What Are the Distribution Rules for Inherited IRAs?
When you inherit an individual retirement account (IRA), it comes with a set of rules that dictate how and when you must take distributions. Knowing which rules apply to you can help you avoid unnecessary taxes or penalties. It can also help ensure that you make the most of your inheritance. The IRS has specific… read more…
Smartria vs. RIA in a Box: What’s the Difference?
Compliance software can simplify the way you run your business while saving you valuable time. And Smartria and RIA in a Box are two popular compliance platforms for registered investment advisor firms of all sizes. Both offer a comprehensive suite of features and services, but there’s more to determining which one could be the right… read more…
How to Build an Investment Plan for Retirement: Examples
Whether retirement is decades away or just around the corner, knowing how to build an investment plan for retirement is essential for financial security in your later years. A well-designed retirement plan considers your time horizon, risk tolerance and financial goals to create a roadmap for your future. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about… read more…
RIA in a Box Compliance Software Review and Pricing
Managing your firm’s compliance requirements can be time-consuming, and if you’re ready to simplify, a software solution could be the answer. RIA in a Box is a popular compliance platform for busy advisors who want to free up more hours in their day to serve existing clients and attract new ones. What does RIA in… read more…
Editor's Picks
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…
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?
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…
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
Best Housing Markets for First-Time Homebuyers – 2025 Study
Affordability is just one component of buying a new home. Hopeful first-time homebuyers would be prudent to consider the competitive landscape, lifestyle, social and future growth potential of their home. Taking on such a large investment, particularly when the costs of homeownership may outpace the costs of renting in some places, requires planning ahead in… read more…
Social Security and Retirement Income Are Highest in These Cities – 2025 Study
According to the Social Security Administration, the average annual retirement benefit nationwide is just shy of $24,000. Meanwhile, supplemental income from designated retirement accounts, such as a pension, 401(k), 403(b), or Roth or traditional IRA, averages just over an additional $30,000 annually for retirees across U.S. cities. A combined average of about $54,000 puts many… read more…
Where Homeownership Is Most and Least Prevalent in the U.S. – 2025 Study
While current rent prices and recent home transaction data can offer insights into the trajectory of a community’s housing market, these snapshots don’t necessarily capture the financial realities of residents who already exist in the market. A household’s experience can vary widely depending on when they entered the housing market, how their ongoing costs compare… read more…
Renting vs. Buying: How Housing Costs Compare Across America – 2025 Study
The cost of housing isn’t just limited to the price tag of your monthly rent or the cost of financing the purchase price of your home. On the rental side, the cost of utilities can add a consistent, considerable amount to your costs. For homeowners, mortgage costs are padded not only by utilities but homeowners’… read more…
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