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A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged way to save for future education expenses.
Financial Advisor

Who Maintains Control Over a 529 Plan’s Assets?

A 529 plan is a popular savings vehicle for college expenses, but you may wonder who maintains control over the 529 plan and its assets. Control typically resides with the account owner, often a parent or grandparent, who retains the authority to make investment decisions and withdrawals. The beneficiary, usually the student, has no direct… read more…

A couple looks over their future income streams to determine when they can afford to retire.
Retirement

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Retire?

Deciding when to retire is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make, and getting the timing right is important for the success of your nest egg. If you’re wondering “how do I know when it’s time to retire,” several key factors can guide you. Evaluating your retirement readiness involves assessing your savings, understanding… read more…

A young couple looks over some bills while reviewing their intermediate financial goals.
Personal Finance

Examples of Intermediate and Medium-Term Financial Goals

Intermediate and medium-term financial goals generally refer to goals that are set for a period ranging from a few years to a decade. These financial goals can help you bridge the gap between short-term needs and long-term aspirations. Examples can include saving for a down payment on a home, funding a child’s education and building… read more…

The financial manager of a company holds a tablet during a presentation to executive officers.
Advisor Resources

What Does a Financial Manager Do?

Financial managers play an important role in steering the financial health of organizations by focusing on strategic planning and goal-setting. Their primary focuses include profitability, managing risks and optimizing financial performance. By analyzing financial data and trends, financial managers develop strategies that align with organizational objectives, and focus on long-term stability and growth. Understanding what… read more…

Editor's Picks

A couple determining whether they need a CFA vs. CFP®.
Financial Advisor

CFA vs. CFP®: Which Do You Need?

Chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified financial planner (CFP) are common certifications for individuals working in finance, namely financial advisors. These are designed to tell a client (or employer) that the holder has received education in certain types of financial… read more…

Wealth Management Firm
Investing

5 Tips for Choosing a Wealth Management Firm

Wealth management firms are all different, with their own specializations and services. As a result, the process for choosing a wealth manager is a very personal one. Wealth managers work closely together with their clients to identify financial goals and… read more…

A fee-only financial planner doesn't earn commissions for recommending certain products.
Financial Advisor

What Is a Fee-Only Financial Planner?

If a financial planner, financial advisor or another type of financial professional is fee-only, that means they receive compensation solely from the fees clients pay for their services. They do not earn commissions for recommending certain products. A fee-only structure… read more…

Investment Property
Mortgage

Why First Homes Could Be Investment Properties

If you’re young and looking to purchase a new home to live in, you may want to consider turning it into an investment property. While most people wait until after they’ve bought their first or second home to begin investing in… read more…

Data Articles and Studies

Data Studies

Cost of Raising a Child in the Largest U.S. Metros – 2024 Study

Understanding the costs associated with raising a child is essential, not only for personal financial planning but also for shaping public policies that support family well-being. On average, it costs $25,181 per year to raise a child in a large U.S. metro. But the costs for childcare, additional housing, food, medical necessities and other expenses… read more…

Data Studies

Careers With the Biggest Jumps in Pay – 2024 Study

New technology, legislation, resources and other economic factors can quickly influence supply and demand for different occupations. In turn, this can affect the level of pay workers receive – and the level of employment in that career path. To find which professions had the highest increases in pay year over year, as well as those… read more…

Data Studies

Cost of Raising a Child Twice as High in Some States as Others – 2024 Study

When it comes to two working parents raising one child, the median annual cost across all states is $22,850 – but the range of costs from state to state can vary and even be much higher. In fact, it costs twice as much in some states when compared with others.  With this in mind, SmartAsset… read more…

Data Studies

Where Financial Advisor Income Grew Most – 2024 Study

Financial advisor income largely depends on the number of clients and their net worth. So as taxes, jobs, cost of living and other factors draw both clients and advisors from one place to another, how much a financial advisor earns in a local area might also change. To determine the latest income and employment trends… read more…

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