Javier Simon
Banking, Retirement and Investing Expert
Javier Simon is a banking, investing and retirement expert for SmartAsset. The personal finance writer's work has been featured in Investopedia, PLANADVISER and iGrad. Javier is a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. He has a degree in journalism from SUNY Plattsburgh. Javier is passionate about helping others beyond their personal finances. He has volunteered and raised funds for charities including Fight Cancer Together, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Posts by Javier Simon:
Interactive Advisors offers access to automated and actively managed portfolios that mirror those run by major investment firms like Vanguard and Legg Mason. This feature makes it drastically different than other robo-advisor providers that simply use algorithms to create automated portfolios that invest in a small range of passively managed funds based on the user’s risk tolerance. Interactive Advisors goes a step further. It allows you to pick a diversified portfolio managed by some of the biggest investment firms in the country, and it creates an automated replica of it for you. As a result, you get an actively management portfolio without the high management cost. With Interactive Advisors, you have access to a variety of investment strategies. For instance, you can invest in a socially responsible investing (SRI) portfolio built with stocks from companies that reflect your personal values. You can also look up portfolios to mirror based on parameters like management fees,… Read more
Google is pledging more than $800 million to support small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs), health organizations and researchers in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The package includes $340 million in ad credits for businesses with Google Ads accounts. The company’s announcement comes as the government rolls out relief programs for businesses affected by the coronavirus. Small business owners can also work with a financial advisor to protect their money and make the most out of all the aid they can get. Read more
In response to the coronavirus, companies across the country are pursuing coronavirus relief efforts to help people and businesses most impacted by pandemic. Tech companies are donating millions to help small businesses, healthcare workers and COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, companies outside the healthcare sector are producing hand sanitizer, masks and other products to curb the spread of the virus. Many are also establishing programs to help those who can’t come to work. In addition to benefitting from companies who are doing their part to help people stay safe and financially afloat, Americans can also work with a financial advisor to protect their investments during this time of uncertainty. Read more
Banks are loosening up their policies to help cash-strapped customers weather the economic side effects of the coronavirus crisis. In particular, many banks are lowering or temporarily eliminating… Read more
In response to the financial meltdown sparked by the coronavirus pandemic, Congress passed a historic $2 trillion stimulus package and President Trump signed it into law on March 27, 2020. The… Read more
Congress has approved two rounds of stimulus checks. The first round included a $1,200 payment from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law last… Read more
One of the main provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was payment forbearance for all federal student loans, as well as 0% interest on those loans until Sept.… Read more
The SECURE Act provides more part-time employees with access to tax-friendly workplace retirement plans like 401(k)s. Signed into law by President Trump on Dec. 20, 2019, it also lets individual… Read more
The cost of long-term care insurance is not cheap. A 55-year-old man in the United States can expect to pay a long-term care insurance premium of $1,700 per year on average, according to a 2020 price… Read more
The average cost of assisted living was $4,000 a month in 2018, according to Genworth Financial, which has been tracking costs since 2004. Across the country, though, the price of assisted living… Read more
Though probably the most well-known, nursing homes are just one of many types of long-term care facilities available to seniors. Facilities vary by level of services. Assisted living residences and… Read more
A chartered financial analyst (CFA) is a financial advisor who has earned the title of CFA through extra accreditation, including a rigorous three-part test, from the CFA Institute . A Chartered… Read more
Before you see a dollar of lottery winnings, the IRS will take 25%. Up to an additional 13% could be withheld in state and local taxes, depending on where you live. Still, you’ll probably owe more… Read more
A Delaware living trust bypasses probate and can ensure that your assets and property transfer promptly to your loved ones after you die. The costs of setting up a living trust can be high, though,… Read more
A Nebraska living trust allows your heirs to receive your estate without the delay or interference of the court. A will, on the other hand, must go through probate before your estate can be… Read more
If you plan to leave a substantial amount of assets and property to your loved ones, an Indiana living trust can simplify the process. By transferring your assets to a living trust, you will enable… Read more
If you’re planning for your estate after you die, you’re probably considering setting up a living trust. The legal document will enable your heirs to skip probate, which is considered a lengthy court… Read more
Setting up a living trust in Missouri can help your heirs receive your estate promptly. It does this by avoiding probate, which can take some time in the state, since it has not adopted the Uniform… Read more
If your estate is worth more than $200,000, you should consider creating an Oklahoma living trust. This estate planning tool allows your heirs to receive your assets without waiting for probate,… Read more
Generous company 401(k) matches are great. But if your retirement plan offers few investment options or has high fees, even the best 401(k) match may leave your retirement savings coming up short.… Read more
Not to be confused with the appraised value of your home, the assessed value is what the government uses to calculate property taxes. Meant to be utilized regardless of market conditions, the… Read more
Chase You Invest Trade is a primarily app-based tool that allows you to create your own investment portfolio. When you open an account, you get unlimited commission-free online trades for stocks and… Read more
A high-net-worth individual (HNWI) is generally someone with at least $1 million in cash or assets that can easily be converted into cash. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) uses slightly… Read more
SEP IRAs and solo 401(k)s are tax-deferred retirement savings vehicles for small business owners. They’re similar to each other but with one big difference. With a solo 401(k), a self-employed… Read more
If you want to move your individual retirement account (IRA) balance from one provider to another, simply call the current provider and request a “trustee-to-trustee” transfer. This moves money… Read more
