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:
With student loan debt reach record levels, American families are seeking more ways to help their children save for higher education. One solid option is investing in a 529 college savings plan. Each state, except Wyoming, sponsors at least one of these savings vehicles, as does Washington, D.C. Money you contribute to these plans comes from after-tax dollars, so your contributions can reduce your taxable income. Your money also grows tax-free. And you won’t face any taxes if you withdraw money for 529 qualified educational expenses like tuition. Plus, some states allow you to take additional tax deductions or credits based on how much you contribute. But the great thing is that you’re not limited to investing in the 529 plan sponsored by your state. You’re free to enroll in any program you wish. With that said, not all 529 plans are created equal. Some charge high fees and offer poorly-performing investment options. The opposite is true for the best 529 plans. Below, we discuss the… Read more
If you’re trying to send money to someone, you may consider just transferring funds to the person’s bank account. But many people don’t have bank accounts. In fact, a recent FDIC survey revealed more than 9 million Americans fall into that category. The good news is you have plenty of options to transfer money. We’ll cover some of the cheapest, fastest and easiest ways to send money to someone without a bank account. Read more
The best retirement communities in Tennessee offer a range of amenities to backdrops like breathtaking mountains. You can also reside in luxurious homes with most maintenance costs covered by homeowners association (HOA) fees. Below, we cover the best retirement communities in the Volunteer State along with everything you can expect. This includes the price tag. But to make the most out of these great communities, you need careful financial planning. A financial advisor can provide expert guidance. You can use our free SmartAsset financial advisor matching service to find one. Read more
The best retirement communities in Maryland provide their residents with several options to stay active while also enjoying a laid-back lifestyle. Large clubhouses feature state-of-the-art gyms, spas… Read more
Retirement communities in Florida have plenty to offer. From luxury homes to state-of-the-art fitness centers and amenities, you can spend your golden years in style while staying in the Sunshine… Read more
One of the most crucial investment decisions anyone makes is how he or she goes about setting up their asset allocation. This is the process by which you break down your investment portfolio based on… Read more
The best retirement communities in Arizona have a lot to offer. Given that the state has everything from golf courses and resort-style pools to vast hiking trails surrounded by beautiful mountain… Read more
Any investor can benefit from the value of a diversified portfolio. But some don’t venture into the world of real estate investing, because they don’t know where to start. With intimidating acronyms… Read more
The best retirement communities in South Carolina are definitely a sight to see. From pristine beaches and palm trees to miles of hiking trails, South Carolina offers several opportunities to relax… Read more
The best retirement communities in North Carolina offer plenty of amenities and the backdrop of rolling hills, mountains and pristine waterways. And you can make new friends at large clubhouses and… Read more
Retirement communities in Virginia offer a range of amenities and plenty of opportunities to stay active well into your golden years. You can enjoy championship golf courses designed by the likes of… Read more
Can you cash a check at any bank? Some of the best banks will do it for you even if you’re not a customer. But your options don’t end their. You can also cash checks at several retailers, grocery… Read more
One of the benefits that makes tax-deferred retirement accounts like 401(k) plans so attractive is their high contribution limits. This becomes especially appealing when your company offers a 401(k)… Read more
Going through a divorce is never easy. But if you live in Illinois, it’s important to be aware of Illinois divorce laws before going deep into the proceedings. There are certain eligibility… Read more
Virginia divorce laws can be complex. Individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements even before filing for divorce. And unless a couple agrees on how to split property and assets, a judge… Read more
Investing in certificate of deposit (CD) accounts provides you with several benefits. But as with anything in the investing world, you face some risk. So you have to weigh the CD pros and cons before… Read more
Maintaining a healthy savings habit is critical to financial wellness. Unfortunately, many Americans lack basic emergency funds. One easy way to build one is by opening a savings account. The best… Read more
One of the biggest advantages to investing in a qualified retirement plan like a 401(k) or an individual retirement account (IRA) is tax-deferred growth on your savings. But you can’t keep avoiding… Read more
As Americans pay more for medical costs, many seek new ways to save in case of emergencies. Some may not even know they have access to health savings accounts (HSAs) and health reimbursement accounts… Read more
Good Friday marks the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and many of those observing will be fasting and engaging in religious ceremonies. Some may also be asking, are banks open on Good Friday? The answer… Read more
In a world where Americans are saving less and less, it helps to have something to motivate you to sock away some money for an emergency fund. A high-yield savings account can do that. As the name… Read more
Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) both help people save for future medical expenses. These accounts also offer distinct tax benefits. But when deciding which one is… Read more
Each year, the IRS sets maximum contribution limits for health savings accounts (HSA). The HSA maximum contribution for 2018 increased from 2017, and it will climb again 2019. But under certain… Read more
Money market accounts tend to generate interest rates that climb well above those of even the best savings accounts. They also offer additional benefits. For example, several banks link money market… Read more
Retirees flocking to the Volunteer State for their golden years are in for a treat. The best places to retire in Tennessee offer everything from scenic mountain landscapes and hiking trails that will… Read more
