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Financial Advisors

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…

Investors who held Apple stock through years of volatility saw the full benefit of compounding, which drove the bulk of its long-term returns.
How to Invest

$10,000 Invested in Apple Stock 20 Years Ago: How Much Is It Worth?

If you invested $10,000 in Apple stock on May 18, 2006, that investment would be worth approximately $1.32 million as of May 2026. This calculation is based on Apple’s share price of $297.84 as of May 18, 2026, and its May 18, 2006 closing price of $2.26. You should note that this figure reflects price… read more…

Personal Finance

Periodic Expenses: How to Budget Them and Examples

A budget can look perfectly balanced one month and completely fall apart the next when an unexpected car repair, annual insurance premium or holiday expense suddenly appears. These irregular costs, known as periodic expenses, are easy to overlook because they do not happen every month. Still, they can have a major impact on financial stability.… read more…

Personal Finance

Emotional Spending: Triggers and Strategies to Stop It

That rush you feel when clicking “buy now” after a stressful day might feel harmless in the moment, but it could be quietly costing you thousands of dollars a year. Emotional spending, the practice of using purchases to soothe stress, sadness, boredom or even celebrate good news, is one of the most common and overlooked… read more…

Editor's Picks

A couple determining whether they need a CFA vs. CFP®.
Certifications & Licenses

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…

Clients meeting with an advisor from a wealth management firm.
Brokerage

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…

A fee-only financial planner doesn't earn commissions for recommending certain products.
Advisor Fees & Costs

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…

Investment Property
Real Estate Investing

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

Financial Advisors

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…

Aerial drone views at sunrise of a suburb neighborhood in Georgetown, Texas.
Travel, Education & 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…

Anxious man doing his finances.
Other

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…

A picture of Pennsylvania State University's campus in State College, Pennsylvania.
Quality of Life

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…

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