What to Do With a $500K Inheritance
You inherit $500,000 and your first instinct is to figure out how to invest it. But before choosing stocks, funds or other investments, there are important decisions that can have an even bigger impact on your financial future. Your first move is important. One mistake and you could hand over thousands of dollars to the… read more…
Most People Assume Their Advisor Has to Act in Their Best Interest. Most Are Wrong
People often think that any professional called a “financial advisor” is required to act in their best interest. It feels like a safe assumption, the kind you shouldn’t have to question. But the title itself carries no such guarantee. Depending on how an advisor is registered and compensated, the obligations they owe you can differ… read more…
A Market Dip Is the Cheapest Moment for a Roth Conversion. Most Retirees Wait Too Long
Market losses typically signal investors to put a hold on big financial moves. But if you’re saving for retirement, a downturn could be one of the least expensive times to complete a Roth conversion. Missing this opportunity could cost you thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes. Here’s why. Same Shares, Smaller Tax Bill The value… read more…
America’s Best Value Public Universities — 2026 Study
A university degree is one of the biggest investments many Americans will make, and public institutions are often perceived as the most affordable path toward a higher education. But sticker price alone does not determine value. Outcomes can vary widely by school, meaning some public universities may offer stronger returns for students seeking manageable costs… 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
America’s Best Value Public Universities — 2026 Study
A university degree is one of the biggest investments many Americans will make, and public institutions are often perceived as the most affordable path toward a higher education. But sticker price alone does not determine value. Outcomes can vary widely by school, meaning some public universities may offer stronger returns for students seeking manageable costs… read more…
Where the Down Payment Burden Has Grown Most
Saving for a home down payment has become a moving target. As rising home prices outstrip wage growth, the amount of time buyers may need to set aside enough money has changed sharply in many parts of the country. In some states, rising incomes have helped offset higher home values. In others, buyers may face… read more…
The Fourth of July Gas Price Burden
With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, millions of Americans are preparing to hit the road. Gas prices have fallen across the U.S. since reaching an annual peak on May 21, offering some relief before one of the year’s busiest driving periods. But both the extent of the price decline and the financial burden of… read more…
When it Pays to Work in Florida — and When It Doesn’t
Florida’s economy has a pull of its own, from tourism and health care to construction and finance. But does working in the Sunshine State pay more? After adjusting for regional price differences, occupational pay gaps can look different than headline salaries suggest. For some workers, Florida offers a meaningful pay advantage; for others, the same… read more…
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