- How Annuities Work as a Beneficiary
An annuity beneficiary is the individual designated to receive payments or a lump sum after the annuity holder passes away. Annuities offer varied payout options for beneficiaries, which can depend on the specific annuity terms chosen, like lifetime income or a guaranteed minimum payout. When an annuity owner names a beneficiary, they secure that person’s… read more…
- What to Know About Grant Deeds
Gaining or changing ownership over real estate can be complicated. Anyone interested should develop his or her know-how on all the involved documentation before taking on the challenge. If you are interested in acquiring a title or finding a new owner… read more…
- How Does Sustainable Finance Work?
Sustainable finance is a movement of investors, companies and financial institutions as well as advisors who consider more than just the bottom line. Pursuing sustainable finance means taking environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into consideration. It’s common to discuss sustainable finance in terms of investing, but it also applies to general financial planning as well. Here’s… read more…
- Smart Ways to Set Up a College Fund for Kids
A college education is one of the main ways many of us aim to give our children every advantage in life. However, with higher education expenses reaching new highs year after year, it’s increasingly important to save for their college… read more…
- What Is a Performance Bond? – An Investment Guide
Performance bonds are used in a variety of industries to guarantee that a contract’s obligations are met. They are issued by banks, insurance companies and surety companies and are common in construction, real estate development and import/export contracts. In commodities markets they are called margins, where good faith money is deposited as collateral to secure… read more…
- How to Give a Monetary Gift and Minimize Taxes
Whether you’re giving money as a gift to an organization, individual or family, it’s important to know the ins and outs of the process. It might seem straightforward, but there are a number of things to consider before you give a monetary gift, including taxes. Depending on the size of the gift, your tax obligation… read more…
- How and When Is Wealth Management Worth It?
Wealth management services are some of the most high-level and comprehensive financial services that exist. While financial planning services can help with individual financial matters, and asset management services typically deal with investments, wealth management can encompass every part of an individual’s finances from taxes to estate planning, to charitable giving and more. But should… read more…
- What to Know About Bargain and Sale Deeds
Following the sale of a property, a seller will typically provide the buyer with a signed deed. This legal document effectively transfers ownership of the property to the buyer. It also explains any encumbrances that come along with the property. There are a few different types of deeds that buyers can receive, depending on the seller… read more…
- What to Know About Special Warranty Deeds
When buying property or certain other assets, you may be given a deed as part of the transaction. This deed not only transfers ownership of the property but also typically includes a description of what’s included (buildings, roads, etc.). In… read more…
- Pay Yourself First: Investment and Savings Strategy
“Pay yourself first,” also known as “reverse budgeting,” is a budgeting method designed to prioritize your personal financial goals. Instead of focusing first on paying bills and discretionary spending, this approach ensures that savings and investments are made a priority. After setting aside funds for your goals – whether it’s retirement savings, an emergency fund… read more…
- Mint App Review
Mint by Intuit is one of the most popular free personal finance apps among a wide array of such apps on the market. It lets you link all your accounts and can perform such tasks as reminding you when a… read more…
- 13 Financial Investments for 2025: Definitions and Examples
A financial advisor will tell you that there are many smart ways to grow your money. But you need to find the right type of financial investment that best fits your goals. Let’s take a look at how financial investments… read more…
- What Is Dual Income, No Kids (DINK)?
The acronym “DINK” stands for “dual income, no kids.” It refers to couples where both members have paying jobs and don’t have any children living with them. The number of people living as DINKs has been increasing for decades as… read more…
- Less Than 1 in 5 High School Parents Will Use 529 College Savings Plans
As college tuitions continue to rise, a recent study found that parents aren’t taking advantage of college savings tools to help fund their children’s educations. Fidelity’s 2021 College Savings and Student Debt Study says that fewer than one in five high school parents expect to use dedicated college savings accounts. And almost half of all parents surveyed anticipate that grants… read more…
- What’s in the $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill?
The $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was signed into law on November 15. This is the first part of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan, which combined with the $1.85 trillion Build Back Better Act, will call on Congress to… read more…
- The Infrastructure Bill Will Create These Major Investment Opportunities
A major investment in the nation’s aging infrastructure is on the way. Congress passed the $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill , which aims to bring American infrastructure into the 21st century with investments in roads, bridges, electrical grids and more. The impending investment in infrastructure could also be a boon for investors, with certain market sectors… read more…
- Will New Rules For Crypto Tax Reporting Accelerate Use of Crypto Retirement Accounts? – SmartAsset
A provision of the $1 trillion federal infrastructure bill would tighten the rules of how cryptocurrency transactions are reported, potentially prompting investors to rethink how and where they store their digital assets. If you’re integrating crypto into your portfolio and want to mitigate your tax liabilities, it may be helpful to work with a financial… read more…
- Bonds vs. Loans to Finance Your Operations
Companies need capital to fund their operations. Bonds and loans are two financing options available to them that work similarly. Both avenues let corporations borrow money that they will eventually have to repay. But certain differences come into play with either choice, such as where the money comes from. Each one has its benefits and… read more…
- 10 Best Custodial Account Options for Your Child
Custodial accounts allow you to manage finances for a child or other minor. Usually, these types of accounts are set up by a parent, relative or guardian on behalf of a family member, although this isn’t necessary. Any adult can… read more…
- Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan
The U.S. Department of Education has canceled almost $3 billion in student loans since President Joe Biden entered office in January 2021. The department forgave another $55.6 million in July for 1,800 borrowers who attended Westwood College, Marinello Schools of Beauty… read more…
- One-Time Checkup With a Financial Advisor
Hiring a financial advisor can make sense when you need or want professional guidance with managing money or building wealth. While advisors often prefer to build ongoing relationships with clients, there are finance professionals who offer one-time consultations. Meeting with… read more…
- How Biden’s 2022 Tax Plan Could Affect Your Retirement
President Joe Biden’s 2022 budget proposal raises the top income tax rate up to 39.6%. Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income over $1 million will also have to pay this rate on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends. But while… read more…
- Dovish vs. Hawkish: Key Monetary Policy Differences
In monetary policy, the terms “dovish” and “hawkish” describe two contrasting approaches central banks use to influence economic growth and control inflation. A dovish stance generally favors lower interest rates and increased economic stimulation, often prioritizing job growth and investment, particularly in times of economic slowdown. In contrast, a hawkish policy focuses on raising interest… read more…
- What Is DeFi (Decentralized Finance)?
DeFi, short for decentralized finance, is a global, peer-to-peer system of storing and transferring assets without the structure, restriction and costs of a traditional centralized banking system. Advocates assert that DeFi can do everything a bank – whether brick-and-mortar or… read more…
- Understanding the Financial Planning Process
Understanding the financial planning process can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future. This process involves evaluating one’s current financial situation, setting achievable goals, and developing a strategy to reach those objectives. By analyzing income, expenses and investments, individuals can create a comprehensive plan that aligns with their long-term aspirations. Whether it’s… read more…