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An investor using automated investing to manage her portfolio.
Investing

How Automated Investing Works

Automated investing is the practice of using algorithms to automatically manage your portfolio. It’s a relatively new tool with investing, and is typically used to build long-term, passive portfolios. There are several benefits to automated investing, particularly given that these systems can often build well-indexed portfolios with lower fees than a legacy mutual fund or… read more…

A senior researching with her grandson the differences between a rollover IRA and a Roth IRA.
Retirement

Rollover IRA vs. Roth IRA

With a rollover IRA, you transfer money from a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored account into a new individual retirement account. You can structure this account as a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA based on your preferences. A Roth IRA, on the other hand, is a type of individual retirement account. With a Roth IRA,… read more…

A safe harbor 401(k) is an alternative to a traditional 401(k) but similar in many ways.
Retirement

Understanding Safe Harbor 401(k) Rules for Matching

The safe harbor 401(k) is a retirement savings plan that satisfies IRS non-discrimination tests while promoting equitable employer matching contributions. As an employer, you may opt for a safe harbor plan to simplify administration, ensure compliance with nondiscrimination testing requirements, and provide employees with predictable retirement benefits. As an employee, you may want to contribute… read more…

Copper ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to copper prices without the challenges of owning and storing the physical metal.
Investing

What Are Copper ETFs?

Investing in commodities can be complex, particularly when it comes to metals like copper that play a pivotal role in various industries. Copper ETFs can allow you to gain exposure to the prices of the precious metal without the challenges of handling it directly. These ETFs can be an attractive option to diversify your portfolio,… read more…

Editor's Picks

CFA vs. CFP: Which Is Right for You?
Financial Advisor

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…

Wealth Management Firm
Investing

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…

What Is a Fee-Only Financial Planner?
Financial Advisor

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
Mortgage

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

Data Studies

Social Security and Retirement Income Are Highest in These Cities – 2024 Study

Depending on employment and investment returns, the size of a retirement nest egg will look different for everyone. The number of work years, salary and retirement age will impact Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, both worker and employer contributions, investment allocations and timing will determine the value of retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs and pension payouts.… read more…

Data Studies

Best Housing Markets for First-Time Homebuyers – 2024 Study

First-time homebuyers who have just reached the threshold for a down payment can face steep competition from seasoned homeowners with established equity. And as the cost of living increases, some of these first-time hopefuls could be squeezed out of more expensive areas.  With this in mind, SmartAsset examined the current state of the housing market… read more…

Data Studies

Where Retirees Are Moving – 2024 Study

As people retire, their goals shift, often causing them to reconsider where they’re living and how they spend their money. Places with a high cost of living, high taxes and cold winters, for example, could influence retirees to move to warmer locations where they can stretch their retirement savings further and enjoy their free time.… read more…

Data Studies

Best Places for New College Graduates – 2024 Study

As we enter commencement season, college graduates will be seeking a variety of jobs and lifestyles. Therefore different areas are going to cater more to some than others. For example, one graduate may highly value living in a younger community with plenty of recreational activities to dabble in, while others are focused on career growth… read more…

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