- What Is Active Management and Is It Right for You?
If you’re looking for an investment strategy designed to beat the market, active management could be an option. The goal of active management is to outperform a market index or, in a market downturn, to book losses that are less severe… read more…
- Most and Least Expensive Places to Retire – 2019 Edition
As cost of living and taxes vary throughout the U.S., location is one of the biggest factors impacting how much money you need in retirement savings. That’s why many Americans wonder whether they might want to consider relocating for their golden years. If you want to make sure you’re headed for a secure retirement, consider… read more…
- What Is the Series 86 Exam and License?
Passing the Series 86 exam — also known as the Research Analyst Qualification exam — is necessary for anyone who wants to work as research analyst for a broker-dealer member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Series 86 comprises… read more…
- What Is an Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)?
Tax professionals designated as accredited tax preparers (ATP) can help ensure an individual’s returns are up to the standards of the IRS. By passing an exam, the national ATP credential demonstrates a thorough understanding of the current tax code and… read more…
- How to Plan Your Finances for a Divorce
Divorce planning involves taking careful steps to manage finances during a significant life transition. By examining assets, understanding joint financial responsibilities, and assessing future income and expenses, individuals can make informed choices that help create stability. In addition to dividing assets, divorce planning may include considerations like retirement accounts, health insurance, and child support or… read more…
- What Is the Series 52 Exam and License?
A Series 52 certification lets professionals trade municipal securities. Also known as the Municipal Securities Representative Qualification Examination, it’s one of the first steps toward a career as a licensed municipal securities representative. Here’s what Series 52 covers and what its… read more…
- What Is the Series 82 Exam and License?
The Series 82 gives its holder the authority to conduct private securities transactions, among other activities. The exam is also known as the Private Securities Offerings Representative Exam. Private securities are investments only available for a select group of investors. Here’s… read more…
- What is the Series 26 Exam and License?
Financial professionals who plan on selling closed-ended funds, mutual funds, and variable products must follow a specific career path. They’ll take the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Principal Qualification Examination (Series 26) and obtain the Series 26 license. Here’s… read more…
- Certified in Social Security Claiming Strategies (CSSCS)
Social Security benefits can be confusing, even for the most seasoned financial professional. But those advisors who have earned the Certified in Social Security Claiming Strategies certification are well-versed in the ins and outs of their Social Security. They can help their… read more…
- Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS)
A Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) is a financial professional who helps families prepare for the costs of college. These experts are able to help fill out financial aid forms and answer questions about 529 savings plans. Here’s how professionals… read more…
- What Is the Series 24 Exam and License?
Financial professionals seeking to gain more knowledge and expertise might look to exams and licenses to complete for further education and skills. For some, taking the General Securities Principal Qualification Examination — or Series 24 exam — will be helpful.… read more…
- What Is a Chartered SRI Counselor (CSRIC)?
If you’re a socially conscious person, it can affect every aspect of your life, from the car you drive to where you shop. It can also impact which companies you choose to invest in, and many investors choose to pursue… read more…
- What Is a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)?
Millions of Americans retire each year and the financial services industry is trying hard to meet demand. To that end, many advisors have specialized by earning professional certifications that highlight their retirement planning expertise. A Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)… read more…
- About the Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC)
With millions of people living into their 70s, 80s and 90s, the costs of healthcare, long-term care, aides and nursing homes are straining finances in many families. In response to this chronic problem, the financial and insurance industries have created many specializations for professional advisors. One of these, the Certification for Long-Term Care (CLTC), focuses… read more…
- Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC)
Choosing a financial advisor can be rough. That’s especially true considering the alphabet soup that often follows their names. However, a Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC) can be useful to an investor and their financial plan. Learn about this designation,… read more…
- What Is a Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF)?
There are many credentials for financial professionals, and it can be difficult to distinguish one from another. A Certified Financial Fiduciary (CFF) is a relatively new certification that brokers, financial advisors, insurance agents or other professional may acquire. A CFF… read more…
- Tax Implications of Selling a Small Business
Selling a small business means income, and income means taxes. But the way you structure the deal can make a major difference on how much of the sale price goes to taxes and how much stays with you. This includes… read more…
- How to Calculate the Selling Price of a Business
Thinking about selling your business? There are several ways to calculate the selling price of a business — but not everyone agrees on what method is best. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options to determine the value of your… read more…
- How to Find a Financial Advisor You Can Trust
Working with a financial advisor can be helpful if you need advice on creating a retirement savings plan, getting out of debt or reaching another financial goal. But they’re working with your money and have to earn your trust. You can find this trust by interviewing potential advisors or using recommendations from others you trust,… read more…
- Is It Worth Paying a Financial Advisor 1%?
A financial advisor can give valuable insight into what you should be doing with your money to reach your financial goals. But they don’t offer their advice for free. While the typical annual financial advisor fee is thought to be… read more…
- S Corp vs. C Corp: What’s the Difference?
Several factors distinguish the tax advantages of both S Corps and C Corps. Choosing the C Corp or S Corp status for a business can have a sizable effect on its future, growth and investor base. There’s no easy answer… read more…
- Should You Choose S Corp Tax Status for Your LLC?
If you have a limited liability company (LLC), electing to tax it an S corporation could be helpful. Of course, the process for choosing a tax status is entirely dependent on your business’s financial situation. There are numerous factors at play… read more…
- How Do Financial Advisors Make Money?
Working with a financial advisor can be a great idea if you need help managing your investments or creating a financial plan for the future. But before you work with a financial advisor, it’s important to understand how they make… read more…
- What Is a Certified Financial Educator (CFEd)?
The world of finance is often challenging for many consumers. However, financial professionals who hold the Certified Financial Educator (CFEd) designation communicate complex financial ideas in simple, understandable terms. Let’s break down how a CFEd can help you better understand… read more…
- What Is a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC)?
Creating and sticking to a financial plan is challenging, if not impossible, for many Americans. That’s why some enlist a financial advisor or consultant to keep them on track. Some partner with a Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) to do so.… read more…