Periodic Expenses: How to Budget Them and Examples
A budget can look perfectly balanced one month and completely fall apart the next when an unexpected car repair, annual insurance premium or holiday expense suddenly appears. These irregular costs, known as periodic expenses, are easy to overlook because they do not happen every month. Still, they can have a major impact on financial stability.… read more…
Emotional Spending: Triggers and Strategies to Stop It
That rush you feel when clicking “buy now” after a stressful day might feel harmless in the moment, but it could be quietly costing you thousands of dollars a year. Emotional spending, the practice of using purchases to soothe stress, sadness, boredom or even celebrate good news, is one of the most common and overlooked… read more…
Personal Loan vs. Credit Card: Types of Credit, Rates and Payments
Personal loans and credit cards are both common ways to borrow money, but they work differently and carry very different costs. A personal loan gives you a fixed amount upfront with a set repayment schedule and a predictable monthly payment. A credit card gives you a revolving line of credit you can draw on repeatedly,… read more…
Bunching for Charitable Donations: Tax Strategy and Examples
Giving to charity can support causes you care about, but it does not always translate into meaningful tax savings. That is why some households use a strategy called charitable donation bunching, which involves combining several years of donations into one tax year to potentially unlock larger deductions. As tax rules change and itemized deduction limits… read more…
Editor's Picks
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…
6 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?
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…
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
America’s New Boomtowns
Economic growth can change a city quickly. An influx of new residents and expanding business activity creates visible momentum, even as rapid change brings new strains. In recent years, some American cities stand out for attracting people, investment and development at a pace that sets them apart. Boomtown status does not mean growth benefits everyone… read more…
States of Bankruptcy – 2026 Study
Bankruptcy can offer a financial reset, but how often Americans need it varies by state. Sudden unemployment, divorce, medical crises and other financial shocks can force households into bankruptcy, which research has linked to depression and adverse health outcomes. Individually, a bankruptcy filing signals acute financial distress; collectively, bankruptcy patterns can highlight where residents face… read more…
America’s Safest Midsize Cities – 2026 Study
Safety and security are major determinants of quality of life. That’s especially true in midsize cities, where residents may seek a balance of opportunity, affordability and peace of mind. While no place is risk-free, some midsized cities offer residents a stronger sense of everyday security than others. SmartAsset examined more than 300 midsize cities —… read more…
Where Seniors Are Targeted by Scams — 2026 Study
Millions of older Americans are targeted by financial scams each year. One analysis published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury found $27 billion in suspected elder financial exploitation in just a 12-month period. As digital banking, payments and communication become more common, scammers have more ways to reach victims and impersonate trusted institutions. Phishing… read more…
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