- 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…
- What Can a Wealth Advisor Do for High-Net-Worth Clients?
A wealth advisor is a type of financial advisor who serves mostly high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. This means they are usually working with very large amounts money for these clients. If you are looking to find a financial advisor, consider… read more…
- Webull vs. Robinhood vs. TD Ameritrade
Retail investors have a number of choices when it comes to online brokerages. Three of the main ones are Webull, Robinhood and TD Ameritrade. Comparing and contrasting them reveal significant differences among them. The unique features of each that emerge… read more…
- Troops, Veterans Will Pay More for Healthcare – Here’s Why
American members of the armed forces are set to battle a sneaky new enemy: rising healthcare costs. Health insurance premiums and prescription drug copays are set to jump for some members of the U.S. military and their families in 2022.… read more…
- Seniors Are Making This Costly Mistake When Saving For Healthcare Expenses
Older Americans have the opportunity to be healthier and wealthier, but an unsavvy financial tendency is ailing them. A large percentage of American seniors who are saving to cover healthcare expenses are skipping the tax-advantaged ways to accumulate such funds, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Michigan surveyed more than 2,000 people… read more…
- Adopting a Child in Florida – A Guide
Adopting a child is one of the greatest acts of love a person can do. It gives a warm and secure home to children who need it. But it’s also a full commitment that comes with a range of challenges.… read more…
- How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Child?
Adopting a child can involve a wide range of costs depending on the type of adoption and the services required. When considering how much money is needed to adopt a child, prospective parents may encounter expenses related to agency fees, legal fees, home studies, and travel, particularly for international adoptions. Domestic adoption costs can range… read more…
- Financial Advisory Services
Financial advisory services encompass a range of offerings aimed at helping individuals and businesses manage their finances effectively. These services can include retirement planning, investment management, tax strategies and estate planning, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. By working with a financial advisor, clients gain access to expert insights that can help… read more…
- Adopting a Child in Texas – A Guide
Adopting is a great option for people who want to provide a loving home to children who need it. But any adoption, in or out of state, comes with its challenges. If you are interested in adopting, you need to know what to expect. The journey may be bumpy, but preparing will help make the process… read more…
- 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…