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Several low-cost investment options can help boost returns without requiring advanced financial knowledge.
Investing for Beginners

6 High Yield Investment Strategies

Earning more from your money doesn’t have to mean taking on more risk or handing your portfolio over to a high-priced money manager. Whether you’re sitting on cash in a low-interest savings account or looking to diversify beyond a basic stock portfolio, there are proven strategies that can meaningfully boost your returns without requiring a… read more…

Inheritance

Estate Planning Strategies for Generational Wealth

An estimated $124 trillion will transfer between generations over the next 25 years, representing the largest wealth shift in American history.1 Yet building wealth is only half the challenge, as many families struggle to preserve their legacies across generations. Estate planning for generational wealth involves creating a comprehensive strategy to transfer assets across multiple generations… read more…

Investing for Beginners

Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred vs. Tax-Free Accounts

The main difference between taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free accounts lies in when you pay taxes on your money. Taxable accounts generate tax obligations on dividends, interest and realized capital gains in the year they occur. In contrast, tax-deferred accounts like traditional 401(k)s and IRAs let you postpone taxes until you withdraw funds in retirement. Meanwhile,… read more…

Other

Investment Management for Nonprofits: Services and Examples

Nonprofits are built to make an impact. However, even the most mission-driven organization cannot do its best work without a stable financial foundation. While fundraising and grants are the lifeblood of many nonprofits, relying solely on outside funding leaves organizations vulnerable to budget shortfalls and economic uncertainty. Smart investment management gives nonprofits a way to… 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

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…

Hands holding a wallet with a small amount of US dollars.
Cost of Living & Taxes

Where Cost of Living Increased and Decreased Most – 2026 Study

The cost of living premium in a specific location reflects the relative cost of housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and other common necessities, compared to the rest of the country. The overall valuation of a dollar also comes into play, with general inflation metrics keeping tabs on nationwide trends and applied across a wider basket of… read more…

Warehouse workers discussing an order.
Income

Retirement Savings by State – 2026 Study

Tax-advantaged retirement accounts can give savers a leg up in building their nest egg. While many American workers qualify for Social Security benefits in retirement, these benefits are rarely enough to cover expenses – especially since retirement often brings added costs for health care and aging. On average, Americans have roughly one year’s worth of… read more…

Graduating student holding a cap and piggy bank.
Travel, Education & More

Student Loan Debt by State – 2026 Study

Over $32.4 billion dollars in student loan debt remained unpaid across U.S. states in 2025. Student loan debt can have a lasting impact on a household’s finances, just like the benefits of the right education and application can have a lasting impact on career and income. It’s important to weigh the costs and potential benefits,… read more…

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