Media

The growing problem of ‘permanent car loans’: Why the math of car buying is breaking down

Longer auto loans and repeated trade-ins can leave borrowers rolling negative equity from one vehicle to the next.

Wall St regulator unveils new retail investor proposals for private assets

The US securities regulator proposed new regulations on Wednesday aimed at expanding access to private assets that have traditionally been reserved for professionals, potentially offering higher returns but also exposing everyday Americans to more risk.

Key Trends That Could Shape the Next Decade for Nasdaq 100 Companies

The companies most likely to remain part of the Nasdaq 100 as AI rewires the economy will need to build recurring revenue, offer compelling new products and models, and navigate regulatory hurdles.

How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping the Nasdaq 100

A handful of big-name AI firms have exerted major influence on the index, but the Nasdaq 100 represents a more nuanced and complex AI play.

September 28, 2026

What is a Trump Account? A complete guide to the new savings program for kids.

Learn how Trump Accounts work, including withdrawal rules, taxes, investments and who qualifies for the $1,000 federal deposit.

September 26, 2026

Why a ‘B-Plus’ on This Retirement Test Is the Secret to a Better Life After 65

Barron's gives you the good, bad and ugly for Monte Carlo simulations, a widely used tool in personal finance.

September 24, 2026

Smart Retirement Moves for May-December Couples

Tips for spouses with a large age gap on how to approach retirement timing, long-term care planning and other key decisions.

September 22, 2026

4%, 5%, higher? Amid Fed rate hikes, here’s how to do the math on whether a higher CD rate is really worth it

As the central bank pushes yields higher, banks are aggressively competing for deposits. Here's exactly how much money you need to make rate-shopping worth the hassle.

September 22, 2026

How Much Does A Financial Advisor Cost?

Finding a financial advisor who understands your goals, is savvy when it comes to market fluctuations, and can help you navigate all of life's financial uncertainties is no small feat. Plus, it costs money. But how much does it actually cost for a financial advisor, and what do all those costs go toward?

September 18, 2026

Talking to Your Aging Parents About Money

Financial conversations with aging parents can be uncomfortable, but planning ahead can help protect their finances and reduce family stress

September 15, 2026

Why a Federal Reserve rate hike could be a ‘rare win’ for your retirement money

Retirees may benefit from this week's expected interest-rate hike by earning more money on cash kept in CDs, high-yield savings accounts or money-market funds. Still, those gains may be offset by higher interest rates on credit cards and overall higher costs of living.

September 10, 2026

The President Says Oil Won’t Fall Until After the Midterms. Here’s What That Means for Prices

Oil has climbed above $100 a barrel as the war with Iran disrupts global energy markets, putting pressure on gasoline, transportation, food and other household costs.

September 2, 2026

Does Medicare pay for long-term care? Many people get it wrong — and it may cost them later

Individuals may generally use Medicaid, insurance or their own funds to pay for long-term care in retirement. Here's what experts say about those choices.

September 2, 2026

What Aging Parents Want the “Kids” to Know

Dignity and desire for control go hand-in-hand with money decisions.

August 31, 2026

With Warsh Running the Fed, Should Bond Investors Be Worried?

The usually drama-free investment vehicle, U.S. government debt, is now causing some concern.

August 28, 2026

Where to Invest Now as Data Centers Turn Copper Into a Hot Commodity

The metal has hit record highs in 2026 after soaring more than 45% over the past year.

August 28, 2026

How a fixed-rate mortgage works and when it makes sense

Learn what a fixed-rate mortgage is, how it works and the pros and cons of this common home loan option.

August 24, 2026

The True Cost of Buying a Car for Your Teenager

Insurance, repairs and gas turn an automobile purchase into a long-term expense

August 21, 2026

Target-date funds are booming. But are they still right for your retirement?

Target-date funds are a retirement saver's go-to, but advisers have concerns for those nearing retirement.

August 21, 2026

The Hidden Costs Inside a ‘Zero-Fee’ IRA

Why zero-fee IRAs can still cost you hundreds a year without showing it on your statement.

August 20, 2026

Sports betting to build wealth is becoming the new American dream

More people under 30 are using gambling as a shortcut to buying a home or paying student loans

August 18, 2026

I’m 52 with $1.2M. I want to retire in 3 to 5 years. Can I make this happen myself?

Can they DIY it or should they hire a financial adviser?

August 14, 2026

Many Retirees Have More Credit Card Debt Than Savings. Financial Advisors’ Best Tips.

Sometimes retirees try to invest their way out of a debt hole. Financial advisors explain why that's a bad idea, and what investors should do instead.

August 11, 2026

My 401(k) fully vests this month—why my latest work anniversary is worth thousands

Many companies contribute to employee retirement accounts, but depending on your firm's rules you may forfeit some or all of it if you leave.

August 10, 2026

How can we minimize taxes in retirement with a $2.3 million nest egg — while buying homes in Florida and New England?

Timing is everything when balancing retirement distributions and moving across state lines.

August 5, 2026

How parents can keep saving for retirement during the expensive childcare years

Young families are striving to do better but struggling with costs of living, including expensive childcare.

August 4, 2026

Is a CD or a money market account better now? Here’s what 3 experts think.

Knowing which deposit account makes the most sense could help you maximize returns in today's landscape.

July 30, 2026

‘Trickery and fine print.’ I got denied a $1.5K bank bonus. How do I get the money I’m owed?

Getting denied a bank bonus isn't a dead end. Financial advisers explain how to bypass customer service, leverage regulators and avoid fine-print traps.

July 30, 2026

6 Food Waste Apps to Trim Your Grocery Bill

Rising food prices are squeezing wallets. These tools offer a creative way to save money.

July 29, 2026

The Hidden Catch Behind $50 GLP-1s on Medicare

A new Medicare initiative drops the price of popular weight-loss drugs to $50 — but the fine print could cost you thousands in the long run.

July 29, 2026

The Fed just held rates steady. Is it time to lock in a 4%+ CD?

The Federal Reserve just held interest rates at 3.5% to 3.75% again. Is now the time to lock in a certificate of deposit, while plenty of them are still paying 4% APY and up?

July 28, 2026

Roth conversions as early as your 20s and 30s? It’s not a crazy idea.

Most people don't get a break in their tax rate until they retire, but there could be earlier opportunities

July 26, 2026

Wall Street Wants Alternatives in 401(k)s. Advisors Aren’t Convinced

Private market investments are becoming more accessible inside retirement plans, but advisors remain skeptical about whether alternatives and crypto belong in 401(k)s.

July 26, 2026

Suze Orman warns of a 401(k) match error costing workers

Suze Orman warns married couples who don't coordinate 401(k) contributions miss out on $757 a year in employer matches. See how to fix the gap.

July 25, 2026

AARP resists fast track Social Security overhaul

AARP urges Congress to reject the PROMISE Act, a bipartisan bill that fast-tracks Social Security reform through an unelected panel with limited debate.

July 24, 2026

How Real People Are Making Sense of Crypto

For many would-be investors, cryptocurrency interest starts with a very human feeling: fear of missing out on the next big thing.

July 23, 2026

Still waiting for the free $1,000 to hit your child’s ‘Trump account’? Here’s what to know.

Around $1.5 billion has been deposited into the accounts since their launch earlier this month, the Treasury Department said.

July 22, 2026

Should You Lock In a MYGA Rate Before the Fed Meets?

MYGA rates near 6% have savers eyeing the July FOMC meeting. Here's why timing a MYGA around Fed moves is riskier than it looks, and what actually matters.

July 22, 2026

Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Canadian Goods. Here’s What Will Cost the Most

For consumers, the biggest impact is expected to fall on products tied to three industries: automotive, dairy and alcoholic beverages.

July 21, 2026

Americans have $2.1 trillion in forgotten retirement savings. Here’s how to find out if you’re missing a 401(k)

Americans have forgotten about a staggering $2.1 trillion in retirement savings, representing roughly 31.9 million lost 401(k) accounts. This amount has nearly doubled over the past decade, according to a report from Capitalize.

July 20, 2026

Are You Making These Compliance-Related Annuity Mistakes?

Failing to understand a client's needs and not documenting why the product is suitable are just two concerns, advisors say.

July 20, 2026

We Gave AI Chatbots 5 Financial Challenges. Here’s How They Did

We tested AI chatbots on five real-life financial challenges and compared their advice with guidance from human financial planners.

July 17, 2026

The ‘unretirement’ trap: How retirees can protect their golden years from inflation

Rising costs and longer life expectancies are forcing some seniors back into the workforce. Financial planners share five core strategies to rebuild confidence and stay retired.

July 17, 2026

Priced-out young buyers are looking abroad for their first homes

One 32-year-old explains how buying abroad helped her get on the property ladder without taking on a crushing mortgage.

July 17, 2026

Prepare your portfolio for inflation risk with these moves

Recent economic data shows pricing pressures are starting to cool, but inflation could still be a risk as hostilities in the Middle East reignite.

July 16, 2026

Cyberattacks are down — why that’s bad news for financial firms

SonicWall's mid-year report found attack volumes falling across financial services, but threat actors are becoming more selective, more patient, and harder to detect.

July 15, 2026

AARP Smart Guide to Estate Planning

How to ensure that your final wishes are honored

July 15, 2026

Bipartisan senators target Social Security’s shortfall

The clock is ticking on a problem Washington keeps postponing.

July 14, 2026

Vanguard, Envestnet Team Up to Curb Tax Risks on Model Portfolio Conversions

Envestnet and Vanguard are expanding their partnership to tackle one of the biggest obstacles to broader adoption of model portfolios: the tax bills that can come with moving longtime clients into them.

July 14, 2026

Can mortgage rates fall without another Fed rate cut? Here’s what experts think

Mortgage rates could fall, but they could also rise or remain the same, regardless of the Fed's policy rate decisions. Experts explain the factors influencing mortgage rates today.

July 14, 2026

AI vs. robo advisers: How they stack up against each other — and human financial advisers

Robo advisers are getting smarter as AI capabilities increase — but how much control are investors willing to hand over?

July 13, 2026

A New Custody Rule Is on the SEC’s Agenda. Here’s What to Know.

The agency plans to issue a proposed rule that would address questions raised by advisors about holding crypto.

July 12, 2026

Retirees have questions for financial advisers. Here’s what they want to know.

Increasingly, retirees are turning to financial advisers for the first time to help navigate an array of issues as they step out of the workforce. Nearly half want guidance on saving and investing after leaving their workplace retirement plan.

1,500 Americans filed for bankruptcy each day last year. They should have done this instead.

Personal bankruptcy filings surged 47% between 2022 and 2025. Here's what you should do before deciding to file.

‘Trump accounts’ are great — if you’re already rich

'Trump accounts' are great — if you're already rich. They're a poor deal for most other people.

What clients miss about HSAs — and how advisors can help

Health savings accounts cover a broad range of medical expenses, but the boundaries of what those tax-advantaged dollars can be spent on are not always clear. While copays, deductibles and dental work are commonly known eligible expenses, advisors say some unexpected costs, including chiropractic care, physical therapy and mental health care, often qualify.

Advisors, Take Note: SEC Rule Revamps Are on the Way

The SEC released its spring Reg Flex agenda Tuesday. All items on the list are proposed rules, with custody and off-channel communications changes slated for October. The custody rule proposal is the one to watch, according to Jeff Judge of Chesapeake Financial Planners.

July 8, 2026

Why State Street’s SPYM Is Treasury’s Top Choice for Trump Accounts

A handful of products were selected for the new government-sponsored accounts, including products from Vanguard and BlackRock.

July 7, 2026

SpaceX IPO Left Financial Advisors With a Blueprint for the Next Mega Offerings

With OpenAI and Anthropic waiting in the wings to go public, pre-IPO wealth planning is suddenly urgent.

July 7, 2026

Haven’t Saved Enough for Retirement? Here’s What Not to Do. ‘It’s Usually Wrong.’

Financial experts on how to handle it if you started saving late and now haven't saved enough for retirement

July 6, 2026

How parents can take advantage of the ‘best summer-camp tax break in years’

For many kids, summer means camp. For many of their parents, that means financial juggling to pay for those camp experiences.

July 6, 2026

My pet insurance didn’t fully cover a $6,000 emergency vet bill—why I’m keeping my plan

I've had my dog for five years and one emergency vet visit has made me re-think my financial strategy.

July 4, 2026

Trump Accounts Count on Big Returns. The Math Suggests Otherwise.

Rosy projections from the Trump administration may give savers inflated expectations about the wealth-building power of the new accounts, experts warn.

July 3, 2026

The $1,000-funded Trump accounts launch tomorrow: How should parents saving for college think about this?

'Best strategy for most families: 529 for tuition, Trump account for longer-horizon wealth building,' one pro tell us.

July 2, 2026

Best Investment Apps Of 2026

Forbes Advisor ranks the best investment apps of 2026 across 18 criteria. In the FAQ, Jeff Judge of Chesapeake Financial Planners explains SIPC protection: an investor's securities are held separately from an app's assets, so the real risk is market fluctuation, not the app disappearing with their money.

7 Best Dow Jones ETFs to Buy

From simply tracking the index to a dividend tilt to triple leverage, these funds serve very different purposes.

The $20,000 new vehicle is all but extinct—what the most affordable new car looks like now

Why the $20,000 new car disappeared, and what budget-conscious buyers can expect today.

Municipal or Corporate Bonds: What Fits Your Clients Best?

Choosing between municipal and corporate bonds is not an either-or decision. Here's how to decide which is the best fit for clients.

When To Scale Into a Trade (and When To Stay Out)

Scaling into a trade can help to manage risks and maintain execution, but unsuccessful attempts may inadvertently add danger.

Leveraged ETFs Are Booming, But Are Advisors Buying?

Clients don't tend to want them, but those who do should be wary of the risks, advisors said.

June 30, 2026

Baby boomer divorce is booming. It’s causing chaos for retirement plans and testing family ties.

Older Americans are divorcing late in life. It's forcing them to make tough decisions about retirement savings and their kids' inheritance.

June 30, 2026

ChatGPT is ready to connect to your bank accounts. Should you let it in?

OpenAI is expanding Finances, its personal-finance feature, allowing users to connect their banking accounts to ChatGPT for personalized advice. Concerns about privacy and data security arise as users share sensitive financial information.

June 30, 2026

Social Security gender gap means women receive about $4,800 less in annual benefits. What to know before claiming

Women tend to earn less and spend more time outside of the work force, which may reduce their Social Security benefits. Here's what to consider before claiming.

June 28, 2026

‘Hawkish Hold’ in Interest Rates, Iran Turmoil Prompt Advisors to Rethink Second Half of 2026

Wealth managers are keeping an optimistic, but realistic, outlook for the second half of the year.

June 26, 2026

Discounted bond funds, especially at scandal-hit Wamco, may offer an investment opportunity

A look at whether discounted closed-end bond funds, particularly from scandal-hit Western Asset Management, may offer a buying opportunity for self-directed investors.

June 26, 2026

Fed rate hikes seem likely this year: What does that mean for mortgage rates?

Why home loan yields don't wait around for the central bank to make a move, and how to know if it's finally time to refinance

Take a cue from the rich: Do a midyear financial check-in

Financial advisers would tell you to rebalance your portfolio at a midyear check-in. Make these 4 money moves instead.

Social Security cuts raise new fears for women

A financial reckoning may be closer than it appears. The Social Security trust fund is projected to run dry by late 2032, triggering an automatic 22% benefit cut that would hit women hardest.

Dating a 6.5% rate? Inside one high-stakes homebuying bet

Is it ever a good idea to purchase a home with the idea that you'll simply refinance to a lower rate in the future? We asked the pros.

Keep your portfolio firing on all cylinders for the rest of 2026 using these steps

As resilient as the stock market has been, investors are making a mistake if they haven't revisited their portfolios since the start of the year.

State Street Takes on Invesco’s QQQ with New Nasdaq-100 ETF

With investor interest in tech heating up, the new fund undercuts Invesco's fees by half.

How to know when it’s time to replace your car—start with this rule, experts say

With vehicles lasting longer and replacement costs rising, it can be difficult to know when a repair is worth it and when it's time to move on.

Your 401(k) match may not be as generous as it used to be

Fewer employers offer matches for their 401(k) plans this year, according to a new report.

Don’t Panic Yet? What Wharton’s New Social Security Timeline Means for Your Retirement

A new Penn Wharton Budget Model analysis projects the Social Security OASI Trust Fund will deplete in February 2033, slightly later than the official trustees report projection of Q4 2032. Financial planning experts say the updated timeline does not meaningfully change retirement planning strategies.

Micro-Retirements Carry Macro Risks, Advisors Warn Clients

Health insurance headaches are among the potential problems with climbing off the career ladder temporarily.

Does NAPFA’s new fiduciary definition clarify or muddy the water for clients?

Some advisors say they already have a hard enough time explaining what a fiduciary is under federal law and that NAPFA's new definition for fee-only planners will only add to the confusion.

June 22, 2026

7 Best Fidelity ETFs to Buy Now

This asset manager's funds include bonds, stocks and niche strategies, although not all are suitable for every investor.

June 17, 2026

Advisors Wary of SEC’s Plan to Allow Semiannual Corporate Earnings Reports

Quarterly reporting helps inform clients, but it also encourages public companies to focus on the short term.

These life-insurance policies are booming. Here’s who should — and shouldn’t — buy one.

Indexed universal life insurance policies have a very specific purpose that can help families, if used correctly.

With inflation up, my friends are asking about TIPS and I bonds—here’s what I told them

TIPS and I bonds are designed to help protect savings from rising costs, but advisors say major portfolio moves in response to short-term news are usually a mistake.

These life-insurance policies are booming. Here’s who should and shouldn’t buy one.

Indexed universal life insurance policies have a very specific purpose that can help families, if used correctly. These insurance products may be better for financially well-off individuals than for those still paying off credit-card debts.

The biggest risk to your retirement isn’t a market crash — it’s a crisis you probably haven’t planned for

Health-related financial risks are the No. 1 threat to retirement security.

June 15, 2026

The biggest risk to your retirement isn’t a market crash – it’s a crisis you probably haven’t planned for

Health-related financial risks are the No. 1 threat to retirement security.

June 15, 2026

Advisors Don’t Mince Words on DOL’s Plan for Alts in 401(k)s

ThinkAdvisor polled advisors on their views about Labor's proposal. Here's what they said.

June 15, 2026

Kiyosaki escalates urgent warning about value of dollar

The author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad” says a hidden risk is hitting savings accounts and reducing wealth.

June 11, 2026

Gen X gets financial squeeze in key years for retirement saving

These demanding years are crucial for your financial future, but even if you neglected that 401(k), there's still time to catch up before retirement.

June 11, 2026

From Expert to Amateur: For High Achievers, Retirement Demands a Beginner’s Mind

You spent decades mastering your career, hobbies and savings. Now comes the hard part: learning how to be a novice all over again.

Musk Looks to an Army of Loyalists to Help Make Him a Trillionaire

The SpaceX IPO is expected to set records Friday and mark a new pinnacle in Wall Street's retail revolution.

Many Married Couples Are Missing Out on ‘Free Money’ for Retirement

A new study found that roughly 1 in 5 married couples fail to maximize employer matching contributions in their workplace retirement plans, missing out on an average of $757 annually.

Why pet-friendly rentals matter more than ever to Gen Z and millennials

As homeownership and parenthood feel increasingly out of reach, young renters are prioritizing their pets and the incurring costs.

Inflation is eroding cash returns. Here’s where to park your savings

While inflation is a normal part of the economy, the higher it is, the more your idle cash is losing purchasing power over time.

June 9, 2026

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance Your Student Loans?

Rates are lower than recent peaks, meaning certain borrowers may benefit by comparing offers now.

June 9, 2026

The ‘Strategic Debt’ Trend: How America’s High Earners Use Personal Loans to Get Ahead

A BestMoney survey finds 85% of high earners have used a personal loan to fund major expenses. Here's how they use strategic debt to get ahead.

June 9, 2026

High-Earning New Yorker? You’re Probably Overpaying State Income Tax

New York's combined tax rates can exceed 50% for high earners. Advisors explain the timing, asset location, and residency decisions that reduce what you actually owe.

Form ADV ‘bloat’ causes undue burden for advisors: IAA

In a recent industry snapshot, the Investment Adviser Association found the average number of data points advisors have to report in annual regulatory filings has nearly doubled to more than 1,000 since 2011.

Diversification just had its best run in 16 years. Here’s how financial advisers say investors should react

Morningstar data shows broadly diversified portfolios outpaced the traditional 60/40 stock-and-bond strategy by 5 percentage points last year, prompting financial advisers to rethink plain-vanilla blueprints

Why the 20-4-10 car-buying rule no longer works for many buyers

Even used-car buyers may need a six-figure income to follow this popular car-buying rule.

Buy or stand by? What investing pros are saying about the SpaceX IPO

SpaceX will price its IPO this week. With a historic valuation and more retail participation than usual, the pros sound off on whether they'd buy in.

June 7, 2026

Women often outlive men. Here’s how they should approach their long-term care needs

In addition to typically living longer than their husbands, women also are more likely to need long-term care, which can be costly.

June 6, 2026

A $5,000 wedding shows how millennials are rethinking life milestones

A 38-year-old's decision to forego debt offers a window into how younger generations are approaching marriage and money.

June 5, 2026

Chilling in Money-Market Funds is the Hot Retail Strategy Now

The stock market keeps setting records, yet one of the most popular trades is to sit in cash or money-market funds. The US money-market industry holds a record $8.29 trillion after inflows topped $1 trillion last year.

June 5, 2026

Fidelity lowers the bar for small investors to get in on SpaceX IPO

Small investors gain access to the SpaceX IPO as Fidelity lowers its customers' minimum account balance requirement to just $2,000.

June 5, 2026

How Lenders Use Debt-to-Income to Evaluate Your Loan Application

Your debt-to-income or DTI ratio matters more than you may think. Do one thing: Don't rely solely on your credit score before applying for a home loan. Use an online debt-to-income or DTI calculator to figure out what your debt-to-income ratio will be with a new loan ahead of time.

June 4, 2026

These income funds offer double-digit yields – but come with cost and complexity. How they work

Autocallable ETFs offer attractive coupon payments, but investors should prepare to do some homework if they're exploring these funds.

June 2, 2026

Can Clients Have Principles and Performance? Younger Generations Think So

Survey data and advisors' anecdotal experience show an emerging interest among younger generations in values-based investing.

June 2, 2026

Is it OK for a financial adviser to get twice the fee when they manage $500K vs. $1M — even when I know that’s not twice the work?

Have an issue with your financial adviser or looking for a new one? Email questions or concerns to picks@marketwatch.com.

June 2, 2026

‘Worth paying attention to again.’ With Treasury yields near record highs, 5 financial advisers on how to smartly capitalize on this now

Rising inflation fueled by the war in Iran pushed 30-year Treasury yields to a 20-year high in May. Now at 4.98% through May 28 — the highest since June 2007 — the surge is attracting renewed interest from bond investors.

June 1, 2026

Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill’ turned 529 plans into ‘lifelong education’ accounts, expert says: How to take advantage

New rules allow 529 plan funds to pay for eligible career training, certifications, licensing fees and continuing education costs.

May 29, 2026

Your Retirement Portfolio Might Need a New Kind of Diversification No One Is Talking About

AI and cyber threats to brokerages are growing. Will keeping your retirement funds in two or more institutions lessen your risk of getting wiped out? We talked to financial experts to find out.

May 28, 2026

Should You Take a Buyout at Work?

Imagine if your company offered you six months' worth of salary if you quit your job right now. Would you go? What if they threw in early stock vesting and health insurance for a year? It's a tough decision that workers are facing at various companies.

May 28, 2026

‘The flexibility is real.’ Financial advisers say parents are missing out on these 7 alternative college savings strategies

As tuition costs soar, money pros suggest some key backup plans if a child decides to skip higher education

May 28, 2026

Wealthtech Innovation Is Becoming Advisors’ Biggest Frustration

Before advisors start building out their tech stacks, they first need to ask themselves what they want to solve.

May 27, 2026

Would You Rather Earn $150K in NYC or $80K in a Low-Cost-of-Living City?

We asked financial advisors which they'd take, and the math isn't the only thing that decides.

What Is An Annuity?

An annuity is an insurance contract that exchanges present contributions for future income payments.

‘That’s dead money right now.’ As inflation hits a 3-year high, here’s how financial advisers are fighting it in their own portfolios

From shifting asset allocations to cutting personal subscription services, wealth managers share the exact playbooks they are using to protect purchasing power

Annuities May Help Clients Live Longer: Study

A new paper suggests what experts already suspect: The products reduce stress and aid investments in health.

For Retirees, Healthcare Costs Are Eating 1 in Every 6 Dollars

Retirees are spending a sizable share of their income on healthcare, indicating that Medicare choices and pre-retirement planning are especially important for pre-retirees.

May 22, 2026

‘Extra’ homeownership costs top $23,000 a year — and unlike your fixed mortgage payment, they might go up

Homeownership costs beyond the mortgage — including utilities, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, HOA, and renovations — average over $23,000 per year and continue rising, unlike a fixed mortgage payment. Jeffrey Judge, a CFP in Maryland, is quoted on how buyers who budget only by mortgage payment can be financially exposed after move-in.

May 22, 2026

This is ‘the silent killer for retirement portfolios’ — and it’s wreaking havoc on many retirees right now

Inflation at 3.8% is quietly eroding retirement purchasing power, and financial advisors including Jeff Judge of Chesapeake Financial Planners explain how retirees should stress-test withdrawal rates and adjust their plans for a higher-inflation environment.

May 21, 2026

The truth about ‘tax-friendly’ retirement states — and how much they could really save you

The difference between a high-tax and no-tax state can add up to six figures, one pro tells us.

Digital Custodian Altruist Takes On Schwab, Fidelity With New RIA Model

The affiliate model itself is nothing new, but it's novel for a custodian.

How to Keep Client Couples’ Simultaneous Retirements From Going Wrong

Couples who leave the workforce at the same time may be surprised when expectations don't meet reality.

The 2027 Social Security ‘Trump Bump’ Is Coming. Is It Good for Your Retirement Benefits?

A higher cost-of-living adjustment isn't necessarily a good thing for retirees and other Social Security recipients.

4 Great Reasons to Wait Until Full Retirement Age to Collect Social Security

Financial advisers say waiting until full retirement age can strengthen monthly payouts, reduce earnings penalties, and improve long-term retirement income planning...

May 18, 2026

Nearly 1 in 10 mortgages is now ‘non-qualified’ — here’s what that means

Financial experts weigh the benefits and risks of this niche loan option

May 18, 2026

SEC Wants to Stop Requiring Quarterly Earnings. Why Some Advisors Don’t Like It.

The proposal to allow semi-annual reporting could create information gaps that make it harder for financial advisors to do their jobs.

May 17, 2026

Why Advisors Are Betting on AI Infrastructure Over Apps

Even legacy tech companies like Intel and Dell Technologies are riding the AI wave with major stock gains this year.

May 16, 2026

Want a Hot Pre-IPO Company in Your Portfolio? Proceed With Caution

Adding a sliver of the hottest private companies to your portfolio can be far more tricky than buying stocks.

May 15, 2026

5 Ways Moving to a Low Cost-of-Living Area Can Cost You More

Moving to a low cost-of-living city to save money sounds smart, but lower pay, higher insurance, taxes and commute costs can quietly eat up your savings.

May 15, 2026

Mamdani’s $12 Billion Debt Wipeout Plan Has a Lesson for Your Finances

Small savings are worth capturing once the income floor is stable, but you can't cut your way to wealth.

May 15, 2026

Steal these smart analogies to simplify planning for clients

Financial planning can be complex to regular investors. Advisors shared the analogies and stories that bring ideas into focus with clients and prospects.

May 14, 2026

Most people make this retirement mistake. You might still have time to fix it.

Nearly 60% of retirees left the workforce earlier than planned. Financial planners and researchers explain the steps workers can take now to prepare for an earlier-than-expected retirement.

How FAs Can Take Advantage of Expanded Pass-Through Voting Options

Large asset managers including BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street are expanding pass-through voting programs that let investors direct proxy votes on indexed holdings, but retail adoption remains limited. Jeff Judge of Chesapeake Financial Planners notes the programs are a natural fit for HENRY clients (high-earning-not-rich-yet) in their late 20s to mid-40s who want more say in how their investments are voted. Advisors who can speak knowledgeably to pass-through voting may have a competitive edge in client onboarding, though broader uptake is constrained by limited investor education from issuers and fund managers.

How to Help Grown Children and Aging Parents With Tough Talks

Advisors can move a conversation in 30 minutes that a family has avoided for 30 years. Planner Jim Crider says facilitating estate planning conversations is one of the most valuable things advisors can do for clients.

Inflation Is Spiking: Is It Time to Buy I-Bonds Again?

Investors won't get eye-popping 9.62% returns, but today's I bonds lock in steady, inflation-adjusted returns

Our New Health Plan Offers an HSA. Is the Triple Tax Benefit Worth the Hassle of Saving Decades of Receipts?

Should we sign up for a Health Savings Account (HSA) and embrace even more healthcare paperwork?