How Are Annuities Taxed? Withdrawals, Payouts and Penalties
Annuities can look tax-friendly because your money grows without an annual tax bill, but the real surprise often comes when you start taking money out. Depending on how the annuity was funded, withdrawals can trigger ordinary income taxes, early-withdrawal penalties and surrender charges. Combined, these costs can significantly reduce what you keep. It’s important to… read more…
I Inherited $100,000. What Should I Do?
Inheriting $100,000 can create new financial opportunities, but deciding what to do with the money may depend on what you actually inherited. Cash, taxable investments and retirement accounts can each come with different tax rules and planning considerations. Before you spend, withdraw or invest the money, it can help to understand the structure of your… read more…
I Inherited $150,000. In 20 Years, Smart Tax Planning Could Grow This to $580,000.
Your inheritance may lose value before you invest it. Taxes on inherited assets could reduce how much you get to keep, while careful planning may preserve more of it. The type of asset you receive and the decisions you make afterward can affect how much is available for long-term growth. Here’s how a $150,000 inheritance… read more…
Marketing Financial Services to Women: What Advisors Need to Know
Financial advisor marketing has traditionally centered on investing, performance and wealth accumulation, but that approach may not always align with what women are looking for from financial advice. Women are already primary decision-makers on investment choices in 69% of households surveyed by CFP Board, and their financial influence is expected to grow as wealth changes… 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 Labor Day Gas Price Burden
With Labor Day weekend approaching, millions of Americans are preparing for one last major road trip of the summer. Gas prices have eased from their annual highs, but drivers are not feeling the savings equally. Prices at the pump vary considerably from state to state, as does the share of household income required to fill… read more…
Who Gets the Money? Federal Spending by County in 2025-26
In its latest monthly review, the Congressional Budget Office projects that the 2026 federal deficit will reach $2.1 trillion, with revenue estimated at $5.4 trillion. So who gets the money? Some areas receive significantly more federal funds per resident than others, reflecting where major projects and facilities are located. The result is a patchwork in… read more…
U.S. Population Trends by State: Winners and Losers – 2026 Study
The U.S. population continues to grow, but that growth has slowed dramatically, with the year-over-year increase now below 1%. Some areas feel this shift more acutely than others, and a few states are experiencing population declines. A growing population can increase labor availability and expand the consumer base, supporting economic growth. At the same time,… read more…
Here’s the Salary It Takes to Live Comfortably in Each U.S. State in 2026
As housing, grocery, transportation and other essential costs pressure household budgets, earning a six-figure salary no longer guarantees financial comfort in much of the U.S. A single adult now needs at least $80,000 a year to live comfortably in every state, while the threshold exceeds $100,000 in nearly half of states. For a family of… read more…
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