Links to add to your tax day fun:

• Resources You Need to Know About Before Filing Your Taxes
• Paying Taxes With A Credit Card Can Be Expensive
• I Can't Pay My Taxes - What Should I Do
• How to Amend Your IRS Tax Return
• Tax Filing Status Is Not Set In Stone
• Does Cancelled Debt Have To Be Reported On My Income Tax?
• How to File for a Tax Extension
• Tax Tips for the Unemployed

What Is The VIX Index and What Does It Mean To Investors?

The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) introduced the CBOE Volatility Index or Vix Index in 1993. It has become the benchmark for stock market volatility and is also refered to as the "investor fear index".

The VIX measures the market expectation of 30-day near term volatility conveyed by stock market option prices. VIX is based on real time option prices which reflects the investors view of future stock market volatility. 

In times of high financial stress, often during hard market declines, option prices as well as the VIX tends to rise. The more intense the fear, the higher the VIX level. As market and investor fear subsides, option prices begin to decline, which causes the VIX to decline. 

This is why the VIX is called the "investor fear index". But also keep in mind that there are variations to this rule. 

It is important to remember that the VIX reputation as the "fear index", doesn't necessarily mean the market is bearish for stocks. But instead the VIX is a measure of "perceived" volatility in either direction, including the upside.


 




An investor can use the VIX to measure volatility. A high VIX corresponds to a volatile market which usually means one headed downward. Also a low Vix usually indicates a stable and usually rising market.

VIX is more than a fear gauge. It's a risk power tool.

Turn Volatility to Your Advantage with CBOE VIX Options and Futures 

With its strong negative correlation to the broad market, VIX provides an effective way to get diversification and protection when you need it most. No wonder investors are trading VIX options and futures in record numbers.

Manage risk, diversify your portfolio and leverage volatility with VIX options and futures, offered only at CBOE and CBOE Futures Exchange.

Betterment.com Review Update: $25 Bonus, Asset Allocation, Fees

Since my previous review of Betterment.com there has been some changes made for the better. What still hasn't changed is the simple process of application, choosing investments, and getting started.

The hardest part of investing is taking that first step. Most people never start investing because they lack the knowledge of where to invest. Today we have so many different investment companies competing for our money. Their advertising can sometimes be confusing and contradictory. Even if you do manage to sign up for an account then you are faced with the choice of what to invest in. All these concerns have been addressed and solved by Betterment.com.

Application

The application process allows you to get started entirely online. They say you can the process only takes 60 seconds. It takes a little longer but couldn't be easier. Enter your personal information, they verify it through information on your credit report. You then enter your bank information so they can link it to set up quick deposit and withdrawls.

Asset Allocation

After answering a few simple questions Betterment.com offers a asset allocation suggestion based on my answers, goals and age. They gave me an allocation of 50% stocks/50% bonds.


Their current breakdown of stocks and bond portions are:

Stock Portion Only

• 25% Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTI)
• 25% iShares S&P 500 Value (IVE)
• 25% Vanguard Europe Pacific (VEA)
• 10% Vanguard Emerging Markets (VWO)
• 8% iShares Russell Midcap Value (IWS)
• 7% iShares Russell 2000 Value (IWN)

Bond Portion Only

• 50% iShares Barclays TIPS Bond ETF (TIP)
• 50% iShares Lehman 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHY)

I like it that they are investing with passive index ETFs that are very low in fees. The weighted expense ratio of all the stock ETFs together is 0.16%. The weighted expense ratio of all the bond ETFs together is 0.18%.

What's all this going to cost me? (fees)

When I last reviewed Betterment.com they had a 0.9% annual fee for all accounts with balances up to $25,000. There were no monthly fees, no maintenance fees, no minimum requirements, and no commission charged for any trades. In March, their fee schedule has been changed to lower fees for most users, but also raised some fees for certain smaller accounts.

Here is the new fee schedule:

If your just getting started there is a requirement to have $100 per month added to your account. If you do not they charge a $3 monthly fee. This should not be a problem if you plan on making the $100 minimum deposit every month. If you are not ready to at least invest $100/month do not sign up for this program. 

Remember that to open an account and receive the $25 bonus you must have an initial deposit of $250. Add that to the monthly deposit of $100, at the end of the year your balance should be $1,450. With a 0.35% annual fee you will be paying about $5 of annual fees. Compare that to a discount brokerage that charges from $9.99/trade to $3.95/trade. Using Betterment,com keeps fees low and more money working for you.

$25 Bonus Offer For New Accounts

The $25 bonus offer for opening a new account, with a $250 initial deposit is a sweet way to try the process out.