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Danielle Klimashousky

Danielle Klimashousky is a freelance writer who covers a variety of personal finance topics for SmartAsset. She is an expert on topics including credit cards and home buying. Danielle has a BA in English from Wesleyan University.

Posts by Danielle Klimashousky

Quitclaim Deed
Mortgage

What Is a Quitclaim Deed and How Does It Work?

A quitclaim deed sometimes referred to as a non-warranty deed is a document used to transfer interest in a property. Common terms utilized alongside quitclaim deeds are “grantor” and “grantee.” In this context, the grantor is the one transferring the ownership… read more…

Are banks open on labor day?
Checking Account

Are Banks Open on Labor Day?

Labor Day is an American holiday that celebrates workers and the labor movement. Observed on the first Monday of September, it also (unofficially) marks the end of summer. To most, Labor Day means a three-day weekend of fun in the sun,… read more…

SmartAsset: What Time Does the Bank Close?
Checking Account

What Time Does the Bank Close?

While there’s a lot you can do at an ATM or through a mobile banking app, there are times when you need to visit an actual bank branch. So what time does the bank close? In the past, all bank… read more…

How to Get Your Bank Statement
Checking Account

How to Get a Bank Statement

Every month, your bank prepares a document for you showing all of of your transactions for the past month. This is called a bank statement. It’s important to review your bank statement regularly – in part to ensure there aren’t… read more…

Online Banking: Ally vs Barclays
Checking Account

Ally vs. Barclays Bank

Online-only bank accounts are increasingly popular. They tend to offer better interest rates than typical banks because they don’t have to pay the costs of having brick-and-mortar locations. Two popular online banks in the U.S. are Ally Bank and Barclays… read more…

What Is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?
Financial Advisor

What Is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?

Chartered life underwriter, or CLU, is a financial services certification for financial advisors who specialize in life insurance within the context of estate planning. Although many advisors have experience with estate planning, CLUs go through rigorous training to earn this designation. The education process involves learning about risk management, insurance, annuities and more. To find a… read more…

are banks closed on black friday?
Checking Account

Are Banks Open on Black Friday 2023?

Though it may seem like an unofficial federal holiday, many banks are actually open on Black Friday. However, in many states the day after Thanksgiving is considered a state holiday, which means bank locations in those states may be closed.… read more…

12b-1 Fees
Financial Advisor

What Are 12b-1 Fees?

12b-1 fees are annual distribution fees related to mutual funds. They are operational expenses, and they’re usually a part of a fund’s expense ratio. These fees are separate from the normal management fee and are typically for marketing expenses. In… read more…

pension vs. annuity
Retirement

Pension vs. Annuity: What’s the Difference?

Pensions and annuities are two common sources of retirement income. However, they are quite different with their own advantages and disadvantages. Which one is better for you will depend on your individual circumstances. For example, some people may choose a… read more…

SmartAsset: What Is a Testamentary Trust?
Retirement

What Is a Testamentary Trust?

As you sit down with your financial advisor to create an estate plan, one option that may arise is a testamentary trust. A testamentary trust is a type of trust that’s created in a last will and testament. Also known as… read more…

SmartAsset: How Do Annuities Work?
Retirement

How Do Annuities Work?

When it comes to retirement, Social Security and your 401(k) plan don’t always cover you throughout your retirement. If you’re planning for retirement, you might want to also consider opening an annuity. Annuities are long-term investments that help protect you… read more…

SmartAsset: What Is an Investment Broker?
Financial Advisor

What Is an Investment Broker?

If you’re getting started in investing, an investment broker can be a great asset as your connection to the market. Investment brokers serve as go-betweens for buyers and sellers on the stock market. They enable their clients to purchase stocks,… read more…

Trust Fund
Retirement

What Is a Trust Fund and How Does It Work? Definition and Overview

There are many ways to set up a financially secure future for your loved ones. Trust funds, for example, can be a strong way to set your children or grandchildren up for future financial success. Also, contrary to popular opinion,… read more…

living will
Retirement

What Is a Living Will?

A living will is often overlooked in favor of a last will, but both are important and individual documents for you to consider. A living will is a written statement that states your wishes for medical treatment in cases where… read more…

international money transfer
Checking Account

What Are the Best Ways to Transfer Money Internationally?

Whether you’ll be making a number of international money transfers or it’s a one-time transaction, it’s important to know the best ways to send money internationally. Maybe you need to put down a deposit for a vacation rental, send money… read more…

how to fill out a money order
Checking Account

How to Fill Out a Money Order

Despite the ease it provides, paying in cash isn’t always the most secure form of payment. Instead, you may be asked to pay with a money order. You can get a money order almost anywhere, like banks, post offices and… read more…

How to Open a Checking Account
Checking Account

How to Open a Checking Account

Opening a checking account, whether a personal or business checking account, is a relatively easy process as long as you’re prepared with the right information. It becomes even easier when you know what to expect. To open a checking account,… read more…

How to Cash a Check
Checking Account

How to Cash a Check

At some point, you may end up receiving money in the form of a check. This could be your paycheck, your tax refund or a personal check from a friend. Unlike cash, you can’t turn around and spend the check… read more…

financial coach
Financial Advisor

What Is a Financial Coach, and How Can They Help?

If you need help getting your finances in order or learning the basics of budgeting, you might consider seeking the help of a financial coach. A financial coach is different from other financial professionals. They spend more time helping their… read more…

Making an Investment Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Investing

Making an Investment Plan: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making an investment plan involves more than just choosing a few stocks to put money in. You have to consider your current financial situation and your goals for the future. It’s also important to define your timeline and how much risk you’re willing to take on in order to determine your optimal asset allocation. All… read more…

SmartAsset: How to Diversify Your Portfolio
Investing

How to Diversify Your Investment Portfolio

When creating an investment plan for your portfolio, diversification is the most important rule. Diversification essentially means spreading your assets among a variety of investments. Doing this helps to mitigate risk and provides the potential to improve returns. A financial advisor can help you optimize an investment strategy for your financial needs and goals. What… read more…

Investment Advisor
Investing

What Is an Investment Advisor?

If you need help making investment decisions and managing your portfolio, you may want to seek the advice of an investment advisor. Investment advisors are basically financial advisors that, for a fee, provide guidance and management for your investment portfolio. These individuals… read more…

What Is a Safety Deposit Box?
Checking Account

What Is a Safety Deposit Box?

A safety deposit box, also known as a safe deposit box, is an individually locked box held within a larger vault. These are usually located in a bank, which is a very secure place to put it. These boxes come… read more…

What are Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits and Debit Purchase Limits?
Checking Account

What Are Daily ATM Withdrawal Limits and Debit Purchase Limits?

When it comes to withdrawing money from an ATM, you are limited to the amount you can withdraw in one day. You’re also subject to the amount of money you spend with your debit card each day. All banks impose… read more…

SmartAsset: What Is a Prepaid Debit Card?
Checking Account

What Is a Prepaid Debit Card?

You’ve probably received a Visa, MasterCard or American Express gift card at some point. Or, you’ve bought one yourself. Prepaid cards can be found in the checkout line at the gas station or even in your mail as a reward… read more…