Straightforward guides to help you find the right financial advisor, understand fee structures, and take control of your financial future.
Trusts are not just for the ultra-rich, but they are not for everyone either. Advice-Only Network member Holly Donaldson, CFP®, shares seven situations where a revocable living trust might be worth considering, from owning property in two states to protecting a grown child's inheritance.
By Holly Donaldson, CFP®
Inheriting money is emotional, and the people circling to manage it usually charge a percentage forever. Here's a step-by-step plan for handling an inheritance, the tax traps to avoid, and why a flat-fee advice-only planner often fits this moment better than a 1% advisor.
Roth conversions can save (or cost) tens of thousands of dollars depending on how they interact with IRMAA, Social Security taxation, ACA subsidies, and your future RMDs. Here's when you can handle a conversion yourself and when an advice-only planner pays for itself.
A clear-eyed look at what robo-advisors do, what financial advisors do, what each option costs in 2026, and how to think about which approach fits which situation.
Hourly financial advisors charge by the hour, like a lawyer or CPA, and only for the time you actually use. Here's how the model works, what it really costs in 2026, and when paying by the hour is the smartest way to get advice.
RSUs, ISOs, NSOs, and ESPP all work differently and are taxed differently. Here's a plain-English guide to how each type works, the decisions that come with them, and the most expensive mistakes to avoid.
Not all financial advisors put your interests first. Here are the red flags that reveal a misaligned advisor and the exact questions to ask before you sign anything.
A one-time financial plan is a great start, but life doesn't stop changing. Here's when ongoing advice pays for itself and how advice-only monthly ongoing relationships work.
Financial advisors charge anywhere from $200/hour to $10,000+ per year. Here's exactly what each fee model costs, how they compare, and which one gives you the most value for your money.
These terms sound similar, but they represent very different business models with different incentives. Here's what each one actually means, and why it matters for your wallet.
Advice-only financial planners provide expert guidance without managing your money or selling products. Here's how the model works, what it costs, and who it's best for.
A 1% AUM fee sounds small, but over decades it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here's the math, when it makes sense, and when there's a much cheaper alternative.
Not everyone needs a financial advisor, but more people would benefit from one than realize it. Here are the specific situations where professional help pays for itself.