States of Bankruptcy – 2026 Study
Bankruptcy can offer a financial reset, but how often Americans need it varies by state. Sudden unemployment, divorce, medical crises and other financial shocks can force households into bankruptcy, which research has linked to depression and adverse health outcomes. Individually, a bankruptcy filing signals acute financial distress; collectively, bankruptcy patterns can highlight where residents face… read more…
Warren Buffett Retires: Key Takeaways for Investors
At age 95, Warren Buffett officially stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway on January 1, 2026. He had spent six decades transforming what was once a failing textile company. Now it is one of the largest and most influential corporations in the world. From 1964 through 2024, Berkshire delivered a compounded annual gain of… read more…
REITs for Beginners: Types, Requirements and How to Get Started
Real estate has long been one of the most reliable paths to building wealth. It’s also among the most difficult. Becoming a property owner requires enormous upfront capital, dealing with difficult tenants, and navigating endless maintenance headaches. Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, change that equation entirely. These allow you to invest in large-scale real… read more…
AI Uses for Investing: Analysis Types, Benefits and Risks
AI can offer advantages in data processing speed and scale, but it also comes with risks, including data quality issues, algorithmic bias and the potential for over-reliance on automated recommendations. Knowing when to use AI tools and when human judgment remains essential helps investors make better-informed decisions. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, a… 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 of Bankruptcy – 2026 Study
Bankruptcy can offer a financial reset, but how often Americans need it varies by state. Sudden unemployment, divorce, medical crises and other financial shocks can force households into bankruptcy, which research has linked to depression and adverse health outcomes. Individually, a bankruptcy filing signals acute financial distress; collectively, bankruptcy patterns can highlight where residents face… read more…
America’s Safest Midsize Cities – 2026 Study
Safety and security are major determinants of quality of life. That’s especially true in midsize cities, where residents may seek a balance of opportunity, affordability and peace of mind. While no place is risk-free, some midsized cities offer residents a stronger sense of everyday security than others. SmartAsset examined more than 300 midsize cities —… read more…
Where Seniors Are Targeted by Scams — 2026 Study
Millions of older Americans are targeted by financial scams each year. One analysis published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury found $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in just a 12-month period. As digital banking, payments and communication become more common, scammers have more ways to reach victims and impersonate trusted institutions. Phishing… read more…
Where Americans Are Struggling — and Thriving
Many Americans are feeling financial stress — a majority (57%) now say their financial situation is in only fair or poor shape, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. But that pressure is not spread evenly. In some states, residents may be contending with a tougher mix of high living costs, weaker incomes, and… read more…
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