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An advisor comparing RIA custodians.
Firm Management

RIA Custodian Comparison Guide for 2025

Registered investment advisors (RIAs) are generally required by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to have an independent custodian hold client assets. This requirement is designed to protect clients, but advisors have some leeway in deciding which custodian they want to use. Conducting an RIA custodian comparison can help you evaluate the options for your… read more…

Advisors discussing ROI lead generation for their firm.
Client Acquisition

How to Evaluate ROI for Lead Generation as a Financial Advisor

Sourcing leads through multiple channels offers more opportunities for you to connect with your ideal clients, but it’s important to consider the return you’re getting for your investment. Otherwise, you could be wasting time and money on lead gen strategies that might not pay off. Here’s how to evaluate lead generation ROI for advisors. Are… read more…

An advisor reviewing lead generation options for financial advisors.
Client Acquisition

How to Navigate Lead Generation Options for Financial Advisors

Maintaining a healthy pipeline of leads is fundamental to your success as an advisor. While you may be working on increasing wallet share with existing clients, you still need regular infusions of new clients to drive growth. And a diversified approach is key when it comes to how to navigate lead gen channels for financial… read more…

A senior couple creating a trust with an advisor.
Medicaid & Long-Term Care

What Is a Miller Trust and How Does It Work?

For individuals who require long-term care but earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid, a type of trust called a Miller Trust can help bridge the gap. Sometimes called a qualified income trust (QIT), this type of trust allows individuals to meet Medicaid’s income requirements while still using their funds to cover care-related expenses.… 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

5 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

Drone panorama of the North Carolina State Capitol and Raleigh skyline
Demographics & Migration

Where Millennials Are Buying Homes – 2025 Study

Millennials – all squarely within their primary working years – are buying homes more or less quickly depending on the metro area. In some places, 1 in every 25 residents between the ages of 25 and 44 purchased a home with a conventional mortgage just in 2024 alone. In other major metros, less than 1… read more…

Aerial View of the Twin Cities Suburb of Plymouth, Minnesota
Quality of Life

Most Livable Small Cities – 2025 Study

The density, noise and expense of large cities may not always be optimal for each American household. Still, trading in the convenience of a large city often means a multi-person household may be split on what factors go into making a location a best-fit. In some cases, but not others, families may be willing to… read more…

A paved pathway next to Mirror Pond in Drake Park, Bend, Oregon.
Income

Best Job Markets – 2025 Study

The demand for different career paths and qualifications varies widely from place to place, often depending on local economic features, including geography, infrastructure, politics, culture and resources. Similarly, what makes one job market more appealing than others can depend on a job-hunter’s financial and familial circumstances. Not only does the presence of jobs and a… read more…

Quality of Life

Best Places for New Families – 2025 Study

People with young children or those planning to start a family often have newfound priorities when it comes to picking a neighborhood to live in. Many families choose to trade the conveniences of the big city for more space and affordability as they grow. Other amenities – including childcare costs, access to parks, the presence… read more…

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