The recent popularity of so-called "robo advisors" has left people wondering: how are they different from your average financial planner – you know, a human? Robo advisors and financial planners have some things in common. Both exist to help customers...
There’s an uptick in how many of us are choosing to get help with managing our finances. In fact, in the ten years between 2002 and 2012, the amount of money being managed by registered financial advisors more than doubled.¹ ...
There's nothing more reassuring than money in the bank. Knowing you have a pile of cash standing by to see you through emergencies helps you breathe a little easier, and of course it makes good financial sense, too. While general...
When your days are already jam-packed with work, school, family or errands, who has time for examining personal finances to look for ways to tighten up money leaks? But if you think of the potential payoff later on down the...
Everyone knows life insurance pays out to your loved ones when you die, so they can keep on living. But did you know there are other reasons, too, for buying life insurance? Here are a few of them. 1. Life...
Financial advisors seem to be everywhere, so how do you find the one that's right for you? Despite how confusing it can feel to source and select a financial advisor, there are a few ways you can start your search...
Understanding Your 401(k) Being smart about investing can befuddle even the most financially savvy among us. But when it comes to understanding your 401(k), there seems to be a special confusion, reserved just for this particular type of retirement investment. Let's see...
To lower the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft and financial fraud after the data breach at Equifax, Americans should place a security "freeze" on their credit reports and delete any suspicious emails that could dupe them into...
When it comes to saving for the future, Americans are lagging way behind. The median amount of retirement savings for working-age families in the U.S., those ages 32 to 61, is just $5,000. About a third, or 35%, of all...
Your home can't take the place of a retirement or college savings plan. Expecting it to do so will have horrible results. Buying a house is widely considered to be one of the best investments you can make. If you...
In 2007, the federal government created a program that would forgive student loans for people who worked in public service jobs for at least 10 years. Now, the first participants in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) can start...
Online banks are giving traditional banks a run for their money. Interest rates at online banks are as much as four times higher than bricks and mortar banks and credit unions, according to a survey released by DepositAccounts.com, a blog...
So you've made the move and upgraded to a new job, and likely more responsibility and a bigger paycheck. Congratulations — just don't forget about your 401(k) plan. You'll need to make a few retirement savings-boosting moves to ensure your 401(k)...
Many adults dream of becoming homeowners one day, but some buyers may have to wait even longer to get their names on a mortgage — if they can manage to do so at all. According to the Federal Reserve Bank...
There is a lot to consider when evaluating current or prospective advisors. And you should ask them important questions like: How are you paid? What is your primary expertise? Are you a fivduciary? What are your investment beliefs? – to name...
