- How to Calculate the Expected Return of a Portfolio
An investment’s “expected return” is a critical number, but in theory, it is fairly simple: It is the total amount of money you can expect to gain or lose on an investment with a predictable rate of return. Basically, it tells you what you can expect to get out of a given investment, and by extension, what… read more…
- Inheritance Laws in Arkansas
Arkansas does not have a state inheritance or estate tax. However, like any state, Arkansas has its own rules and laws surrounding inheritance, including what happens if the decedent dies without a valid will. This article covers probate, how to successfully create… read more…
- Delaware Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Like many states, Delaware does not have an inheritance or estate tax. The First State also boasts the sixth-lowest property tax in the U.S., and has no gift tax, making it a relatively tax-friendly state. In this detailed guide of Delaware… read more…
- Alaska Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Although Alaska levies no inheritance or estate tax, the federal estate tax may still apply, depending on the value of their estate. In this article, we break down Alaska’s inheritance laws, its probate process and what happens if you die in the state without… read more…
- All About SOFR, the Replacement for LIBOR
More than a decade out from the Great Recession, it might be hard to remember the sheer scope of misdeeds that led to the second worst financial crisis in modern history. While the proliferation of subprime mortgages remains the most… read more…
- A Guide to West Virginia Inheritance Laws
Although West Virginia has neither an estate tax or nor an inheritance tax, the federal estate tax may still apply, depending on the value of the estate. And like every U.S. state, West Virginia has its own unique set of laws… read more…
- A Guide to North Carolina Inheritance Laws
Even though North Carolina has neither an estate tax nor an inheritance tax, the federal estate tax still applies to North Carolinians, depending on the value of their estate. Here’s a breakdown of North Carolina’s inheritance laws, what happens if… read more…
- What Is a Commingled Fund?
Building a portfolio means finding a strategy suited to your investment goals. For some investors, commingled funds are the answer. Commingled funds pool assets in a way similar to mutual funds. Here’s how to decide whether to commingle or not… read more…
- Financial Literacy: Definition and Key Issues
Financial literacy is an important concept to master, but many people fall short. In a 2021 financial literacy survey by Equifax, 31% of Americans said they’d give themselves a “C” for financial knowledge. Increasing financial know-how can help you get… read more…
- Is Couch Potato Investing Right for You?
When creating a portfolio for retirement or other investment goals, it’s all about strategy. Investing like a couch potato essentially means taking more of a hands-off approach to your portfolio. If you’re curious about how to couch potato investing works,… read more…
- A Guide to Aggressive Investment Strategies
In most cases, if you want to see aggressive growth in your portfolio, you’ll need to take on a bit of risk. After all, risk and return are intimately entangled in the investment world. If this style of investing is… read more…
- The Methods of Investment Analysis
Selecting a profitable investment is a challenging for many investors. Fortunately, investors can use investment analysis to help them determine how an investment will perform. Here are a few of the most common methods of investment analysis that can help you make better investment decisions. What is Investment Analysis? Investment analysis is a comprehensive term.… read more…
- A Guide to the New FICO® Score Changes
Your credit score impacts several aspects of your financial life, including the interest rates you receive on loans and the premiums you pay on auto insurance. As such, understanding how credit scores are calculated is crucial to making sure you… read more…
- Maine Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Maine charges its own estate tax but has no inheritance tax. If the deceased doesn’t have a will probated by the court, inheritances can get a bit more complicated. In this guide we’ll discuss the ins and outs of Maine’s… read more…
- Inheritance Laws in South Carolina
South Carolina does not levy an inheritance or estate tax, but like all states, it has its own unique set of laws regarding inheritance of estates. In this detailed guide of South Carolina inheritance laws, we break down intestate succession, probate, taxes, what makes a will valid and more. If you’re planning an estate or… read more…
- Inheritance Laws in Nevada
Nevada does not charge estate or inheritance taxes. In this detailed guide of Nevada’s inheritance laws, we break down intestate succession, probate, what makes a will valid and more. If you’d like professional guidance with your estate plan, or just need help managing your inheritance, you can use SmartAsset’s free financial advisor matching tool. Does Nevada Have… read more…
- Utah Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Utah does not have a state inheritance or estate tax. However, there is still a federal estate tax that applies to estates above a certain value. And like all states, Utah has its own unique rules and laws that apply to various aspects of the estate planning process. In this article, we break down Utah inheritance… read more…
- Inheritance Laws in Michigan
Michigan does not have an inheritance or estate tax, but your estate will be subject to the Wolverine State’s inheritance laws. In this detailed guide of Michigan inheritance laws, we break down state laws concerning intestate succession, probate, taxes, what… read more…
- Mississippi Inheritance Laws: What You Should Know
Mississippi does not have either an estate tax or an inheritance tax, but there are other things you need to know about the state’s inheritance laws, including what happens if you die without a valid will. If you want professional… read more…
- Vanguard vs. Fidelity
Vanguard and Fidelity are both major brokerage firms, with some of the largest client bases in the country. Each have broad financial offerings, from DIY brokerage accounts to financial advisors, robo-advisors and financial planning services. Vanguard is also widely known… read more…
- How to Buy a Boat
Owning a boat can be a great way to relax with family and friends — or just alone. And, for those interested in making a “statement,” nothing says luxury like sailing along in a big, immaculately appointed yacht. But if… read more…
- How to Retire in Canada: Healthcare, Housing & More
Many retirees like to head south in search of warmer climates. But what if you want to head north instead? Retiring to Canada has a range of benefits, like universal healthcare and reasonably priced housing. And if you’ve got family… read more…
- The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
There are plenty of retirement plans for workers: 401(k)s and pension plans set up through your employer, IRAs you can manage on your own and Social Security benefits available to every American who’s paid into the system. Meanwhile, government workers have… read more…
- What Is a Capital Market?
Capital markets, often referred to as financial markets, connect individuals, corporations and governments with excess funds (capital) to those in need of financing for growth, projects or other needs. These markets come in various forms, including stock markets, bond markets and commodity markets, where securities are actively bought and sold by investors seeking returns on… read more…
- Understanding Noise Trader Risk
Are you a noise trader? If so, professional investors probably don’t like you. They’ve even come up with a specific name for how you influence stocks: noise trader risk. That’s volatility from chasing trends and trading on emotion. But don’t… read more…