How to Do a Backdoor Roth Conversion: Caps, Steps and Examples
A backdoor Roth IRA allows high-income earners to move money into a Roth IRA. It is a simple two-step strategy that works because, while the IRS sets income limits on direct Roth IRA contributions, it sets no income limits on Roth IRA conversions. Anyone whose modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is too high can still… read more…
Tax-Loss Harvesting: Investment Benefits and Strategy Tips
Tax-loss harvesting involves two steps. First, you sell investments at a loss to offset capital gains or a portion of ordinary income. Then, you reinvest the proceeds in a similar but not identical position to keep your portfolio working. The reinvestment step distinguishes it from simply selling at a loss. It preserves your long-term investment… read more…
Five C’s of Credit: Definitions, Uses and How to Improve Them
Before approving a loan or line of credit, lenders use a framework to evaluate a borrower’s creditworthiness. The five C’s of credit (character, capacity, capital, collateral and conditions) help lenders gauge how likely a borrower is to repay what they owe. Once you know how to measure each factor you can improve your approval odds.… read more…
Best and Worst States for Drivers — 2026 Study
Car ownership consumes a major share of many household budgets. Between loan payments, maintenance, fuel and auto insurance, the cost of owning and operating a vehicle now averages more than $11,000 per year. Even as U.S. cities and counties increase investment in public transportation, more than 90% of American households own or lease at least… 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
Best and Worst States for Drivers — 2026 Study
Car ownership consumes a major share of many household budgets. Between loan payments, maintenance, fuel and auto insurance, the cost of owning and operating a vehicle now averages more than $11,000 per year. Even as U.S. cities and counties increase investment in public transportation, more than 90% of American households own or lease at least… read more…
Where Financial Advisor Income Grew Most – 2026 Study
Financial advisors’ earnings are shaped by a range of factors beyond individual skill or experience, including client volume, wealth, and income; target market; fee model and geography. Because economic conditions vary widely across the U.S., some areas may present stronger opportunities for advisors seeking to expand their practices. As remote work capabilities continue to improve,… read more…
America’s New Boomtowns
Economic growth can change a city quickly. An influx of new residents and expanding business activity creates visible momentum, even as rapid change brings new strains. In recent years, some American cities stand out for attracting people, investment and development at a pace that sets them apart. Boomtown status does not mean growth benefits everyone… read more…
States of Bankruptcy – 2026 Study
Bankruptcy can offer a financial reset, but how often Americans need it varies by state. Sudden unemployment, divorce, medical crises and other financial shocks can force households into bankruptcy, which research has linked to depression and adverse health outcomes. Individually, a bankruptcy filing signals acute financial distress; collectively, bankruptcy patterns can highlight where residents face… read more…
You Might Like
- Is Social Security Income Taxable?
- CPA vs. CFP®: Which Is Right for You?
- How to Find and Choose a Financial Advisor
- Investment Advisor vs. Financial Planner
- What Is an Investment Broker?
- What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor? Definition, Types and Examples
- All About Taxes on Rental Income
- How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
- Can You Claim Allowances on Your Taxes?
- 12 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor