The Journal
Clarity for every
financial decision
Practical guides on fiduciaries, fees, life transitions, and how to find advice that actually fits written without the jargon fog.
Creating a Financial Roadmap: Collaborating with a Professional for Long-Term Goals
Your financial plan should grow and adapt with you, not sit in a drawer gathering dust.
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100 articles
Fee-only vs fee-based vs commission: plain-English fee map
A plain-English map of fee-only, fee-based, and commission compensation models. It explains how each one pays the adviser, works out the math on real portfolios, and gives the questions that cut through the labels.
How to find a fiduciary financial advisor (without the sales theater)
A practical guide to finding a fiduciary financial advisor. It covers the one email question that filters out salespeople, how to verify credentials on BrokerCheck and Form ADV, and what a good first meeting looks like.
Fiduciary vs suitability: what actually changes for your money
Explains the difference between the fiduciary and suitability standards, where conflicts of interest show up in your costs, and two questions to ask any adviser in a first meeting.
The importance creating a financial plan for small business owners
Without a carefully laid-out financial plan, your business risks running aground no matter how passionate you are about your product or service.
The importance of financial planning for single parents
For single parents, financial planning isn’t just about money—it’s about security, stability, and peace of mind.
The Role of a Financial Advisor in Estate Planning
A well-crafted estate plan offers the greatest gift you can give your loved ones—clarity in a difficult time.
The Importance of Financial Planning for Freelancers
Preparedness is power. In freelancing, your financial plan is your anchor.
The role of a financial advisor in helping you create a financial plan for your travel goals
Your adventures should enrich your life, not drain your future.
The importance of understanding the different types of financial advisors, including fee-only advisors, commission-based advisors, and hybrid advisors.
Not all financial advisors are the same—understanding the differences can shape your financial future.
The importance of financial planning for military families
Deployments, relocations, and complex benefits make military family finances unlike any other.
High Net Worth Financial Planning: Managing Wealth Effectively
High net worth financial planning is not just about wealth accumulation—it’s about safeguarding that wealth and ensuring it endures for generations.
Holistic Financial Planning: An Approach to Financial Success
By treating your financial life as a unified whole, you can identify potential pitfalls and opportunities before they arise.
Financial Planning Checklist: Essential Steps for a Solid Financial Future
Minimizing your debt burden is critical to achieving your financial goals and ensuring long-term stability.
Planning for Your Child's Education: Can a Financial Advisor Help?
A financial advisor turns complex education planning into a clear, achievable strategy.
A Financial Advisor's Role in Creating a Financial Plan for your Philanthropic Goals and Charitable Giving
Learn how a financial advisor can help you create a financial plan for your philanthropic goals and charitable giving.
Will My Employer Know If I Take a 401k Loan?
This article explores whether employers will know if employees take a 401k loan, the implications of doing so, and alternatives for financial emergencies.
What Happens to 401k When You Quit?
This article guides you through various options for your 401k plan after quitting your job, discussing the tax implications, pros and cons of each, and the importance of financial advice.
Wealth Manager vs Financial Advisor: A Comparative Analysis
Understanding the differences between wealth managers and financial advisors can guide individuals towards the right professional for their specific financial needs and goals.
Robo Advisors vs. Financial Advisors: A Comprehensive Guide
Robo-advisors and financial advisors offer differing levels of service, cost, and personalization in wealth management, catering to varied investment needs and preferences.
Financial Planning for Divorcing Couples
Learn how divorcing couples can navigate financial complications by finding a professional.
Financial Literacy for Kids: Teaching Children about Money Management
Financial literacy for kids is pivotal for future success. Starting with basics like saving, and advancing to budgeting and investing, early lessons create informed adults.
Financial Advisor vs Accountant
Explore the distinct roles of financial advisors and accountants, their unique services, and guidance on choosing the right professional for your financial needs.
Can I Use My 401k to Buy a House?
This article explores the complexities of using a 401k to buy a house, examining the benefits, drawbacks, tax implications, alternatives, and the need for professional advice.
Business Financial Plan Example: Strategies and Best Practices
Learn how to build a business financial plan with strategic insights, best practices, and an illustrative example.
Are 401k Contributions Tax Deductible?
This article explains the tax implications of 401k contributions, comparing Traditional and Roth 401ks, and discusses other related tax considerations and the role of professional advice.
Understanding Credit Scores and Improving Your Creditworthiness
Delve into the intricacies of credit scores, factors influencing them, and actionable steps to bolster creditworthiness, ensuring optimal financial opportunities and lower borrowing costs.
Should I Roll Over My 401k?
Explore the considerations, benefits, drawbacks, and alternatives of 401(k) rollovers to make informed decisions about your retirement savings strategy.
Financial Planning for Nurses
This comprehensive guide explores financial planning for nurses, discussing strategies from budgeting to retirement, helping nurses navigate their unique financial landscape effectively.
The role of a financial advisor in tax planning and how to find an advisor who can help you maximize your tax benefits
Learn about the role of financial advisors in tax planning & how to find a qualified advisor to help you maximize your tax benefits.
How to choose the right financial advisor for your needs
It's important to take the time to find an advisor who is a good fit for your needs and goals. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right financial advisor for you.
What Does It Mean to Invest in Yourself?
10 ways to enhance your personal and professional growth, from self-care to self-reflection.
How the Financial Planning Industry is Changing and How to Stay Ahead of the Game
Learn how technology is changing the financial planning industry and how financial professionals can adapt and stay ahead of the curve.
7 Top Financial Planning Tips for Millennials
A comprehensive guide for millennials on financial planning, including saving accounts, managing debt, insurance, budgeting and financial scam prevention
Maximizing client financial success in 2023: 5 key planning topics for financial advisors
Financial advisors can use this article as a guide to help their clients maximize their wealth in the new year through portfolio review, retirement contributions, and other key strategies.
10 Tips for building and maintaining strong client relationships
As a financial advisor, your relationships with clients are at the heart of your business. Building and maintaining strong, trusting relationships with clients
How to Find a Financial Advisor Who Fits Your Needs
Lost in a sea of financial advisors? Learn how to narrow your options and find the professional who matches your goals, communication style, and budget.
5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Financial Advisor
Choosing the right financial advisor today sets the foundation for tomorrow’s success—ask these five questions to ensure your advisor supports your evolving financial goals.
Why Hire a Financial Professional?
Besides expert advice a financial professional can provide you with a plethora of value. Here's a few reasons why working with a financial advisor makes sense.
Types of Mortgage Loans: What to Know
Mortgages aren’t inherently threatening, they are inevitably complex, and knowing different mortgages is an advantage
Mutual Funds vs ETFs: What is the Difference?
When it comes to funds, there are two primary investment vehicles that investors flock to ETFs (Exchange-traded funds) vs Mutual Funds.
Muhammad Ali "Rookie Card" 1960 Hemmets Journal
Muhammad Ali 1960 "Rookie Card" Hemmets Journal
Investing in Art to Diversify Your Portfolio
The art market has proven itself to be valuable time and time again. Price rarely devalues from the creation onward.
Instagram Business vs Personal Account
Converting your personal Instagram account to a business account may seem like a wise move for freelancers and small businesses. But is it always worth it?
How to Set Up Your First Facebook Business Page
More than 140 million businesses use Facebook to conduct business and connect with patrons and customers.
How to Create an Instagram Business Account
With your Business Instagram Account, you can easily direct customers to your website, address, and more.
Video Games: Worth Your Investment?
Turn gaming passion into profits! Learn how alternative investments in games can boost your portfolio.
The Complete Guide to Investing in Streetwear and Sneakers
Turn passion into profit with sneaker investing! Discover how investing in streetwear boosts portfolio diversification and returns.
Investing in Collectibles: Everything You Need To Know
Add excitement to your investments with collectibles! Learn how investing in rare items boosts portfolio diversification and potential profits.
6 Apps that Loan You Money
Need fast cash in an emergency? This guide explores 6 of the most reputable cash advance apps that help you avoid predatory payday loans. Learn safer, tech-savvy ways to borrow money when you're in a pinch and when to use them as a last resort.
How Capital Gains and Losses Affect Your Taxes
Whether or not you’re a financial professional, you may have trickled into the stock market https://financialprofessional.com/investing in stocks for beginners/ or real estate to t…
A Guide to Beneficiary Designations
Naming beneficiaries on your investment https://financialprofessional.com/investment vehicles/ accounts may not provide you with excess returns, but it’s still a critical element o…
Are Roth IRA Withdrawals Tax-Free?
Individual Retirement Accounts IRAs can be tricky when it comes to withdrawals and taxes. Their main advantage is that you can enjoy tax deferred growth within the account – but th…
5 Steps to Start and Grow Your Emergency Fund
Many people live without the security of an emergency fund to help them through sudden expenses. Due to this, many people end up in debt when unexpected events occur in their lives…
Financial Gift Ideas for Children
With the year slowly coming to a close and the holiday season approaching, many of us are asking “What do I get my children/grandchildren?” Many ideas go in and out of favor when i…
How to Build Credit - Responsibly
You’ve heard the name; you know the term – but what exactly is this almighty FICO score that you hear people talking about in commercials and on the news? And what does it have to …
Understanding the Debt to Equity Ratio
Want to invest in stable companies? Discover how the debt-to-equity ratio simplifies stock analysis for informed decisions.
Personalizing Your Diversification Strategy
Overwhelmed by risky investments? Craft a diversification strategy to balance risk and secure long-term gains.
A Guide to Hands-off Investing
Too busy to manage investments? Find out how hands-off investing lets you save time while growing your money.
What is Liquidity Ratio? Formula and Definition
What’s a liquidity ratio, and why does it matter? Learn how it shows a company’s financial health to guide your investing!
Financial Tips Every 20-Year-Old Needs To Hear
People often don’t think about proper personal finance practices until they have graduated college, are looking for a job, or are attempting to move out of their parent's house. Ho…
How Does Term Life Insurance Work?
Life insurance can play a major role in a household’s comprehensive financial strategy. Unfortunately, it is not well understood by most Americans. Appropriate coverage, policy typ…
Investment Income Taxes: On Portfolio Taxation
Confused by taxes on your investments? Discover how to navigate investment income taxes for bigger returns.
Can I Take Loans From My 401k?
Employer sponsored retirement plans tend to hold the majority of the average American household’s investment assets. While these types of accounts are designed to be used for fundi…
Investing as a Couple: How to Make it Work
Want to build wealth with your partner? Learn how to align goals and avoid pitfalls for a stronger portfolio.
What to Look for in a Bank
Every bank has different terms and offers for its account holders, but not every bank is right for every person. Where you bank can determine how quickly – and safely – you grow th…
What to Know About Asset Allocation
Overwhelmed by investment choices? Master asset allocation to reduce risk and align your portfolio with your financial goals.
Investment Fees: What to Know
Picture your retirement savings shrinking due to sneaky fees! Dive into our tips to manage investment fees and keep more of your profits.
Institutional Investors, Explained
Who moves the financial markets? Our guide explains institutional investors and their massive role in shaping markets for retail investors.
Investing During a Recession
Can you profit during a recession? Learn smart investing strategies to diversify and capitalize on discounted assets in tough markets!
How to Make Money as a Teen
Making money as a teenager is not always easy. Many teens don’t receive an allowance from their parents, and it’s very hard to find a full time job under the age of 18 for legal an…
What is Financial IQ - and How Can it Help Me?
We’ve heard of IQ and Emotional IQ before, but did you know there is also a term called “financial IQ”? Financial IQ can be broadly defined as a type of intelligence and knowledge …
Types of Taxes Everyone Should Be Aware Of
Like it or not, everyone has to pay the tax man. It’s important to know what types of taxes you may owe the government come tax time, lest you end up owing the IRS more than you’re…
How to Manage Money in a Crisis
When an economic crisis hits, many of us have the same response: Panic. Anxiety. Fear. Whatever the specifics, financially lean times make many of us very nervous, and for the wise…
How to Prepare Your Portfolio For A Recession
Worried about a market crash? Discover proven tactics to protect your investments during economic downturns.
How to Increase Your Financial IQ
Money, money, money We’ve known since a young age that money is important. Even as toddlers learning about colors and numbers, we were cognizant enough to understand that money equ…
Investment Vehicles, Explained
Explore 5 key investment vehicles for portfolio growth, from stocks to options! Master investing options and diversify your wealth today.
International Investing: What to Know
Could foreign markets boost your portfolio’s growth? Uncover how international investing opens doors to diversification and global market gains
How to Save For A House: 6 Easy Tips
Tired of having to pay rent and move around? Maybe it’s time to finally settle down and buy the house of your dreams Even if you don’t plan on buying for a few years yet, it’s impo…
How Taxes in Retirement Affect Your Accounts
Commanding a basic understanding of how taxes work is incredibly important for every adult. This is especially true as taxes relate to various types of retirement and investment ac…
What is a Stock Symbol (Ticker)?
Confused by cryptic stock tickers? Learn how tickers work and why they’re essential for navigating the stock market
How to Buy A House with No Money Down
So you’re finally in a position to buy a house You’ve been following our home buying steps https://www.financialprofessional.com/blog/what to know when buying a home , asking the r…
P/E Ratio Meaning and Explanation
P/E ratio: It’s more than just a number. Find out how this key metric helps you spot undervalued gems and avoid overpriced stocks in your portfolio.
Questions to Ask When Buying a Home
Are you currently struggling in the housing market? Unsure if that cute little brick number you have your eye on is the right fit for you? Do you know what questions you’re going t…
An Introduction to Options Trading
Want to expand beyond stocks and bonds? Options might be your next step—if you understand the risks and rewards. This introduction covers all that and more.
Investing for Dummies: Where To Start
You don’t have to be an expert — you just have to start. Anyone can become an investor with the right foundation, a clear goal, and a little guidance.
How to Balance a Budget by Hand
What does it mean to budget? I believe that the correct way to look at a successful budget is not to restrict what you can spend; but rather to spend intelligently, without guilt o…
Investing In Your 20s: A Quick Guide
Want a wealthy retirement? Start investing in your 20s to grow assets through smart wealth building.
Dividend Yield Meaning and Explanation
That high dividend yield? It might not mean what you think.
How to Choose a Bank: What to Look For
Choosing a bank, for the first time or when switching institutions, can be a big, life impacting decision – especially if you’re using it for business interests or plan to get a la…
Opening a New Bank Account: What to Know
One of the most important aspects of being financially successful is learning how to properly manage your wealth. Perhaps the most crucial consideration when managing your wealth –…
How to Start Investing for Retirement at All Ages
A quick guide to where you should be at every stage of your financial journey, from start to finish (and beyond).
Investing in Stocks for Beginners
The stock market can feel like a beast—but it doesn’t have to. If you're ready to stop guessing and start growing your wealth, this beginner-friendly guide explains exactly how stocks work and how to get started.
27 High Paying Jobs Without a Degree
From skilled trades to tech roles, discover 27 high-paying jobs you can land without a four-year degree.
Do You Have $1,000 in Your Bank Account?
Reaching $1,000 is a big win—now make it work for you. Here are smart ways to grow it, save it, and keep your finances moving forward.
Why an Emergency Savings Fund is So Important
Could you cover six months of bills if you lost your income tomorrow? Learn why an emergency savings fund is critical—and the smartest ways to grow one.
What is the Role of a Financial Advisor
A good financial advisor can transform your financial future. Discover how they work, how they’re paid, and how to find one who puts your best interests first.
401k vs Roth IRA: What to Know
A quick rundown on two of the most popular retirement accounts - and how to use them to secure your financial future
Stock Dividend Dates, Explained
Boost your wealth with dividend investing! Knowing stock dividend dates ensures timely portfolio income and growth.
What to Do With Your Tax Return
Got a tax refund? Here’s how to turn that extra cash into bigger savings, less debt, and long-term financial growth.
Investment Risk: How Much Should I Take?
How much investment risk is right for you? Learn how to balance risk tolerance and portfolio management for smarter investing!
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