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A father researching with his daughter which health insurance premiums are tax deductible.
Taxes

Are Health Insurance Premiums Tax Deductible When You Retire?

Health insurance premiums can be tax deductible when you retire, but it depends on several factors such as your age, the type of health insurance plan that you have and whether you are self-employed or not. Even medicare premiums can be tax deductible if you qualify, so it’s just as important to have a tax… read more…

A financial advisor discussing flat fees for services.
Financial Advisor

What Is a Flat Fee Financial Advisor?

Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for a child’s education, or simply aiming to grow your wealth, understanding how financial advisor fees work can significantly impact your financial strategy and overall satisfaction. One common fee structure is a flat advisor fee. This type of fee charges a fixed fee for services, whereas other advisors can… read more…

Gold is a common example of a safe haven asset.
Investing

What Are Safe Haven Assets?

Investing in safe haven assets can help investors protect their wealth during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility. These assets, which include defensive stocks, government bonds, currencies, gold and cash, are sought after for their ability to provide stability and security when other investments experience significant downturns or increased risk. By allocating a portion… read more…

Data Studies

Where the Most New Construction Homes Are Being Added – 2024 Study

The Consumer Price Index clocks inflation between spring 2019 and spring 2024 at 22.9%. But Zillow home sale data demonstrates a particularly swift hike in home prices during this time, with the average home sale increasing by 49.4% in the same window. Housing costs are often the largest budget item for Americans and this could… read more…

Editor's Picks

CFA vs. CFP: Which Is Right for You?
Financial Advisor

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…

Wealth Management Firm
Investing

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?
Financial Advisor

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…

Investment Property
Mortgage

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

Data Studies

Where the Most New Construction Homes Are Being Added – 2024 Study

The Consumer Price Index clocks inflation between spring 2019 and spring 2024 at 22.9%. But Zillow home sale data demonstrates a particularly swift hike in home prices during this time, with the average home sale increasing by 49.4% in the same window. Housing costs are often the largest budget item for Americans and this could… read more…

Data Studies

Where Residents Are Experiencing the Most Financial Instability – 2024 Study

Inflation has hurt Americans financially in different ways, with the Census reporting that up to 45.8% of some households are having difficulty paying for essentials. In particular, inflation has put some Americans at higher risk for financial instability.  With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked U.S. states according to where residents are struggling most financially. Data… read more…

Data Studies

Social Security and Retirement Income Are Highest in These Cities – 2024 Study

Depending on employment and investment returns, the size of a retirement nest egg will look different for everyone. The number of work years, salary and retirement age will impact Social Security benefits. Meanwhile, both worker and employer contributions, investment allocations and timing will determine the value of retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs and pension payouts.… read more…

Data Studies

Best Housing Markets for First-Time Homebuyers – 2024 Study

First-time homebuyers who have just reached the threshold for a down payment can face steep competition from seasoned homeowners with established equity. And as the cost of living increases, some of these first-time hopefuls could be squeezed out of more expensive areas.  With this in mind, SmartAsset examined the current state of the housing market… read more…

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