Financial Advisor
Aug 21, 2019 With rents on the rise in many of America’s trendiest cities it has become increasingly popular for residents looking to earn some side money to invest in the short-term rental market. Indeed, the returns these rental properties can offer are robust. But as more investors take their share of the rental market pie and offer it to incoming tourists, it leaves fewer options for local, long-term renters and causes rental prices to squeeze further upwards. In response, some cities like New York have started looking into regulating the short-term rental market, with their crosshairs focused primarily on Airbnb. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 Like any good financial advisor will tell you, investing is about more than just average return. The best investors weigh risk with reward. For example, consider home values. The Census Bureau estimates that the median home in the U.S. increased in value by $10,500 from 2015 to 2016. But that's just the average increase. Some homeowners made more, some made less and some even lost money on their mortgages. Knowing exactly how your home’s value will change in the future is impossible, but with a little research you can get a better idea of the risks that come with investing in any city's housing… Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 How you start your career is an important determinant for future financial success. Young professionals who are able to find a high-paying career earlier are able to build more savings, get promoted earlier and have more long-term, financial flexibility. Where you start is also important. Some cities have affordable housing that allows young professionals to invest in the housing market or lets them rent while investing their savings with a financial advisor. Other cities offer a wide range of job opportunities, meaning young adults are not stuck in dead-end jobs they don’t enjoy. Read More...
Jul 23, 2019 Betterment is a robo-advisor that allows investors to create and manage their investment portfolios online. Whether you're building wealth for retirement or other financial reasons, Betterment functions as your digital investing solution. With more than $10 billion in assets under management, the company offers a range of online services, including two investing accounts, tax-loss harvesting features and competitive management fees. But should you use it? Is Betterment safe? Below, we take a closer look at Betterment's products and services to show you why it's a safe choice. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the price of college tuition increased by 63% from 2006 to 2016. Over that same time period, the median household income in the United States increased by only 19%. This makes college more expensive than ever for the average family. However, there are efficient ways that you can save for your children's education. One example is through 529 plans. These are tax-advantaged savings plans designed to help people save money for schooling. Every state has its own plan or set of plans, but they are all a little different and vary in popularity. For example, some are actively managed, utilizing a Read More...
May 15, 2019 If you’re looking to minimize your tax liability and capitalize on tax deductions, a tax consultant could help you do just that. Tax consultants, also known as tax advisors, are professionals with expertise in tax law, tax returns and financial planning. Though they can fill a number of roles, these advisors ultimately help their clients make well-informed financial decisions when it comes to tax-related issues. Cost can vary, so make sure you know exactly what services you’ll get and how much you’ll pay before you commit to working with a tax consultant. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 In 2016 the IRS reported that it collected nearly $18.3 billion in estate taxes, from more than 5,200 estates. That is an average tax of $3.5 million per taxable estate. While the estate tax is a punishing one-off payment, the wealthy can also see their annual tax burden pile up due to income and property taxes. The size of the tax burden varies wildly by state however, making it advantageous for the wealthy to live in one state over another. For example, some states have higher income taxes or higher estate taxes. Wealthy Americans without access to expert financial advice, such as from a financial advisor, can find themselves paying sizable… Read More...
Sep 19, 2019 If you're starting to think about getting ready for retirement or you're approaching a major life transition, it might be the right time to hire a financial advisor. A financial advisor can help you with everything from creating a financial plan to managing and building your wealth. Of course, finding a financial advisor is easier said than done. Not all financial advisors are alike, so you'll want to be sure to do your homework to ensure you end up working with someone who is trustworthy and suits your needs. As you’re weighing your options, these are the 10 questions to ask a financial advisor to decide if this is the person you want to manage your money. Read More...
Aug 01, 2019 As you strive to reach your financial goals and prepare for retirement, you may consider turning to a financial advisor. But you may be wondering: How much does a financial advisor cost? Generally, financial advisors charge a flat fee of $1,500 to $2,500 for the one-time creation of a full financial plan, or 1% to 2% of assets under management for ongoing portfolio management. However, fee rates and compensation structures differ from advisor to advisor. That can make it challenging to figure out how much you’re paying and if you’re getting a fair deal when you're trying to find a financial advisor. Here’s what you need to know to make sure you fully understand financial advisor fees before you… Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 The majority of Americans find meeting their retirement goals a challenge. After all, the financial world is complicated. Many Americans miss the opportunity to save, which means they miss the chance to invest - whether that's alone or with the expert guidance of a financial advisor. Without the gains from investing, it is almost impossible to save enough for retirement. Census Bureau data shows that retirement-aged Americans across the country struggle to find affordable housing. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 It’s a pretty good time to be a worker in America. For the most part, jobs are available and unemployment is on the decline. But availability of jobs alone does not mean a city is a good place to start a career. The cities with the best career opportunities combine high pay, strong support networks and affordable homes. This leaves workers with the opportunity to not only have a fulfilling career but also a chance to hit financial milestones like owning a home or investing with a financial advisor. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 With tuition increasing at a steady pace and student loan debt reaching record highs, many parents struggle finding ways to lower the price of higher education. But a 529 college savings plan can help. These tax-friendly savings vehicles offer a range of perks. Below, we explore 529 plan benefits in detail. But first, we’ll explain exactly what they are. Read More...
Jul 31, 2019 Whether you're investing in mutual funds or simply looking to transform your wealth with a financial plan, you may be considering working with a financial advisor. Investment advisors and financial planners are two of the most common types of financial advisors that clients work with. These advisors ultimately offer guidance on different financial topics, but one thing they have in common is your money. If you're thinking about working with one of these advisors, it's important that you understand what each can do. Read More...
Oct 18, 2018 After years of investing in your children’s college education, you’re ready to reach into your 529 college savings plan and send your kid off to the best years of his or her life. But while making 529 plan withdrawals is as simple as clicking a few buttons, the consequences are complex. Missteps could trigger tax penalties. So you should consider a few points before you tap into your savings. Below, we’ll walk you through the process of making 529 plan withdrawals the right way. You’ve worked hard for your savings. Now it’s time for your 529 plan to work for you and your children. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 The average full-time working woman earns 82% of what the average full-time working man earns, according to BLS data. The good news is that the gender pay gap is shrinking. The bad news is that the narrowing of the gap comes too late for women who started and ended their careers when the pay gap was worse. That wide difference in earnings has hurt women’s ability to meet their financial goals. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 It's exciting to know you're going to be bringing a new member into the family. Decorating the baby's nursery, buying children's books and finding that perfect stroller are all important. But, what's more important is whether you're ready for the financial costs that come with having a baby. Both pregnancy and birth require a lot of medical attention. In other words, you won't be charged for the birth alone. The pregnancy itself is filled with costs that accompany the numerous doctor's visits, tests and procedures you may have. Therefore, you'll want to make sure you have enough financial cushion before you decide to have a child. Read More...
Jun 18, 2018 Whether you are working with a financial advisor or managing a portfolio on your own, making the right investments can make all the difference in your future financial security. Make too many risky investments and you might lose out on your retirement income, don’t take on enough risk and you may not accumulate enough funds to retire comfortably. Read More...
Sep 12, 2018 If you're getting started in investing, an investment broker can be a great asset as your connection to the market. Investment brokers serve as go-betweens for buyers and sellers on the stock market. They enable their clients to purchase stocks, bonds and other securities from the exchanges. Read More...
May 23, 2018 Investing is never easy, and trying to figure everything out on your own can be incredibly stressful. That's why many people hire a professional financial advisor who understands the market and can make smart investment choices for you. But the tough part is finding someone you actually trust, that understands your long term financial goals. SmartAsset has built a way to address this problem, making it easier than ever to find the right financial advisor who understands the market and can help you achieve your financial goals. Of course, it's easy to be skeptical about finding a financial advisor online, so here's everything personal investors need to know about our SmartAdvisor matching program. How does SmartAsset find the right advisor? When you visit the SmartAsset site, you're invited to answer a series of questions. The questionnaire only takes a few minutes, and helps… Read More...
Sep 19, 2019 Even if you don't know what ERISA means, you've likely seen it the word when doing research into how to plan for retirement. Fear not, though, because it’s pretty simple. ERISA is a law designed to help protect you and your money as you look towards your golden years. Read More...
Jul 23, 2019 Even if you understand every tax law and investment strategy out there, it’s always helpful to get support from an expert. Luckily, there are plenty of financial professionals eager to offer their counsel. In fact, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) defines 183 professional designations on its website. Some titles are more generic while others require specific experience and educational qualifications. Financial advisors and financial planners are two of the most popular titles. Read More...
Jul 09, 2019 If you need help getting your finances in order or learning the basics of budgeting, you might consider seeking the help of a financial coach. A financial coach is different from other financial professionals. They spend more time helping their clients understand the fundamentals of finances, rather than recommending investments and managing portfolios like financial advisors. Read on to learn more about financial coaches, what they do and how to become one. Read More...
Oct 18, 2018 Financial goals are like New Year’s resolutions: easier said than done. Building a financial plan can help bridge the gap between what you want to accomplish and what becomes a reality. A financial plan outlines the steps you should take to achieve your goals, reaffirming that your desired future is attainable. Unfortunately, most of us lack the time and know-how to develop a financial plan. That’s where financial professionals come in, offering advice and recommendations on everything from budgeting to retirement savings and investing. Read More...
Jul 22, 2019 In the world of business and finance, disclosures are the reporting of information that companies - public corporations, financial advisor firms, brokerages - might prefer to keep private. Governmental and regulatory agencies require disclosures in order to promote transparency and fairness. For example, investment advisors registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must provide current and prospective clients with disclosures related to any conflicts of interest or disciplinary actions. For help finding a financial advisor who is ethically bound to put your interests first, use SmartAsset's financial advisor matching tool. Read More...
Jul 23, 2019 Money affects basically every aspect of our lives. However, learning to properly manage your money isn’t always easy to do. So how can you learn about personal finance while also getting advice that applies to your specific financial situation? One strategy is to work with a financial advisor. A financial advisor can help you create and execute a financial plan no matter where you are in your life. This can get expensive though. Luckily, if you can’t afford a financial advisor, there are free tools, calculators and software that can act almost like having a free financial advisor. Read More...
Sep 10, 2019 "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 work. The certification processes require applicants to have different amounts of experience and education. Let's go over what separates these two certifications so that you can choose the right one for you - regardless of whether you're trying to find a financial advisor or you want to get certified yourself. Read More...
May 15, 2018 Your money is important. As you strive to reach your financial goals, you may consider turning to a financial advisor. But expertise comes at a cost. Fees and compensation structures differ from advisor to advisor, which can make it challenging for investors to figure out what's best for them. Here's what you need to know to make sure you fully understand financial advisor fees before you hire an expert. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 Ever heard of the financial services industry? Even if you haven’t, you’ve probably interacted with this industry almost every day. You might think it just means working with a financial advisor. But in reality, whether you’re an investor, a homeowner, a credit cardholder or even just a simple savings account holder, you’ve worked with the financial services industry. But what is the financial services industry exactly? It involves so many aspects of our finances, so let's take a look. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 Do you have a budget? Do you follow it? If you answered no, you're not alone. According to NAPFA, 60% of U.S. adults don't have a budget and less than 50% of Americans have a purposeful savings plan. Luckily, financial advisors exist and can help you get out of your budget-less rut. You'll have to be careful about who you pick, though, since not all financial advisors act in your best interest. Some act in their self-interest instead to make more money. Read More...
May 15, 2018 So you’ve decided to start working with a financial advisor. Good for you! But even after narrowing down a list of possible advisors, deciding on one can still be difficult. Wondering how to choose a financial advisor? Here are some factors to remember so you can find the best one for you. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 When it comes to choosing a financial advisor, you want to pick carefully. A financial advisor can be key to helping you determine and achieve your financial goals and get ready for retirement. But not all financial advisors are equal. It's worth devoting time and effort to finding a financial advisor you can trust and will want to work with for years to come. Here's a guide to how to find a financial advisor and what to consider when you choose a financial advisor. Read More...
Aug 21, 2019 Investing can be an intimidating endeavor with all its terminology and the complexities of the market. But you shouldn't let that stop you. Investing provides a great way to grow your money. There are some risks associated with investing due to the volatility of the market to be sure. However, you can count on certain agencies, laws and financial advisors to help you succeed. That's where FINRA comes in. Read More...
Jul 24, 2019 You've probably got a wide range of short- and long-term money goals, from paying down debt to planning for retirement to building a college fund. This is where a financial plan can help. A good financial plan identifies your financial goals, organizes and prioritizes them, then outlines the steps you need to take to achieve them. Those steps might include consolidating debt, opening accounts, establishing a savings regime and building an investment plan. While you might be able to create a basic financial plan yourself, it's a good idea to find a financial advisor with experience… Read More...
May 15, 2018 For someone seeking to get a start on major money projects, hiring a financial planner is a good first step. A financial planner will first assess her client's financial situation. Then, she will develop a comprehensive plan for money management and working toward a savings goal. This is great to have - but how much does a financial planner cost? The answer depends on on a few factors, including how the planner charges for her work and whether her advisement will be one-time or ongoing. Read More...
Sep 19, 2019 When you are looking around for a financial adviser to hire, you're likely to encounter an assortment of initials after each financial professional's name. CFA, CPA, CLU. These letters signify different financial certifications. Curious to know more? Read on and allow us to explain. A matching tool like SmartAsset's can help you find a financial professional who meets your specific needs. Read More...
Sep 05, 2018 If you feel like you haven't gotten it all figured out financially, don't worry. You're not alone! It's hard enough to keep track of our professional and personal lives. Add in planning for the future and many of us just don't have the time or know-how. From budgeting to student loans, retirement savings to taxes, insurance to investing and more, our finances are pretty complex. Luckily, there are certified financial planners who can help. Read More...
Apr 13, 2018 When you're trying to build wealth, having an expert in your corner to help guide your decisions could be a good idea. The problem is, what do you do when you and your advisor are no longer on the same page? If you've been with your advisor for a while and you're thinking about making a change, here are four signs it's finally time to show them to the door. Read More...
Feb 13, 2019 If you've been paying down your debt for years but can't seem to get ahead or you're not sure how to get started saving for retirement, it might be time to get professional help. A financial advisor can answer all your money-related questions and offer advice on the best way to manage your finances. But not all financial professionals are alike. It's important to look for one whose qualifications and experience are right for your situation. Read More...
Sep 19, 2019 When it comes to money, it often takes a team to help you manage it correctly, particularly once you start working full-time, saving for retirement and starting a family. Financial planning can be difficult to navigate and is often time consuming. One way to help navigate the terrain of financial planning and creating the financial freedom you want in your life, is to work with a financial advisor. While the role of financial advisors vary, their assistance can be very helpful when it comes to investing, retirement planning, tax information and more. There are numerous types of financial advisors and their… Read More...
