How to Enjoy the Freedom of a Checkbook IRA While Avoiding Prohibited Transactions

A Checkbook IRA gives you something most retirement accounts can’t: direct control. You get to explore alternative investments while capitalizing on the tax benefits of an individual retirement account. Plus, since you hold the reins on this self-directed account, you can move in on new opportunities quickly.   This financial freedom comes with responsibility, though. With a […]

 Beyond the 401(k): Freer Ways to Build Your Nest Egg 

For many Americans, building a retirement plan starts and ends with choosing from a few pre-approved mutual funds offered by their company’s 401(k). The “experts” will tell you to keep it simple. Make your contributions, rebalance once a year, and let it ride.    They’ll talk about the importance of diversification, then present you with […]

Battle Financial, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Stearns Bank Upsala, N.A.

Battle Financial, Inc. Completes Acquisition of Stearns Bank Upsala, N.A. —a Major Milestone Towards the Formal Launch of Battle Bank, N.A., a Modern Banking Powerhouse Built for Savvy Investors   UPSALA, MN—Battle Financial, Inc. (“Battle Financial” or “the Company”), a bank holding company, today announced that it has successfully completed its acquisition of Stearns Bank […]

Three Reasons to Own Foreign Currencies

You’ve got a Swiss watch, an Italian suit, a Taiwanese-made digital device, and a German car. You’re a global citizen of an interconnected world. So why is all your money in U.S. dollars?   You’re not alone if most, or all, of your assets are dollar based. Most Americans stick to their home currency when […]

Gold Isn’t the Only Metal that Can Help Your Portfolio

There’s a reason why we say good as gold when we mean very, very good. Gold is one of the earth’s most valuable commodities, known for its beauty, scarcity, and historic role as a store of value. While gold gets all the glory, it’s not the only precious metal that can add a little shine […]

Gold in Your IRA: Yes You Can

When it comes to retirement accounts like an IRA, long-term, steady growth is the name of the game. To get there, you invest in different kinds of assets, each of which plays its own role in your portfolio. Choose the right mix, and your IRA investments can give you the right balance of yield, stability, […]

Sticking It to the Big Banks, One Deposit at a Time

It’s your money, but you wouldn’t know that from how most big banks treat you. They take every opportunity to turn your money into their money, through insultingly low yields, bait-and-switch promotional offers and ridiculous fees. Big banks promise you everything when they’re trying to get you to sign up for a new account—above market […]

Ever Heard of a MELOC? What You Need To Know About a Metals Equity Line of Credit

Precious metals like gold and silver can be valuable components of a balanced, diversified portfolio. Historically, they have been used as long-term stores of value for investors. Precious metals can help you preserve asset value and gain steady growth over time.   You may want to hold your gold or silver for a long time, […]

Five Ways Business Banking is Different at Battle Bank

As a business owner or investor, you have a lot on your plate, you want a bank that makes your life simpler.  Your bank should help you manage costs, not nickel and dime you for every transaction.  It should provide value-added products and services instead of putting you on hold whenever you have a question. […]

CDs Are Boring, but That’s a Good Thing

You don’t need any more thrills from your investments. So, while Certificates of Deposit (CDs) aren’t the most exciting financial product in the world, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. They keep your money safe while earning a higher return than many checking or savings accounts. CDs have been around forever. They’re pretty simple. You […]