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An investor researching how to invest in Treasury Notes.
Investing

What Are Treasury Notes?

Treasury Notes, commonly referred to as T-Notes, are medium-term securities issued by the U.S. government that play an important role in managing national debt and stabilizing the economy. These instruments offer a range of maturities, typically from 2 to 10 years, making them an attractive option for a variety of investors. Particularly during periods of… read more…

A financial advisor meeting with new clients after developing a sales strategy to retain them.
Advisor Resources

5 Sales Strategies for Financial Advisors

Financial advisors rely on different sales strategies to drive growth. These strategies focus on client acquisition and retention, thereby helping advisors identify and engage with potential clients, communicate value propositions effectively and differentiate themselves in a competitive market landscape. Here’s are five things to keep in mind when developing your own sales strategy. SmartAsset’s Advisor… read more…

A senior couple reviewing documents for a real estate deal that will require a cashier's check.
Checking Account

Differences of a Cashier’s Check vs. Certified Check

A cashier’s check, backed by the issuing bank’s own funds, provides an ironclad guarantee that the payment will be honored, making it a go-to choice for transactions requiring absolute certainty. On the other hand, a certified check offers a slightly different form of security; the bank verifies the payer’s available funds and earmarks them specifically… read more…

Data Studies

Social Security and Retirement Income Are Highest in These Cities – 2024 Study

Depending on employment and investment returns, the size of a retirement nest egg will look different for everyone. The number of work years, salary and retirement age will impact Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, both worker and employer contributions, investment allocations and timing will determine the value of retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs and pension payouts.… read more…

Editor's Picks

CFA vs. CFP: Which Is Right for You?
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…

What Is a Fee-Only Financial Planner?
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

Social Security and Retirement Income Are Highest in These Cities – 2024 Study

Depending on employment and investment returns, the size of a retirement nest egg will look different for everyone. The number of work years, salary and retirement age will impact Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, both worker and employer contributions, investment allocations and timing will determine the value of retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs and pension payouts.… read more…

Data Studies

Best Housing Markets for First-Time Homebuyers – 2024 Study

First-time homebuyers who have just reached the threshold for a down payment can face steep competition from seasoned homeowners with established equity. And as the cost of living increases, some of these first-time hopefuls could be squeezed out of more expensive areas.  With this in mind, SmartAsset examined the current state of the housing market… read more…

Data 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…

Data Studies

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…

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