Real Estate Asset Classes: Types, Benefits and Risks
Real estate has long been a cornerstone of wealth building and options have expanded far beyond rental properties. Today, investors can access apartment buildings, office space, data centers, life sciences facilities and cell tower infrastructure. Each investment has its own risk profile, return potential and place in a portfolio. Knowing the differences between each could… read more…
Ethical Investment Funds: Types, Uses and How to Choose One
Ethical investment funds incorporate values-based, environmental, social and governance criteria into their selection process alongside traditional financial analysis. These pooled investment vehicles allow investors to align their portfolios with personal or institutional values while still getting the diversification, professional management and accessibility that conventional funds provide. A financial advisor can help you identify which ethical… read more…
Micro Retirement: Definition, Benefits, Drawbacks and Taxes
A micro retirement is an intentional, extended career break taken mid-career rather than waiting until traditional retirement age. Unlike standard vacation time, these breaks typically last from a few weeks to a year, are usually unpaid, and are self-funded and self-directed rather than provided by an employer. Micro retirements can look very different: some people… read more…
Private Market Investing: Types, Opportunities and Risks
Private markets, once reserved for large institutions and the ultra-wealthy, are becoming more accessible to individual investors. These investments offer exposure to startups, real estate projects and privately held companies with significant growth potential, but they also come with added complexity and risk that investors need to weigh carefully before committing capital. A financial advisor… 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
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…
America’s Safest Midsize Cities – 2026 Study
Safety and security are major determinants of quality of life. That’s especially true in midsize cities, where residents may seek a balance of opportunity, affordability and peace of mind. While no place is risk-free, some midsized cities offer residents a stronger sense of everyday security than others. SmartAsset examined more than 300 midsize cities —… read more…
Where Seniors Are Targeted by Scams — 2026 Study
Millions of older Americans are targeted by financial scams each year. One analysis published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury found $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in just a 12-month period. As digital banking, payments and communication become more common, scammers have more ways to reach victims and impersonate trusted institutions. Phishing… read more…
Where Americans Are Struggling — and Thriving
Many Americans are feeling financial stress — a majority (57%) now say their financial situation is in only fair or poor shape, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. But that pressure is not spread evenly. In some states, residents may be contending with a tougher mix of high living costs, weaker incomes, and… read more…
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