Ask an Advisor: I’m 68 and Collect Survivor Benefits from Social Security. Can I Switch to My Own Benefit for More Money?
I’m 68 and currently receive spousal survivor Social Security benefits. Can I switch to my own Social Security benefit? –Sylvia Sylvia, I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. Thank you for the question, and yes, you can switch to your own benefit. It would make sense to do that if your own benefit is… read more…
What Is the Tax Rate on 401(k) Withdrawals After Age 65?
Reaching age 65 doesn’t automatically change how the IRS taxes your 401(k) withdrawals. Instead, it taxes distributions from a traditional 401(k) as ordinary income, just like wages or Social Security benefits. Your tax rate depends on your total taxable income and filing status in the year you make the withdrawal, not your age. That means… read more…
Grantor vs. Non-Grantor Trust: Key Differences
The key difference between a grantor trust and a non-grantor trust is how taxes are handled. In a grantor trust, the person who created the trust reports all trust income on their own tax return. In a non-grantor trust, the trust files its own return as a separate taxpayer, which can lead to higher tax… read more…
Cross-Border Tax Accountant: Services and Examples
When your financial life involves more than one country, taxes can get complex. This is true for expats, dual citizens, digital nomads and business owners with activity abroad. A cross-border tax accountant can help you handle international filing rules and reporting obligations. They work with issues like double taxation, foreign tax credits and returns required… 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…
5 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
What the Top 1% Pays in Taxes Across the U.S. – 2025 Study
The top 1% of earners across the U.S. earn an average of 19.5% of all income – sometimes garnering criticism from pundits and politicians – but pay 37% of total income taxes. This cohort thus contributes the largest chunk of funding for infrastructure, healthcare, welfare programs, and more, despite advantages that may enable them to… read more…
Cost of Raising a Child in Each U.S. State – 2025 Study
In 2025, the average annual cost of raising a child under five in the United States reached $27,743. These costs – which cover additional housing, food, transportation, healthcare, miscellaneous items and childcare for a working couple – rose 4.5% between 2024 and 2025, slightly outpacing the 2.82% inflation rate during the same timeframe. But costs… read more…
Flight Delays by Airport: Will You Get There on Time? 2025 Study
Flight delays can be due to myriad reasons, including individual airline efficiency, geography, weather, staffing, security incidents and more. Most recently, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown has led to the Federal Aviation Administration to announce that starting November 7th, air traffic at 40 major airports will be reduced by up to 10%. Many airlines are… read more…
SNAP Reliance and Benefits by State – 2025 Study
Nearly 42 million individuals across the United States are covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to May 2025 data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with a monthly benefit of around $188 per person. Use of the SNAP program and benefit amounts vary greatly by state, meaning residents in some areas will… read more…
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