Author Archive for Barry Monteiro

The Best Investments for Roth IRAs

by William Brightworth

Roth IRAs significantly differ from traditional IRAs, however the best investments for Roth IRAs also differ. A traditional IRA offers limited options for investing your money, for saving, and for using your money.

Roth IRAs are designed for people who are ready and willing to gamble with their money. When you choose a Roth IRA, you are choosing to have taxes taken out going in, not coming out, hoping that the your tax bracket will get higher after retirement. It makes great sense that an individual using a Roth IRA is also an individual who likes taking aggressive risks with at least a part of their IRA.

Aggressive investing is best for young people that anticipate at least ten years growth before cashing the IRA in. Investment limits are minimal and keeps the direct and indirect benefits directed away from you.

For those who don’t understand investments but would like to move your IRA cash into something that will build equity much quicker than the average bank will, the best decision for your Roth IRA is a diversified mutual fund. A diversified mutual fund is a share of a pre-diversified stock pool, which will result in the an overall lower risk that will keep yielding and growing at a high rate.

Real estate is another one of the best Roth IRA investments available. One way is to purchase your retirement home now with IRA cash, rent it out until you are ready to retire, and then move in. You need to set this up through a custodial account with an IRA firm or an experienced counselor. An error in transacting the deal can cause huge IRS penalties.

If you like to take chances and to take a direct interest in the work your money is doing, it’s possible that the best Roth IRA investment for you is to create a venture capital investment fund within the account. You can use this to make small or large investments in start-up and growing companies, and though the risk of losing your money is much higher than with other investments, you’ll find that there is a great deal of satisfaction in watching what your money is doing.

However, for those who are close to retiring, it may be best to let your bank handle your Roth IRA investment. Your bank knows that as your IRA reaches maturity, your funds should be in low-risk investments like bonds.

Limits are only in your mind when investing with a Roth IRA. Investments appropriate to the age of your fund, your interests, and how much cash you have to invest are the best types. Your well-invested IRA can help you achieve your dreams.

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Yacht Charter Adventures in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

by Barry Monteiro

With upwards of 50 bays and cays and anchorages to select from, it is little wonder that the British Virgin Islands are amongst the Caribbean’s most popular sailing areas. The presence of almost constant trade winds, the warm temperature of the seas, the idyllic coastline with its pristine white sand beaches, fringed by swaying palm trees - all these aspects combine to produce perfect yachting waters.

While sailing in the BVI’s, perhaps the only time you would be out of sight of land altogether might be if you decided to sail north to Anegada -the drowned island - a truly captivating island, of coral reef beginnings, which is 10 miles long, 2 miles wide but only 28 feet high! And serves the best lobsters in the universe! The scenery from your yacht, as you cruise through the perfect blue waters of the Caribbean, will delight even the most traveled vacationer. Novice sailors enjoy the security of knowing that they are very rarely out of sight of land. There’s nearly always an island close by. If you need a break for some lunch or a swim, a beautiful white sand beach is waiting close by.

You can be assured that the quality of interior furnishings and facilities represent the highest possible standards that you would demand for yourself and your fellow travelers from most yacht providers in the BVI’s. As you might expect, the variety of yachts available for you to charter is considerable - monohulls or catamarans, sailboats or motor charters. You will be able to find something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.

Your first decision, of course, is whether to choose a crewed charter or go ‘bareboat’. If you choose the latter, then imagine the ultimate sailing experience, with complete freedom and independence. Around the BVI you will be able to safely enjoy line of sight sailing with a reliable breeze and perfect visibility, and few open water hazards.

There are several charter companies in Tortola and the BVI’s to choose from. A little online research will get you off in the right direction. The charter companies based in Tortola will normally require some evidence that the skipper of the vessel has had previous experience. At least one person on the vessel should know what they’re doing! Although certifications are not always mandatory, they are useful.

When it comes to selecting a crewed charter, the possibilities are very wide. Some companies offer a ‘captain only’ service, with the qualified skipper being totally responsible for the safe operation of the yacht but perhaps needing your assistance with the sailing. Some crewed charters offer both a captain and a cook, so that no-one on the journey needs to worry about cooking, cleaning or making sure there is enough ice! It’s also possible to charter a fully-crewed boat, some of which even have members of the crew who are qualified scuba diving teachers - certified to at least the level of Dive Master.

Whatever your charter requirements, there will be companies in Tortola who will not only meet your expectations but far exceed them. Come and discover exactly why Tortola has become one of the world’s favorite sailing and yacht charter hot spots. Chartering a great yacht is the ultimate luxury of the sea; your own private cruise, with nothing to do except relax and watch the Caribbean flow by.

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