Posts by Becca Stanek
Brokerage
Cross-Border Investment Platforms Guide
Cross-border investment platforms allow individuals to access and manage assets across multiple countries through a single digital interface. These platforms make it possible to invest in international stocks, funds and other securities while handling currency conversions, tax compliance and regulatory requirements. They may appeal to globally mobile investors seeking diversification, or to those who live,… read more…
Brokerage
Cross-Border Private Equity Investments
Cross-border private equity involves investing in private companies across different countries, typically through funds or direct acquisitions. These investments allow firms to access new markets, diversify portfolios and leverage regional growth trends. However, they also introduce variables, such as differing tax regimes, currency fluctuations and regulatory requirements. Investors typically assess local market conditions, governance structures… read more…
Other
Cross-Border Estate Planning Guide
When it comes to estate planning, a global lifestyle can create unexpected complications. Different nations have their own tax laws, inheritance rules and legal systems. These distinctions can collide when assets and heirs span borders. Without a coordinated plan, your estate could face delays, disputes or unnecessary taxation, making it essential to prepare proactively. Estate… read more…
Other
Cross-Border Wealth Management Services
In today’s global economy, it’s increasingly common to live in one country, earn in another and invest across several more. But while opportunity may span borders, financial rules rarely do. From navigating multiple tax systems to managing currency risk and inheritance laws, international wealth brings unique challenges that demand specialized expertise. That’s where cross-border wealth… read more…
Real Estate
Cross-Border Real Estate Investment Guide
In an increasingly globalized world, real estate opportunities don’t stop at national borders. More Americans are looking beyond the U.S. for properties that offer not only financial returns but also lifestyle benefits, from beachfront condos in Mexico to city apartments in Europe. Investing in cross-border real estate can unlock new sources of income, hedge against… read more…
Portfolio Management
Cross-Border Investment Strategies
Investors are increasingly looking abroad to diversify their portfolios, tap into emerging markets and hedge against local economic shifts. Cross-border investing offers access to industries, currencies and growth stories that aren’t always available at home. However, it also requires a clear understanding of risks, regulations and tax rules. With the right strategy, international investing can… read more…
Financial Planning
529 Plan vs. Trump Child Savings Account: Which Can Help You Save More
Families comparing a 529 plan vs. a Trump Account are weighing two distinct ways to build long-term savings for education and other child-related expenses. A 529 plan remains a dedicated education savings vehicle, allowing tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified academic expenses. The Trump Account, created in 2025, provides more flexibility: each eligible child receives… read more…
Other
Financial Advisor for Teachers: Services and Examples
Teachers spend their careers guiding students toward brighter futures, but many face challenges when it comes to securing their own financial well-being. Between managing pensions, navigating complex benefits and planning for retirement, the financial landscape for educators can be overwhelming. An advisor who specializes in helping teachers understands these unique needs, making them a valuable… read more…
Other
Financial Advisor for Inheritance: Services and Examples
An inheritance can feel like both a blessing and a challenge. While it may provide new opportunities for financial security, it also brings complex choices about taxes, investments, and long-term planning—often during an emotional time. Without the right guidance, it’s easy to make decisions that diminish the value of what you’ve received. That’s why working… read more…
Investing for Beginners
Retirement Account vs. Investment Account: Key Differences
When it comes to building wealth and planning for the future, the type of account you choose matters just as much as the investments you make. Retirement accounts and investment accounts are two of the most common ways to save, but they operate very differently. Understanding how each works and what their tax rules, restrictions… read more…
Portfolio Management
Real Assets vs. Financial Assets: Portfolio Strategies and Examples
When building an investment portfolio, one of the most important decisions is how to balance real assets and financial assets. Each plays a distinct role: Financial assets like stocks and bonds offer liquidity and growth potential, while real assets, such as real estate or commodities, provide stability and protection against inflation. By understanding how these… read more…
Brokerage
Can You Have More Than One Brokerage Account?
Yes, there’s no legal limit on how many brokerage accounts you can maintain, and in some cases, having multiple accounts can actually make sense. Some investors use several accounts to separate their goals, access different platforms or take advantage of special promotions. There are potential drawbacks to multiple brokerage accounts, though, like added complexity, duplicate… read more…
Trusts
Trust vs. Trust Fund: Definitions, Purposes, Key Differences
While the terms trust and trust fund are often used interchangeably, they represent different aspects of estate planning. A trust is a legal arrangement where one party gives another the right to hold and manage assets for a third party. It’s essentially the legal framework that establishes how assets will be handled. A trust fund,… read more…
Roth & Traditional IRAs
HSA vs. Roth IRA: Pros and Cons for Retirement
The comparison between HSA vs. Roth IRA for retirement planning isn’t about choosing one over the other. Rather, it’s about understanding how each might fit into your comprehensive financial plan. Your health needs, current tax situation and retirement timeline are all relevant in determining the optimal strategy. As healthcare costs continue to rise and represent… read more…
Investing for Beginners
S&P 500 vs. Dow Jones: Which Performs Better?
When it comes to measuring the health of the American stock market, two indices stand above the rest: the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average. These market benchmarks have long served as barometers for economic prosperity, but investors often wonder which performs better over time. The S&P 500 tracks 500 of the largest… read more…
Tax Planning
Cross-Border Tax Planning: A Comprehensive Guide
Cross-border tax planning involves structuring your finances to account for tax laws in more than one country. Whether you are an expatriate, a business owner with international operations or an investor earning income abroad, differing tax rules can shape how income, gains and assets are taxed. Factors such as tax treaties, residency rules and reporting… read more…
Retirement Planning
Cross-Border Retirement Planning: What You Need to Know
Cross-border retirement planning can introduce unique financial questions for those living, working or retiring across more than one country. Tax rules, pension portability, healthcare access and currency risk can all affect retirement income and expenses. Planning ahead can help you account for differences in tax treaties, investment regulations and residency requirements. Whether you are moving… read more…
401(k)
Can You Roll Over a 401(k) Into a 403(b) Account?
The IRS does permit rollovers between these 401(k) and 403(b) plans, allowing you to consolidate retirement savings when appropriate. However, not all 403(b) plans accept rollovers from 401(k) accounts. This decision is up to the individual plan administrator. While both 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are tax-advantaged retirement plans, they serve different employer types. 401(k)s are typically… read more…
RMDs
Can You Reinvest Your RMD into a Roth IRA?
Reinvesting a required minimum distribution (RMD) into a Roth IRA isn’t allowed directly, since RMDs are considered taxable income. However, if you have earned income and fall within the IRS income limits for Roth contributions, you can contribute to a Roth IRA using funds from any source—including money withdrawn to satisfy your RMD. RMDs can… read more…
Investing for Beginners
Mutual Funds vs. Stocks: Which Is Better for Your IRA?
The debate between mutual funds and stocks for your IRA is common among investors at all levels of experience. Mutual funds offer diversification and professional management, spreading risk across multiple securities while requiring less hands-on attention. Stocks, on the other hand, provide direct ownership in companies with potentially higher returns, though they come with increased… read more…
Investing for Beginners
Capital Stock vs. Treasury Stock: Which Should You Buy?
Capital stock represents shares that a company has issued to raise funds, including both common and preferred stock available to the public. These shares give investors ownership rights and potential voting power in company decisions. Treasury stock, on the other hand, consists of shares that were previously issued but have been repurchased by the company… read more…
Investment Taxes
How to Avoid Taxes on CD Interest
Certificates of deposit (CDs) are a popular low-risk savings vehicle. But it’s important to consider that the interest they earn is fully taxable as ordinary income. Even if you don’t withdraw the interest until the CD matures, the IRS still expects you to report and pay taxes on it annually. While avoiding taxes altogether may… read more…
Investing for Beginners
Net Tangible Assets: How to Calculate, Formula, Examples
Net tangible assets represent a company’s physical assets minus its liabilities and intangible assets. For investors, lenders and business owners, net tangible assets can offer a clearer picture of a company’s core value — namely, what would be left if all debts were paid and only tangible, sellable items remained. This can be helpful when… read more…
Tax Policy
California vs. Florida: Which Is Better for Taxes?
When comparing California vs. Florida for taxes, the absence of a state income tax in Florida often draws attention. However, this doesn’t mean Florida offers a lighter tax burden across the board. Many low- and middle-income families pay similar or even higher overall tax rates in Florida than in California. This is in large part… read more…
Financial Advisor
Cash-on-Cash Return in Real Estate: Definition and Calculation
Investing in real estate can be a lucrative venture, but understanding the metrics that gauge profitability is crucial for success. One such metric is the cash-on-cash return, a tool for real estate investors to evaluate the performance of their investments. It provides insight into the annual return an investor can expect on their cash investment.… read more…