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Industry Trends

How RIAs Structure Their Businesses – 2026 Study

Many financial advisors may be tasked with helping their clients choose an appropriate business structure, weighing the pros and cons of different legal protections and obligations, taxation guidelines, and general business maneuverability for the specific circumstances at hand. In turn, advisors starting or transforming their own firm will face a similar choice: deciding whether a… read more…

Investing

4 Alternative Investments for Accredited Investors

For investors looking to go beyond the stock market, alternative investments can open the door to entirely new opportunities. From funding startups to investing in private loans or real estate deals, accredited investors have access to a broader, and often more complex, set of options. While these investments can offer higher return potential and diversification,… read more…

Personal Finance

How to Save for a Car: Savings Plan and Example

Buying a car is a major financial milestone, but rushing into it without a plan can lead to unnecessary debt and long-term stress. The good news is that with a clear savings strategy, you can take control of the process and avoid overpaying. By understanding what you can afford, setting a realistic timeline and making… read more…

Professional Development

What Are the Job Requirements of a Financial Planner?

Financial planning can be a rewarding career, and despite worries about whether AI will replace financial advisors, the job outlook remains strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the field of personal financial advisors will grow by 10% through 2034, much faster than average for all other occupations.1 Reviewing financial planner job requirements… 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

Man on a laptop, working in a data center.
Travel, Education & More

AI Attitudes, Adoption, and Benefits by State – 2026 Study

AI continues to accelerate its presence in politics, the economy, and personal lives, transforming everything from autonomous vehicles to medical discoveries to military operations and a myriad of other workflows and personal use cases. In turn, investors eagerly listen in to company earnings’ calls to understand the implications of this developing suite of technologies in… read more…

Bridge across the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio.
Cost of Living & Taxes

Where Home Prices Increased Most – 2026 Study

Home values can reflect cost of living trends in an area, giving hopeful homebuyers as well as existing homeowners a pulse on the momentum in their local market. Between 2025 and 2026, the typical home value in large U.S. cities actually declined by 1.04%, with values dropping in 70% of cities. But the full range… read more…

Young female friends carrying boxes into a shared apartment.
Cost of Living & Taxes

What a Roommate Can Save You in 100 U.S. Cities – 2026 Study

New college grads, transplants from other cities, and others might find myriad advantages in including a roommate in their housing plan – one of those being cost savings. Particularly in high cost-of-living areas, extra cushion in the budget could make a big difference in discretionary spending, paying off debt, or investing for the future. Across… 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…

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