How to Join a Credit Union in the U.S.
A credit union is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides banking services, such as savings accounts, loans, and other financial products, to its members. These members often share a common characteristic like employment, location, or membership in a specific organization. Whether you’re considering a switch from a conventional bank or simply exploring your financial options,… read more…
4 Types of Assets That Are Exempt From Probate in Florida
The probate process involves the court-supervised distribution of assets, which can be time-consuming and costly, not to mention the emotional toll it can take on a family. However, Florida law provides certain exemptions that allow specific assets to bypass this process, offering a semblance of relief and financial stability to the bereaved. From homestead property… read more…
How a Transfer on Death Deed Works in Florida
A transfer on death deed (TODD) offers a streamlined solution for property owners looking to bypass the often lengthy and costly probate process in Florida. This legal instrument allows individuals to designate a beneficiary to inherit their property directly upon their passing, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership. With the ability to retain control over… read more…
How a Life Estate Deed Works in Florida
When you’re thinking about what will happen to your assets after you die, it’s important to understand how you can avoid probate with some of your most valuable, such as real estate. A life estate deed is a legal document that allows you to pass on your property to a designated beneficiary while retaining the… 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
Counties at Greatest Risk for Wildfire Damage – 2024 Study
Wildfires have become more prevalent in the U.S. over the last few decades. Like many other climate events, they can have a devastating effect on communities, destroying buildings and homes, closing businesses, damaging agriculture and changing the local ecology. Ultimately, with the increase in wildfires, some insurance companies have pulled their services out of specific… read more…
Cities Where Rent Increased Most – 2024 Study
Rent is a top expense for many Americans, so increases may disproportionately affect their budget. Between February 2023 and 2024, inflation as a whole went up by 3.15%. While the average rent increase in U.S. major cities was at parity with inflation, some cities saw rent increase as high as 8.0% – and others actually… read more…
Where Americans Are Happiest – 2024 Study
Money can’t always buy happiness. However, quality of life can influence your financial decisions and outcomes. Depending where you live, certain quality of life factors, including metrics like life expectancy, infrastructure and the rate of marriage, can ultimately impact your happiness. To find where Americans are happiest, SmartAsset evaluated 90 of the largest U.S. cities… read more…
Here’s the Income It Takes to Live Comfortably in Each U.S. State – 2024 Study
Outside of the big cities, life can be cheaper for many Americans. Though, after years of high inflation, cost increases have affected almost everyone. If you aspire to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, the 50/30/20 budget rule recommends spending approximately 50% of your income on basic needs like food and housing, 30% on wants and putting… read more…
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