When I Claim My $4,000 Social Security, Will My Wife Automatically Get a Spousal Benefit?
My wife is 76, born in 1948. She retired at full retirement age and currently collects $1,076 per month. I will be retiring and start collecting at 70 this year (I was born in 1954). When I collect $4,000+ per month does her monthly payment go up to spousal benefit automatically or does it have… read more…
6 Tips to Achieve Long-Term Investment Success
The key to achieving long-term investment success will require you to develop a strategic investment plan that focuses on your specific financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Here is a roundup of six common investing tips that can help you turn that goal into a reality. For hands-on help, a financial advisor can help… read more…
How to Invest in a Socially Responsible Roth IRA
Environmental, Social and Governance, or “ESG,” investing is getting bigger. According to a 2022 analysis from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), “with a projected compound annual growth rate (CARG) of 12.9%, ESG assets are on pace to constitute 21.5% of total global [assets under management] in less than five years.” And, while one-fifth of all global investments seems improbably… read more…
States That Won’t Tax Your Estate When You Die
The majority of states do not levy taxes on estates. But, if you live in a state that does, also, you could face a tax if your estate is valued at $5 million or less. Generally, estate taxes are a sizable concern for wealthier people. Luckily, a financial advisor can help you create an effective… 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
Where Retirees Are Moving – 2024 Study
As people retire, their goals shift, often causing them to reconsider where they’re living and how they spend their money. Places with a high cost of living, high taxes and cold winters, for example, could influence retirees to move to warmer locations where they can stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy their free time.… read more…
Best Places for New College Graduates – 2024 Study
As we enter commencement season, college graduates will be seeking a variety of jobs and lifestyles. Therefore different areas are going to cater more to some than others. For example, one graduate may highly value living in a younger community with plenty of recreational activities to dabble in, while others are focused on career growth… read more…
What It Takes to Be Middle Class in America – 2024 Study
As a middle-class American, there is some expectation for living a lifestyle of relative comfort. But as costs have increased significantly over the last few years, the middle class is now feeling a squeeze in their finances. Accordingly, the income limits that define the middle class have also increased to reflect what most Americans are… read more…
Where Airfare Increased and Decreased the Most – 2024 Study
Prices on individual goods and services can take on their own characteristics based on unique supply and demand challenges throughout different locations nationwide. Air travel in particular faces unique pressures including staffing, equipment maintenance, fuel, passenger demand and more. In turn, the price of domestic flights can affect tourism, visits to family, and business opportunities.… read more…
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