How Do Financial Advisors Make Money? A Closer Look at Their Compensation Models

By Craig Lemoine, Ph.D., CFP®, Director of Consumer Investment Research   Financial advisors provide financial planning or investment guidance to clients. They may meet in person, remotely or provide advice within a larger firm setting. Financial advisors may work for themselves, with small …

What Is a Bond?

A bond is a type of debt security that you buy from either a corporation or a government that is trying to raise money. It’s essentially a loan that you are repaid, with interest, in regular, fixed payments for a set time.  Bonds are considered a low-risk asset that can provide invest …

Stocks vs. Bonds

Stocks and bonds are two common asset types that investors use to create a balanced portfolio toward financial goals like building wealth or protecting capital.  Both stocks and bonds offer the potential to provide returns and they both carry risks, but they have some key differences to und …

What Is the S&P 500 (and Why Does Everyone Talk About It All the Time?)

Scroll through any financially related news story and you’re bound to encounter a report of how the “S&P 500” is doing. You might even exclaim over its rises and dips yourself, despite not completely understanding what it is or the effect it has on you as an investor.  Consi …

Senate Addresses Taxes, Deficit, Inflation, Health Care in Proposed Bill

By Jamie Hopkins, Managing Director, Wealth Services  Sonu Varghese, Director, Investment Platforms; and Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, contributed to this report.    Senate Democrats have reached a general agreement on a bill to address climate change, taxes, health care, inflation …

Culture From the Top Down: Executive Compensation Plans Explained

By Craig Lemoine, Director of Consumer Investment Research At their most basic level, executive compensation plans are designed to attract, retain and motivate top talent and leadership. But truly successful plans are designed to be much more than providing a high salary to a key employee – …

Designations for Financial Advisors: A Complete Guide

By Craig Lemoine, Ph.D., CFP®, Director of Consumer Investment Research We speak a secret language in financial planning. So much of our world is filled with abbreviations surrounding insurance and investment products, processes, education and accomplishments.  I could say “Tammy, a CLU and …

Why Is Financial Planning Important for Relieving Stress? A Former NFL Players Perspective

Marques Ogden learned why financial planning is important – and now he tells you how financial planning has put his family back on track for future financial success..

Don’t Play Without a Coach: Why Working with a Financial Advisor Is Worth It

By Marques Ogden    Athletes don’t take to the field, to the pool or to the court without a trusted coach to help them train for optimal performance.  

Tips to Help You Stay Strong During Market Volatility

It’s almost impossible not to feel anxious at the dips and dives the stock market has been taking recently, compounded by relentless inflation-focused headlines. That’s why you might be surprised to learn there’s a lot of positive news to be had, despite the market uncertainty. 

529s, Roth IRAs and Other Strategies for Your College Savings Plan

By Craig Lemoine, Director of Consumer Investment Research   I often find college savings at the top of my pile of financial stressors. Unless I find a money tree in my backyard, my oldest child is going to turn 18 well before I retire. We all have different values surrounding the educ …

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