2026 Midterm Election: Which Party’s Tax Plan Could Put More Money in Your Pocket?
Democrats and Republicans say their tax plans would put more money in household pockets. The November 3 midterm election will decide which party controls each chamber of Congress. The party that gains a majority could shape future tax law, but legislation would still require President Donald Trump’s signature until the end of his term. Democrats… read more…
My Social Security Got a Raise. Then Medicare Quietly Took Most of It Back.
Social Security’s annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) raises your monthly benefit, but a higher Medicare Part B premium can leave you with less of that increase to spend. Most retirees enrolled in Part B have the cost deducted from their Social Security payment. In 2027, the COLA will be 3.6%, with average retirement benefits increasing by… read more…
Ask an Advisor: Will My Wife Forfeit a Larger Survivor Benefit if She Claims Social Security Early?
If my spouse starts taking her own reduced Social Security benefit at age 62, (9/2026), can she switch to a survivor benefit upon my death and still receive 100% of a full spousal survivor benefit? I plan on waiting until age 70 (3/2030) to collect my maximum Social Security benefit. I am worried that claiming… read more…
2026 Paycheck Power Rankings
The power of a paycheck depends on more than the dollar value printed on it. In some areas, higher salaries are offset by steep costs for housing and food. In others, modest earnings can stretch considerably further. The balance between income and expenses determines how much workers have left to save, invest or spend after… 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
2026 Paycheck Power Rankings
The power of a paycheck depends on more than the dollar value printed on it. In some areas, higher salaries are offset by steep costs for housing and food. In others, modest earnings can stretch considerably further. The balance between income and expenses determines how much workers have left to save, invest or spend after… read more…
Where Americans Are Hustling — 2026 Study
As the cost of living rises, one job is no longer enough for some workers to keep up with household expenses. As of 2026, 8.6 million Americans, or 5.3% of employed workers, hold multiple jobs. But multiple jobholding varies by region. In some states, second jobs remain relatively uncommon, while in others, workers are holding… read more…
Best and Worst Cities for Women in Tech — 2026 Study
Women remain underrepresented in the tech sector. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, women make up “nearly half of the total U.S. workforce … [but] just 22.6% of the high tech workforce.” Opportunities for women in tech can vary considerably by location, and these differences shape access to jobs, career advancement and earning potential.… read more…
Where Americans Are Broke — 2026 Study
Having a negative net worth means a household owes more than it owns, and high debt relative to assets is associated with greater perceived depression, more stress and poorer health. For nearly two decades before the Great Recession, the share of U.S. households whose debts equaled or exceeded their assets held fairly steady, then rose… read more…
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