Investment Planning

HomeInvestment Planning

Missed the FAFSA Deadline? You’re Not Screwed, But You Need This 3-Step Emergency Plan NOW

That sinking feeling in your stomach is real. You just realized you missed a FAFSA® deadline, and your mind is probably jumping to the worst-case scenario: no college, huge loans, and a very disappointed family. "I Missed The FAFSA Deadline Am I Screwed?" Before you spiral, take a deep breath. You...

NerdWallet Review: Is It a Trustworthy Tool or a Sales Trap?

NerdWallet is in the news everywhere in 2026. After Mint shut down in January 2024, it became the go-to home base for financial aggregation. But before you link your accounts to seek "clarity," the crucial question remains: is NerdWallet a trustworthy financial guide, or a cleverly optimized affiliate sales...

Is the Stock Market Open Today? 2025-2026 Holiday Schedule & Trading Hours

Let's cut right to the chase. You probably want to know if you can trade stocks right now, and you don’t have time for a wild goose chase across the internet. I get it. For over 25 years, as a financial planner, I've seen investors lose more sleep over...

Investor Risk Tolerance Questionnaire: The 2026 Guide & Quiz

Investing can feel like a tightrope walk without a net. You want the financial freedom that comes with growth, but the fear of a market crash can be paralyzing. As a financial planner with nearly 30 years of experience, I've seen the same painful story play out countless times:...

The Best Online Brokers for Beginners in 2026: An Expert’s Unfiltered Review

Investing in the stock market can feel like stepping into a labyrinth. With hundreds of online brokers all promising "zero fees" and "powerful tools," how do you choose the right Online Brokerage Firm without making a costly mistake? After nearly 30 years as a financial planner, I've seen the good,...

What is a Stock Broker? Definition, Types, Qualifications and Benefits of Working With One

Are you interested in a high-paying career in the financial sector? Do you enjoy analyzing markets and providing investment guidance? If so, a job as a stock broker may be right for you. Also known as securities brokers or registered representatives, stockbrokers facilitate the buying and selling of stocks, bonds,...

The Right Vanguard Routing Number, Instantly. Wires, Rollovers & Checks

Let's cut right to the chase. You're in the middle of a form, you see a box labeled "Vanguard Routing Number" and a wave of anxiety hits. Pick the wrong number, and you start wondering if your paycheck or 401(k) rollover is about to vanish into the digital ether. I’ve...

Acorns Investing App Review 2026: Not a Scam, But Is It a Bad Deal?

Alright, let's talk. You've seen the ads for Acorns. They’re everywhere, promising a simple, almost magical way to start investing by just rounding up your spare change. Part of you is hopeful. Maybe this is finally the easy button you’ve been looking for. Another part, the smarter part, is...

529 Plans Explained: The Ultimate Guide to Saving for College (2026)

On March 14, 2025, I watched the Robinsons’ jaws drop when they saw their 529 plan had yielded just 0.8% over five years—because it sat in cash. Here’s the truth nobody tells you: a 529 plan isn’t just a “college piggy-bank,” it’s a turbo-charged education savings vehicle. With tax-free growth, penalty-free tuition...

Florida Prepaid vs. 529 Plan: A 2026 Planner’s Verdict

Florida Prepaid vs. 529 Plan? It feels like a choice between a rock and a hard place. Betting on the stock market versus betting on your child’s entire future. Who This Guide Is For: Florida families choosing between Florida Prepaid and 529 plans face significantly different financial outcomes in 2026. With...