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Donating appreciated securities rather than cash can help reduce capital gains exposure while supporting the organizations that matter to you.
Tax Planning

Charitable Giving Strategies: Tax Planning Examples

The tax code offers meaningful incentives for charitable giving, but many donors don’t fully benefit from them. Without a deliberate strategy, charitable contributions often provide little to no tax advantage. With the right approach, however, charitable giving can reduce income tax through deductions, capital gains tax through donations of appreciated assets, and estate tax by… read more…

With investment management for HNWI, strategies are typically shaped by the complexity of assets, financial needs, and individual goals.
Investing for Beginners

Investment Management for HNWI: Services and Examples

Investment management for high-net-worth individuals looks different from standard retail investing. As investable assets grow into the millions, access to a broader range of investment products and services increases. At the same time, greater wealth often brings added complexity, including multiple asset classes, concentrated stock positions, multi-state tax exposure, estate planning considerations and risk management… read more…

The right estate planning approach depends on your asset types, holding periods and overall estate size.
Other

Advanced Estate Planning: Real Estate and Investment Portfolio Examples

Real estate and investment portfolios can add complexity to estate planning. These assets often involve title transfers, valuation issues and tax implications that standard documents may not fully address. Wills and revocable trusts help, but they may fall short if you own real estate, hold concentrated stock positions or have investment portfolios approaching federal estate… read more…

Young man refueling his vehicle, looking worried at the high gas prices at a gas station.
Cost of Living & Taxes

Gas Prices Hit Records in 2026: State by State Breakdown

With gas prices in the U.S. hitting several-year highs as a result of military operations in the Middle East and subsequent pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, many households may be feeling the squeeze of the cost of their commute lately.  As of April 1st, the national average price of a regular gallon stands at… 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

Young man refueling his vehicle, looking worried at the high gas prices at a gas station.
Cost of Living & Taxes

Gas Prices Hit Records in 2026: State by State Breakdown

With gas prices in the U.S. hitting several-year highs as a result of military operations in the Middle East and subsequent pressure on the Strait of Hormuz, many households may be feeling the squeeze of the cost of their commute lately.  As of April 1st, the national average price of a regular gallon stands at… read more…

The view from the hill in San Francisco.
Cost of Living & Taxes

Where Rent Increased and Decreased Most – 2026 Study

Rent in 100 of the largest U.S. cities increased by an average 1.73% over the past year, going from $1,810 to $1,843. Meanwhile, general inflation – estimated to be at 2.41% nationally over the same time period – exceeded the rent increases, giving some households extra purchasing power of their biggest monthly expense. Still, many… read more…

Couple using laptop on couch while kids play in the background.
Income

Salary Needed to Live Comfortably in U.S. Cities – 2026 Study

To truly understand the context of a household’s income, it must be compared to local costs and long-term goals, which both may fluctuate over time. For most people, the same pillars will make up the biggest nonnegotiables in their budget. These include basic necessities like housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation, and likely some discretionary spending… read more…

Businessman and woman hold a cup of coffee outdoors in the park.
Quality of Life

Where Americans Are Happiest – 2026 Study

Happiness may not be easy to quantify, but some qualifiers may make a person more likely to feel satisfied in life. A reasonable degree of financial freedom can alleviate worry about day-to-day costs and the occasional unexpected expense. Similarly, good relationships, overall health and longevity, basic conveniences and privacy can go a long way in… read more…

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