Posts by Becca Stanek, CEPF®
Retirement
What Is a Self-Directed 401(k)?
Self-directed 401(k) plans let savers decide how to invest their pre-tax retirement contributions. Rather than being limited to the pre-approved funds typically offered by traditional 401(k) plans, self-directed 401(k) plans allow you to choose exactly where you’ll invest your money.… read more…
Retirement
The Average 401(k) Balance by Age
It can be hard to know if your retirement savings are on track, but comparing your balance to where others similar in age are can help. In particular, taking a look at the average 401(k) balance by age is a good place… read more…
Financial Advisor
What Is a Fiduciary Financial Advisor? Definition, Types and Examples
In legal terms, a fiduciary is an individual or organization that has taken on the responsibility of acting on behalf of another person or entity with honesty and integrity. For example, bankers, attorneys and officers of public companies are all… read more…
Mortgage
Where Rich Generation Xers Are Moving
Making a decision to move to a particular place involves taking into account many factors, including career opportunities and what mortgage payments might look like. But does the choice of a particular locale say anything about trends across a specific socioeconomic class and generation? While wealthy people of Generation X, for example, are headed down… read more…
Mortgage
Where Rich Millennials Are Moving in 2019
A number of factors can influence your decision to move to a new place, including where your peers are headed. While some older generations like rich retirees and rich Gen Xers are moving to Florida, wealthy millennials are still seeking out sunny locales, but in other states. Moving and taking out a mortgage in a… read more…
Checking Account
The Happiest Places in America – 2019 Edition
The U.S. is the 19th-happiest country in the world, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report that the Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the UN released. Though this is a one-spot drop since last year, there are still plenty of places to find happiness in America. We looked within the U.S. to determine which counties… read more…
Checking Account
Where Upper-Middle-Class People Are Moving 2019
Moving to a new home can be a difficult undertaking, even though it might bring your life a much-needed change, especially when you have significant financial costs to consider. As you look to make intelligent decision that can help boost the balance in your savings account, it’s important to do your research before you eliminate… read more…
Investing
Ken Fisher: Everything You Need to Know
Ken Fisher, an investment analyst and self-made billionaire, is perhaps best known for founding Fisher Investments. The financial advisor firm based in Camas, Washington manages more than $96 billion for more than 40,000 clients, mostly high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors. Fisher currently serves as the firm’s executive chairman and co-chief investment officer. However, he has… read more…
Financial Advisor
10 Questions to Ask a Financial Advisor
The aid of a financial advisor can be helpful regardless of whether you’re young, retired or somewhere in between. There is a wide range of financial advisors you can work with, as they can specialize in taxes, retirement, financial planning,… read more…
Financial Advisor
How Much Does a Financial Advisor Cost?
As you strive to reach your financial goals and prepare for retirement, you may consider turning to a financial advisor. In this case, knowing how much a financial advisor’s services normally cost is crucial. Depending on the size of your… read more…
Investing
Form ADV: What It Is and How to Read It
If you’re looking for a financial advisor, the Form ADV is an essential point of reference. In fact, this publicly available paperwork must be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by all financial advisor firms with more than… read more…
Investing
What Is a Wealth Manager?
A wealth manager is a subset of financial advisor that primarily offers high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients wealth management services. But a wealth manager’s role is far more comprehensive than just offering investment advice. They focus on a holistic suite of services… read more…
Retirement
What Is Estate Planning, and Who Needs It?
Estate planning is the process of setting up how your assets and property will be distributed upon your death. Through these plans, you can ensure your assets are given to the people and organizations you care about. Additionally, estate plans can minimize the amount of taxes your estate and family will incur once you’re gone.… read more…
Investing
8 of the Best Investing Books for Beginners and Beyond
Warren Buffett said it best: “Read 500 pages like this every day. That’s how knowledge works. It builds up, like compound interest. All of you can do it, but I guarantee not many of you will do it.” Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investor in need of a refresher, reading some of the best investing… read more…
Investing
How to Buy Bonds: Step-by-Step Guide
There are a number of ways to buy bonds: directly from the U.S. Government, via a bond fund or with the help of a broker. Before you make your purchase, it’s important to understand what types of bonds there are, and how… read more…
Retirement
Is Your Inheritance Taxable?
Generally speaking, your inheritance is or could be taxable. However, the full story is more complicated than a simple yes or no answer. Whether you’ll pay inheritance tax and how much you’ll pay depends on a variety of factors, including… read more…
Credit Cards
How to Freeze Your Credit Report at Each Credit Bureau
You can freeze your credit report by contacting a credit bureau like Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Then you’ll fill out some paper work and pay a fee. Freezing your credit report is a good idea if you’re a victim of… read more…
Financial Advisor
How to Find and Choose a Financial Advisor
Finding a financial advisor is easier than ever. In addition to traditional methods like word-of-mouth recommendations, you can also use a financial advisor matching tool or an advisor network’s online database. With so many options at your fingertips, though, it… read more…
Retirement
What Is Private Wealth Management?
Private wealth management is an investment advisory practice focused on serving the unique needs of wealthy individuals. The practice incorporates a wide range of services, including financial planning and investment management, to manage significant amounts of wealth in a comprehensive… read more…