What Is Risk Management? Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating the risks associated with your investments to protect against significant losses. Key Principles of Risk Management: Diversification: Spread your investments across different asset classes, industries, and geographical regions to reduce risk. Asset Allocation: Determine the ideal mix of stocks, bonds, and other assets that aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals. Regular Monitoring: Keep track of your investments and make adjustments as necessary to reduce exposure to risk. Risk Tolerance: Assessing Your Risk Tolerance: Understand your comfort level with volatility and potential losses, and align your portfolio accordingly. Adjust Risk Based on Life Stages: Younger investors can generally tolerate more risk, while those closer to retirement should be more conservative. Tools for Managing Risk: Stop-Loss Orders: Set automatic sell orders to limit potential losses in volatile markets. Hedging Strategies: Use options or other derivative products to protect your portfolio from significant downturns. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.
What Is Tax-Deferred Growth? Definition: Tax-deferred growth means you don’t have to pay taxes on the investment gains—such as interest, dividends, or capital gains—until you withdraw the money. How It Works: Investments grow without being taxed during the accumulation phase. Taxes are only paid upon withdrawal, typically in retirement. Tax-Deferred Accounts 401(k) and Traditional IRA: Contributions to these accounts are typically tax-deductible, and the investment grows without incurring taxes until withdrawals are made. Deferred Annuities: Deferred annuities also offer tax-deferred growth. The interest earned on the annuity’s balance is not taxed until you begin receiving payouts. Tax-Deferred vs. Tax-Free: With tax-deferred growth, you’ll still pay taxes upon withdrawal, whereas with tax-free growth (as seen with Roth IRAs), no taxes are due on withdrawals if certain conditions are met. Why Tax-Deferred Growth Is Beneficial Compounding Interest: Tax-deferred growth allows you to compound your earnings without losing a portion of your returns to taxes each year, leading to larger long-term gains. Delaying Taxes: By delaying taxes, you can invest more upfront, potentially leading to greater future growth. Important Considerations Withdrawal Rules: Tax-deferred accounts come with specific withdrawal rules. Withdrawing funds before retirement age may incur penalties and taxes on the withdrawal amount. Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Once you reach a certain age (typically 72), you must begin taking minimum distributions from tax-deferred retirement accounts. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.
Achieving Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) isn’t just about saving and investing aggressively—it’s also about optimizing your portfolio to reduce risk and maximize returns. Portfolio diversification is one of the most effective strategies to help you achieve these goals. In this article, we’ll explore advanced portfolio diversification techniques that FIRE seekers can use to increase their chances of early retirement, manage risk, and maximize investment returns. 1. Understanding the Basics of Diversification Diversification is a strategy that involves spreading your investments across various asset classes to reduce risk. By holding a mix of different types of investments—such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and commodities—you can minimize the impact of any one asset class performing poorly. Diversification helps protect your portfolio from market volatility and ensures that you have exposure to multiple sources of growth potential. For FIRE seekers, diversification is particularly important because the goal is to minimize risk while still achieving a high enough return to retire early. Depending on your risk tolerance, you can adjust the level of diversification in your portfolio to suit your needs. 2. Asset Allocation: The Key to Diversification Asset allocation refers to the process of deciding how to divide your investments among different asset classes. The two main asset classes are stocks and bonds, but there are other assets to consider as well, including real estate, commodities, and international investments. The key to successful asset allocation is balancing your portfolio between high-risk, high-return investments (such as stocks) and lower-risk, lower-return investments (such as bonds or cash equivalents). A common recommendation for those pursuing FIRE is a higher allocation to stocks, as stocks generally provide higher long-term returns, though they come with higher volatility. As you near FIRE, you might want to shift towards a more conservative allocation, gradually increasing your bond holdings and reducing your exposure to stocks. This allows you to preserve capital while still generating income from your investments in retirement. 3. Diversification Across Geographies One of the key components of advanced portfolio diversification is ensuring that your investments are spread across different geographical regions. By diversifying globally, you can reduce the risk associated with a single country’s economy or political environment. Investing in international stocks, bonds, or funds can provide exposure to growing economies in other parts of the world. Emerging markets, such as China, India, and Brazil, can offer significant growth potential, while developed markets like Europe and Japan can provide stability in uncertain times. Many investors achieve global diversification through index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track international markets. This allows you to access a wide range of global assets without needing to buy individual international stocks or bonds. 4. Alternative Investments: Hedge Against Inflation and Volatility Traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds aren’t the only options for diversifying your portfolio. Alternative investments, such as real estate, commodities (gold, oil, etc.), and private equity, can provide additional diversification benefits. Real estate is a popular choice for FIRE seekers, as it can generate rental income and appreciate over time. Investing in real estate through real estate investment trusts (REITs) or direct property ownership can provide both income and capital gains. Commodities, like precious metals, oil, and agricultural products, can be a good hedge against inflation. These assets often move in the opposite direction of stocks, providing a buffer during periods of market downturns. Commodities can be accessed through ETFs or direct investments in physical commodities. 5. Dividend Investing for Passive Income Dividend investing is another important strategy for FIRE seekers, as it allows you to generate passive income from your investments. By investing in dividend-paying stocks, you can receive regular income without having to sell your shares. This income can be reinvested to grow your wealth or used to support your lifestyle once you’ve reached FIRE. Dividend stocks are typically mature companies with a long history of profitability and stable cash flows. These companies tend to be less volatile and can provide steady returns over time. When building a FIRE portfolio, focusing on high-quality dividend stocks or dividend ETFs is an excellent way to ensure that you have a reliable income stream in retirement. 6. Risk Management: Using Bonds and Cash Equivalents While stocks and equities provide the potential for high returns, they also come with a significant amount of risk. To mitigate this risk, it’s important to include bonds and cash equivalents in your portfolio. Bonds are fixed-income investments that provide regular interest payments and return your principal at maturity. Bonds tend to perform well during market downturns and provide a counterbalance to the volatility of equities. By including bonds in your portfolio, you can reduce the overall risk and smooth out the ups and downs of the stock market. Cash equivalents, such as money market funds or short-term government bonds, are also low-risk investments that provide liquidity and preserve capital. Keeping a portion of your portfolio in cash equivalents can provide a safety net during times of market turbulence. 7. Rebalancing Your Portfolio Regularly Portfolio rebalancing is the process of adjusting your asset allocation to maintain your desired level of risk. Over time, certain assets in your portfolio will outperform others, causing your allocation to become skewed. For example, if stocks perform well and make up a larger portion of your portfolio, your overall risk exposure might increase. Rebalancing involves selling assets that have become overweight in your portfolio and buying assets that have underperformed. This ensures that your portfolio stays aligned with your long-term goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing should be done periodically, typically once or twice a year, depending on your investment strategy. Conclusion: Advanced Diversification for FIRE Seekers Advanced portfolio diversification is an essential strategy for anyone seeking financial independence and early retirement. By diversifying across asset classes, geographical regions, and alternative investments, you can reduce risk and maximize returns. With careful planning, rebalancing, and risk management, you can create a robust portfolio that will help you achieve your FIRE goals faster. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes
What Are Tax-Advantaged Accounts? Definition: Tax-advantaged accounts allow investors to reduce or defer taxes on their investments, thereby maximizing returns. Common Types: Examples include 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), each with specific tax benefits. Purpose: The goal of tax-advantaged accounts is to help investors grow their wealth without immediately incurring tax liabilities. Types of Tax-Advantaged Accounts 401(k): Allows pre-tax contributions, with taxes paid upon withdrawal in retirement. Roth IRA: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Health Savings Account (HSA): Contributions are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for healthcare expenses are tax-free. Maximizing the Benefits of Tax-Advantaged Accounts Max Out Contributions: Contribute the maximum allowed each year to fully benefit from the tax advantages. Consider Roth Options: Roth accounts are beneficial if you expect your income to rise, as they provide tax-free growth and withdrawals. Diversify Your Investments: Invest in a range of asset types within these accounts to balance risk and optimize returns. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.
Building passive income is one of the most effective strategies for reaching financial independence and retiring early (FIRE). Passive income allows you to earn money with minimal ongoing effort, which can help accelerate your journey toward financial freedom. By diversifying your sources of passive income, you can create a reliable stream of revenue that continues to grow while you focus on other aspects of your life. 1. Understanding Passive Income and FIRE Passive income refers to money earned with little to no active involvement. Examples include earnings from rental properties, dividends from stocks, royalties from creative works, and income from online businesses. For those pursuing FIRE, passive income is a crucial element because it frees up time and energy, allowing you to focus on building wealth, rather than relying solely on active income sources, such as a job. The goal of FIRE is to accumulate enough wealth that you can live off the returns from your investments and passive income streams, without the need to work. Building passive income not only accelerates this process but also provides long-term financial security once you’ve reached financial independence. 2. Real Estate as a Passive Income Stream Real estate is one of the most popular and reliable sources of passive income for FIRE seekers. Owning rental properties can provide a consistent monthly income through rent payments. If you choose to invest in multi-family properties or commercial real estate, you can generate even higher levels of passive income. However, real estate investing requires significant capital upfront, and there are maintenance costs and risks to consider. To maximize returns, it’s important to research the local market, carefully choose properties, and ensure that rental income exceeds expenses such as mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs. 3. Dividend Investing: Earning Passive Income from Stocks Dividend investing is another excellent way to build passive income. By purchasing dividend-paying stocks, you can receive regular payouts without having to sell the shares. Many successful FIRE seekers build their portfolios with dividend stocks, as the income generated from dividends can cover living expenses, especially in retirement. When selecting dividend-paying stocks, it’s important to focus on companies with a solid track record of paying and increasing dividends. Blue-chip stocks, such as those in the S&P 500, often offer reliable dividends. REITs (real estate investment trusts) are another option for passive income, as they are required by law to distribute most of their income to shareholders in the form of dividends. 4. Peer-to-Peer Lending: Earning Interest Passively Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending allows you to lend money to individuals or small businesses and earn interest on those loans. Platforms like LendingClub, Prosper, and Funding Circle make it easy to invest in loans, which can generate a steady stream of passive income. P2P lending carries some risk, as borrowers may default on their loans, so it’s important to carefully assess the risks and diversify your investments. To reduce the impact of defaults, consider lending smaller amounts to a variety of borrowers, spreading your risk across different industries and loan types. 5. Creating and Selling Digital Products Creating and selling digital products is an excellent way to build passive income. Once you develop a product, such as an eBook, online course, software tool, or design template, it can be sold repeatedly without much effort. Popular platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Etsy make it easy to sell digital products to a large audience. The key to success with digital products is to choose a niche where you have expertise and demand exists. For instance, if you’re skilled in graphic design, you could create and sell templates, fonts, or other digital assets. Alternatively, if you have knowledge of a specific subject, you could create an online course to teach others. 6. Building a Blog or YouTube Channel Blogging or creating a YouTube channel is a popular way to generate passive income through advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsorships. By providing valuable content in a niche area, you can build an audience and monetize your platform through ad revenue or affiliate links. Success in blogging or YouTube requires consistent content creation, as well as time to grow your audience. However, once your platform is established, the income generated from ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsorships can provide a reliable stream of passive income for years to come. 7. Licensing Creative Works for Royalties If you’re a creator, whether it’s music, photography, or written works, licensing your creations for royalties can provide passive income. By licensing your content to platforms such as Shutterstock for photos or Spotify for music, you can earn a portion of the revenue whenever your content is used or purchased. While royalties may not provide immediate, large returns, they can build up over time and become a sustainable source of passive income. Additionally, as your portfolio grows, so too will your royalty income, especially if your work gains popularity. 8. Automating Your Income Streams To truly make your income streams passive, you’ll want to automate as many processes as possible. For example, you can automate your dividend reinvestment through a DRIP (dividend reinvestment plan), or use online tools to manage your rental property, such as automating rent collection and maintenance requests. Automation reduces the time and effort required to manage your income streams, which allows you to focus on other areas of your life. The less you need to actively manage your passive income streams, the more passive they become, which is ideal for those pursuing FIRE. Conclusion Building passive income is a crucial strategy for achieving FIRE. By diversifying your income sources—whether through real estate, dividend investing, P2P lending, or digital products—you can generate a reliable stream of revenue that supports your financial independence. The more passive income you create, the less reliant you are on a traditional job, and the sooner you can retire early. Start today by exploring different passive income opportunities and building your FIRE-friendly portfolio. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author
Introduction: Achieving Financial Independence and Early Retirement (FIRE) is often seen as a goal that requires a dual-income household, where two people can save and invest significant portions of their income. However, achieving FIRE with a single income is entirely possible with the right strategies and mindset. In fact, single-income households have the potential to achieve FIRE even faster, as they may have fewer lifestyle inflation pressures and a stronger incentive to manage their finances prudently. In this article, we’ll explore how to achieve financial independence with a single income, the unique challenges single-income households face, and practical steps you can take to make your FIRE goals a reality. Step 1: Cut Expenses and Live Below Your Means The first and most important step in achieving FIRE with a single income is to cut your expenses and live below your means. In fact, living frugally is one of the fastest ways to build wealth, regardless of whether you have a single income or two. By focusing on reducing unnecessary spending and eliminating lifestyle inflation, you can free up more money for saving and investing. Start by tracking your expenses and creating a budget to identify areas where you can cut back. This might include eliminating subscriptions you don’t use, eating out less, or finding ways to save on housing costs. Every dollar saved can be put toward your FIRE fund. In a single-income household, it’s especially important to avoid the temptation to live like your higher-earning peers. Just because others are spending on expensive vacations or luxury goods doesn’t mean you have to. The more you can reduce your spending, the more you can save and invest for your future. Step 2: Save a Significant Portion of Your Income Saving a large percentage of your income is essential for achieving FIRE, and the more you can save, the faster you can reach your goal. In a single-income household, this might require making sacrifices in the short term, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Many people pursuing FIRE aim to save between 50% and 70% of their income. While this might sound daunting, it’s possible to achieve with the right mindset and a strong focus on frugality. This may require reevaluating your priorities and cutting out expenses that don’t align with your goals. To help achieve such high savings rates, start by automating your savings. Set up automatic transfers to your investment accounts as soon as you receive your paycheck, so you aren’t tempted to spend the money before saving it. Additionally, prioritize paying off high-interest debt quickly so that more of your income can be directed toward savings. Step 3: Build Multiple Streams of Income While you may be working with a single primary income, it’s wise to explore additional income streams to speed up your FIRE journey. Many single-income households increase their savings by earning money on the side, whether it’s through freelance work, consulting, part-time jobs, or passive income sources such as real estate or investments. Side hustles can significantly boost your income without requiring a full-time commitment. By dedicating your extra earnings to your FIRE fund, you can accelerate your progress toward financial independence. With today’s gig economy, there are countless opportunities to leverage your skills and expertise to earn additional income. Consider exploring passive income sources, such as dividend stocks, peer-to-peer lending, or rental properties, which can provide additional cash flow without requiring much time or effort. These income streams can help bridge the gap between your current salary and your long-term FIRE target. Step 4: Invest Wisely Once you’ve built a strong foundation of savings, it’s essential to invest your money wisely to grow your wealth over time. Simply saving your income in a bank account won’t be enough to achieve FIRE, as inflation will erode your purchasing power. Instead, you need to invest your savings in growth assets, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and other investment vehicles. Consider a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other growth investments that align with your risk tolerance. Over time, compounding returns will significantly increase your wealth and shorten your path to FIRE. One key strategy for investing toward FIRE is to follow the “buy and hold” approach, where you focus on investing in assets that will grow steadily over time, rather than trying to time the market or make risky investments. By sticking to a long-term strategy and investing consistently, you’ll reap the rewards of compound interest and market growth. Step 5: Maximize Tax-Advantaged Accounts Another way to accelerate your journey to FIRE is to take advantage of tax-advantaged accounts, such as IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts), 401(k)s, and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts). These accounts allow you to save money tax-free or tax-deferred, meaning you can put more of your income toward investments and pay fewer taxes in the process. If you’re eligible for a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, be sure to contribute as much as possible, especially if your employer offers a match. The matching contributions are essentially free money that can help you grow your retirement savings faster. Additionally, consider contributing to an IRA to maximize your tax advantages. Whether you choose a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA will depend on your income and tax situation, so it’s worth consulting with a financial planner to determine the best strategy for you. Step 6: Stay Focused on Long-Term Goals Achieving FIRE with a single income requires discipline, patience, and long-term thinking. The journey can be challenging, and there will likely be setbacks along the way. However, it’s essential to stay focused on your long-term goals and avoid short-term temptations that could derail your progress. Remember, the sacrifices you make today will pay off in the future, allowing you to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. While it may be difficult to watch others spend lavishly on vacations or luxury items, you are building a secure future for yourself that will offer more freedom and flexibility down the
A traditional IRA (Individual Retirement Account) is a tax-deferred retirement savings account that allows individuals to contribute a portion of their income, which may be tax-deductible depending on their circumstances. The contributions grow tax-deferred, and taxes are paid when the funds are withdrawn, typically in retirement. **How Traditional IRA Works**: – **Contributions**: Contributions to a traditional IRA are made with pre-tax dollars, meaning you don’t pay taxes on the money you contribute in the year you make the contribution. This can lower your taxable income for the year. However, taxes are paid when you withdraw the funds in retirement. – **Tax-Deferred Growth**: The investments in a traditional IRA grow tax-deferred, meaning you don’t pay taxes on any capital gains, dividends, or interest earned within the account until you withdraw the funds. – **Withdrawals**: When you withdraw funds in retirement, the withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income. If you withdraw funds before age 59½, you may also be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty, in addition to the regular income tax. – **Contribution Limits**: For 2024, the maximum contribution to a traditional IRA is $6,500 per year for individuals under 50 and $7,500 for those 50 or older (catch-up contribution). **Benefits of a Traditional IRA**: 1. **Tax Deduction on Contributions**: Traditional IRA contributions may be tax-deductible, which can help reduce your taxable income for the year in which you contribute. 2. **Tax-Deferred Growth**: Like a 401(k), traditional IRAs allow for tax-deferred growth, meaning that your investments grow without being taxed until you withdraw them, helping your money compound over time. 3. **Lower Taxes in Retirement**: Since withdrawals from a traditional IRA are taxed as ordinary income, individuals who expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement may benefit from tax savings when they withdraw the funds. **Considerations and Limitations**: 1. **Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)**: Unlike a Roth IRA, a traditional IRA requires account holders to start taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) at age 73. These withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax. 2. **Early Withdrawal Penalty**: If you withdraw funds from a traditional IRA before age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty, in addition to regular income taxes, unless an exception applies. 3. **Contribution Limits**: Traditional IRA contributions are capped, and depending on your income and whether you have access to a workplace retirement plan, your contributions may not be fully deductible. **Conclusion**: The traditional IRA is an excellent retirement savings option for those looking to reduce their current taxable income. It offers tax-deferred growth and tax-deductible contributions. However, investors should consider the impact of RMDs and early withdrawal penalties, as well as their expected tax bracket in retirement when determining whether a traditional IRA is the right choice for their retirement strategy. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.
Why Focus on Investment Strategies in Your 40s? Your 40s is a crucial time to accelerate savings and prepare for retirement, with 20+ years of potential growth ahead. Key Considerations for Investors in Their 40s: Maximize Retirement Contributions: Contribute as much as possible to tax-advantaged retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA. Build a Diversified Portfolio: A balanced portfolio, including stocks, bonds, and alternative investments, reduces risk while aiming for growth. Consider Real Estate and REITs: Real estate investment trusts (REITs) offer exposure to real estate without needing direct property ownership. Focus on Long-Term Growth: With time on your side, prioritize growth assets like stocks, but start adding more conservative investments as retirement approaches. Things to Avoid: Chasing High-Risk Investments: Avoid overly speculative investments that could jeopardize your portfolio’s stability. Neglecting to Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.
The Importance of Early Planning: Starting to invest early allows you to take advantage of compound interest, significantly increasing the value of your retirement fund over time. 401(k) and IRA Accounts: 401(k): Employer-sponsored retirement plan where employees can contribute pre-tax income, reducing taxable income. Some employers match contributions, which is essentially free money. IRA (Individual Retirement Account): An account where you can contribute after-tax money for tax-deferred growth. There are different types: Traditional, Roth, and SEP IRAs, each with its own tax advantages. Asset Allocation for Retirement: A diversified mix of assets (stocks, bonds, cash equivalents, etc.) based on your risk tolerance and retirement timeline. Younger investors may opt for more growth-oriented stocks, while those closer to retirement should reduce exposure to riskier investments. Types of Investments for Retirement: Stocks: Provide long-term growth potential, but with higher volatility. Ideal for younger individuals with a longer investment horizon. Bonds: Offer steady income with lower risk. As you near retirement, bond allocations may become more important for capital preservation and income generation. ETFs and Mutual Funds: These funds allow you to diversify across a broad range of assets. Target-date funds automatically adjust the asset allocation as you approach retirement age. Rebalancing Your Portfolio: Over time, your portfolio’s asset allocation may drift away from your desired levels due to the differing performance of assets. Regular rebalancing (every 6-12 months) ensures that your investments remain aligned with your retirement goals. Withdrawal Strategy: Once you retire, the strategy for withdrawing funds becomes critical. Common strategies include the 4% rule, where you withdraw 4% of your portfolio each year to sustain income while minimizing the risk of depleting your funds. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.
What Are Automatic Investments? Definition: Automatic investments involve scheduling regular contributions to your investment accounts, ensuring consistent funding over time. Benefits: This method helps prevent market timing mistakes, maintains discipline, and helps investors avoid emotional reactions to market swings. Why You Should Set Up Automatic Investments Consistency: Regularly scheduled investments ensure you stick to your long-term financial goals, even when market conditions are volatile. Dollar-Cost Averaging: By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, you reduce the impact of short-term market fluctuations and avoid trying to time the market. Convenience: Automatic investments save time and eliminate the need to manually execute trades or transfers, making it easier to stay on track with your strategy. How to Set Up Automatic Investments Choose Your Investment Accounts: Select the brokerage, retirement accounts, or other investment platforms where you want your automatic investments to be directed. Set Contribution Amounts: Decide how much money you want to invest regularly, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or annually. Automate the Process: Use automatic transfer or recurring deposit features on your investment platform to set it up. *Disclaimer: The content in this post is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author and may not reflect those of any affiliated organizations. No guarantees are made regarding the accuracy or reliability of the information. Use at your own risk.