Are Bonds Safer Than Stocks? Risks, Returns and Differences
Bonds are generally less volatile than stocks and give bondholders a contractual claim to interest and principal, which makes them feel safer day to day. But safety has more than one meaning. A bond can lose real value to inflation for years without the issuer ever missing a payment, while a diversified stock portfolio that… read more…
Alternative Asset Management: 4 Strategies and Examples
Traditional stocks and bonds have long been the foundation of most investment portfolios, but they’re no longer the only game in town. From private equity and hedge funds to commercial real estate and private lending, alternative investments have grown into a multi-trillion-dollar market attracting institutions and individual investors alike. These assets can offer new opportunities… read more…
I Have $100,000 Left to Invest in Retirement. Here’s Where I’m Putting It (and What I’m Avoiding).
At this stage of life, you don’t want to gamble the $100,000 you spent decades building. But you also know it’s quietly losing ground to inflation just sitting there. So you do nothing, only to realize that this decision also carries its own set of risks. Here’s where you could put that money to work… read more…
Financial Services Marketing: Strategies, Examples and Guides
Financial services marketing encompasses the strategies banks, investment advisors, insurance agencies and other financial firms use to attract prospective clients, strengthen relationships and grow their businesses. Successful marketing often combines digital channels like search engine optimization (SEO), email campaigns and social media with referrals, educational content and community engagement. The right mix depends on a… 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
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…
Where Social Security Cuts Could Have the Greatest Economic Impact
Social Security is a major source of retirement income for millions of Americans, but its economic importance varies sharply by locality. In some communities, benefits represent a relatively small share of total income. In others, they account for a substantial portion of money flowing into the local economy. That reliance may become more consequential as… read more…
Where Fathers Spend the Most Time on Child Care — 2026 Father’s Day Study
For fathers, work rarely stops at five o’clock. Beyond paid employment, fathers often balance household responsibilities and the daily logistics of family life. Where that balance is most demanding can vary widely based on local economic conditions, commute times and work schedules. SmartAsset analyzed the 50 states based on the number of minutes per day… read more…
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