How Financial Advisors Can Identify and Revise Hedge Clauses
A hedge clause is a liability disclaimer often found in advisory agreements that’s designed to shield advisors from legal claims related to client losses. Hedge clauses have come under increasing scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) due to concerns that they might mislead clients or conflict with fiduciary standards. If your firm uses… read more…
Ask an Advisor: How Much Should I Contribute to a Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA?
I’m 30 and wondering how much should I contribute to my Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA? What are the pros and cons of each account? Deciding how to split your savings between Roth and tax-deferred accounts is mostly about comparing your current and future tax rates. But the right mix is not always a simple… 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…
Discount for Lack of Marketability: Uses and Calculation
Not all assets can be sold quickly or easily. A minority stake in a family business, restricted stock or an ownership interest in a private company may have significant value on paper but be difficult to convert into cash. That’s where a discount for lack of marketability (DLOM) comes into play. By accounting for the… 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
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…
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…
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