You Can Get Up to $2,100 From Social Security at 62. Waiting Until 70 Could Increase Your Benefits by Roughly $1,600 a Month.
If you want to retire early, taking Social Security at 62 may seem like an easy way to replace a paycheck. Waiting until 70, however, could add roughly $1,600 to your monthly benefit. The catch is that you would need another source of income or savings to cover eight years without Social Security payments. One… read more…
Where to Find a Series 65 Practice Exam
Taking one or more Series 65 practice exams can help you prepare for the real thing by testing your securities knowledge. There are two general ways to find a Series 65 practice exam: search for free options online, or purchase a study prep package that includes full mock exams. If you’re preparing to sit for… read more…
Financial Advisor Reviews: SEC and State Rules Explained
Client reviews and testimonials can underscore your credibility as an advisor and help attract new prospects to your firm. The SEC’s marketing rule permits the use of financial advisor reviews in marketing materials, with some stipulations. However, individual states may restrict or prohibit the use of reviews for promotional purposes. Reviewing the latest guidelines for… read more…
I Looked at Putting $250k Into an Annuity at 62. Here’s the Real Monthly Check, and the Catch.
An immediate annuity may turn part of your retirement savings into a monthly payment for life. That might be helpful if you don’t have a pension, and it could make it easier to manage withdrawals when the market drops. The catch is that you usually give up access to the money you put in, and… 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…
6 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
States with the Most Potential Assets to Manage Per Financial Advisor — 2026 Study
For financial advisors, market opportunity depends not only on the amount of wealth residents have available to manage, but also on the number of advisors competing for that wealth. States where residents have substantial wealth, and where advisor competition is relatively limited, may offer stronger prospects for new business acquisition and practice growth. In places… read more…
Where a Minimum Wage Goes Furthest in 2026
Minimum wage laws expanded during the Great Depression to support a basic standard of living, but their value today depends on local costs. A relatively high minimum wage may still fall far short in an expensive state, while a lower minimum wage may cover a larger share of basic expenses in areas where costs are… read more…
The 2026 Job Mix: Blue-, White- and Pink-Collar Employment by State
America’s occupational complexion varies widely by geography. Some states run on factory floors, others in office towers and still others in hotels and hospitals. But automation, artificial intelligence and changing demand are reshaping occupations unevenly, making each state’s particular mix of jobs increasingly consequential to its economic outlook. SmartAsset analyzed May 2025 Bureau of Labor… read more…
How Much Savings Do You Need to Retire in 2026?
Since its development in the 1990s, the 4% rule has become one of the most commonly cited rules of thumb in retirement planning. Using historical data, financial planner William Bengen found that a portfolio could sustain an initial annual withdrawal of 4%, followed by inflation-adjusted withdrawals, for at least 30 years without being depleted. While… read more…
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