- Ask an Advisor: Should I Get an Annuity Now, or Wait for Better Rates?
I have just turned 60 years old and am interested in a QLAC. Is it worthwhile to wait to see if interest rates increase in the next year or so, or should I start shopping now? Also, if I don’t live long enough to use most of my investment, is a return on death benefit… read more…
- What is Web3 and How Will It Impact Your Money?
Blockchain, the technology that powers cryptocurrencies, may soon be responsible for the creation of an entirely new internet — and it could have an impact on how you manage your finances. “Web3” is the new decentralized, blockchain-based web that’s getting a lot of attention lately. As the name implies, it’s probably thought of as the… read more…
- New ETF Adds Steady Stream of Income to Your Portfolio
Investors looking to add an income boost to their portfolios now have a new option. John Hancock Investment Management announced this week the launch of its Preferred Income ETF (JHPI), an exchange-traded fund that invests 80% of its assets into preferred stocks and other preferred securities. The ETF joins a growing pool of actively managed… read more…
- Big Fund Managers Are Betting on These Sectors in 2022
2021 offered investors a robust recovery from the early economic turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic. But will it hold in 2022? A survey of 500 institutional investors from around the world by Natixis Investment Managers identified the sectors and asset classes where the biggest gains are expected next year, as well as the biggest risks.… read more…
- What Constitutes a Buyer’s Market?
A buyer’s market occurs when more goods or services are offered for sale than there are buyers to buy them. Buyer’s markets feature low prices and ample selection, which represent advantages for buyers. Sellers in a buyer’s market must confront… read more…
- Grant Deed vs. Deed of Trust
As a homeowner, you may use a deed to transfer ownership or take out a loan on your property. There are several different types of deeds that you may use, but two of the most common are grant deeds and… read more…
- Pros and Cons of Getting Paid in Bitcoin
El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in September 2021, only months after China outlawed mining of the digital currency, neatly captures the controversy and conflict excited by cryptocurrency. Businesses and people considering accepting Bitcoin as payment for goods… read more…
- How the New Infrastructure Spending Package Affects Crypto Investors
Crypto investors better look up from their Coinbase and Gemini apps. Changes are afoot. President Joe Biden signed into law a $1.2 trillion infrastructure spending package on Nov. 15, and though the law was a key achievement as it pertained to infrastructure spending, there were a number of other politically relevant provisions — namely regarding measures… read more…
- Here’s How Much Your State Could Get From Biden’s $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
President Joe Biden signed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law on Nov. 15. Over the next few years, states will get multi-billion dollar windfall investments in physical infrastructure to build roads and bridges, public transit, clean drinking water and waste water systems, electric vehicle charging networks and high-speed internet. Though investors… read more…
- Understanding Financial Needs Analysis
A financial needs analysis (FNA) is an overview of your current and future financial situation. It takes into account assets, such as wealth and income, set off against liabilities, such as debt and dependents. By creating a financial needs analysis… read more…
- How Much Should You Save for College?
Paying for college can put a tremendous burden on a family’s finances. However, when you start saving for college early, it becomes a more attainable goal. Taking advantage of a college saving plan offers tax-free withdrawals so you can keep… read more…
- What Is Inflation and How Does It Affect You?
Inflation is at once one of the most simple and complicated topics in economics. Analysts and others can write multi-volume studies on the subject. Indeed, many economists dedicate entire careers to understanding inflation. But we can tackle the broad strokes in… read more…
- Make These Investments to Profit From the Infrastructure Bill
After months of debate and delay, President Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill, which invests in the nation’s roads, bridges and ports, will also pump billions of dollars into broadband infrastructure, clean water systems and other projects. Investors hoping to capitalize on the massive federal plan have… read more…
- Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC)
Individuals who have the designation of chartered special needs consultant (ChSNC) are the only financial advisors who have been specifically equipped and vetted to advise you on the financial and estate planning needs of special needs clients. Since 25% of adults in the U.S. have a disability, it’s very likely that you or one of… read more…
- Understanding How Structured Settlements Work
A structured settlement is designed to compensate individuals following the outcome of a civil lawsuit. For example, if you were involved in a car accident and were seriously injured, you may choose to sue the driver who was responsible. If… read more…
- Custodial Account vs. 529 Plan: Which Is Better?
Custodial accounts, typically established under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA), provide flexibility in how funds can be used once the child reaches adulthood. In contrast, 529 plans are specifically designed for education expenses and come with tax benefits that can make college savings more efficient. As… read more…
- What Is the Community Spouse Resource Allowance?
The Community Spouse Resource Allowance (CSRA) is a financial safeguard for married couples when one spouse requires Medicaid-funded long-term care. It determines the amount of assets the non-institutionalized spouse, known as the “community spouse,” can retain while the other qualifies for Medicaid. The CSRA aims to prevent the community spouse from experiencing financial hardship by… read more…
- 401(k) Loan vs. Personal Loan
When you need to borrow money to consolidate debt, pay for home renovations or pay for other expenses, 401(k) loans and personal loans are two options you may consider. A 401(k) loan allows you to borrow from your retirement savings,… read more…
- Here’s How Much Money You Could Get From Biden’s $1.85 Build Back Better Act
House Democrats passed the $1.85 trillion Build Back Better Act on November 19. Now it will move to the Senate for another vote. This infrastructure and social spending legislation includes thousands of dollars in tax credits and federal assistance for millions of Americans. Let’s break down how much you could get and save from President… read more…
- Paid Family Leave Is Out – What Build Back Better Still Does for Families
In 2020, universal paid family leave was a major part of Joe Biden’s campaign. The harsh realities of politics, though, have forced Democrats to cut the proposed program from a scaled-back “Build Back Better” plan, which is currently making its… read more…
- How to Choose a Financial Planner
A financial planner is a type of financial advisor who can help you set and meet long-term goals like saving for your children’s college education, retiring by a certain age or planning your estate. Some financial planners double as investment advisors, which means they can also help you with your investments. However, choosing a financial… read more…
- Fiduciary: Definition and Examples
A fiduciary is an individual or entity that acts on behalf of another person or group. Whether they are financial advisors, lawyers, trustees and more, fiduciaries assume a legal and ethical responsibility to act in the best interests of a specific person. It’s important to understand what makes a person a fiduciary, especially when searching… read more…
- COVID Has Older Americans More Open to Financial Advice
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact on how Americans are thinking about their finances. According to a recent study from Global Atlantic Financial Group, one trend is that retirement age investors are more likely than they were before the pandemic to be open to financial advice. If you’re interested in getting… read more…
- 529 Plan Withdrawal Rules
A 529 college savings plan, also known as a qualified tuition plan (QTP), is one of the best choices for meeting student educational expenses. Two of the 529 plan’s best features are tax-deferred growth of your contributions and later, tax-free withdrawals.… read more…
- What Is an Investment Consultant?
An investment consultant is a financial professional who provides advice on how to manage investments, aiming to help clients meet their financial goals. They analyze financial data, recommend investment strategies and often assist in selecting and monitoring investments such as stocks, bonds or mutual funds. Investment consultants work with individuals, businesses or institutions, offering insights… read more…