
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…

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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…

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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