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Brandon Canonica
Senior Finance Writer
Education
BA, English, University of Washington
About
Brandon is a finance writer and content strategist for ComparisonAdviser. For the past three years, he's written about a variety of topics in the industry, such as insurance, financial advisors, and investing. He specializes in creating detailed, helpful content to assist and inform readers. Brandon is also a co-founder and the COO of RateSonic, a website educating consumers about insurance.
Articles by Brandon Canonica
What Is an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP)?
Updated Jul 26, 2024
Individuals with the AEP designation are skilled with estate planning services. Learn what they do and how to become one here.
What Is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
Updated Jul 26, 2024
A Health Savings Account (HSA) can help you pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free. We explain how it works and highlight its benefits.
What Is Tax Diversification?
Updated Jul 26, 2024
Tax diversification is a strategy that can help you save money and gain flexibility. We break down how it works here.
What Is Long-Term Care Planning?
Updated Jul 12, 2024
Long-term care can be unforeseen and expensive. We explain the essentials of preparing for it financially here.
How to Choose a Robo-Advisor
Updated Jul 12, 2024
Robo-advisors are a more hands-off, cost-effective alternative to traditional advisors. Learn how to select the right one for you.
What Is a Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP)?
Updated Jul 5, 2024
RICPs have expertise in planning retirement income strategies. We explain what goes into earning this title and how to find one here.
Got a Windfall? Here’s What You Should Do
Updated Jun 28, 2024
What would you do if you suddenly received a large sum of money? We explain steps to take after getting a windfall.
How Financial Advisors Help Married Couples
Updated Jul 26, 2024
Marriage is one of many life events that can influence your plans and goals. Find out how a financial advisor can guide married couples.
Understanding the MSCI EAFE Index
Updated Jun 28, 2024
The MSCI EAFE tracks international markets excluding the U.S. or Canada. We explain how it works and how to invest in it here.
Does the 4% Rule Work? What Financial Advisors Say
Updated Jun 14, 2024
We interviewed financial experts to find out how well the 4% retirement withdrawal rule works in practice.
What Is Asset Protection Planning?
Updated Jul 19, 2024
Protecting your assets from creditors and lawsuits is a vital part of estate planning. We break down how it works and types of strategies.
Should You Sell Your Home in Retirement?
Updated Jun 7, 2024
Home ownership accounts for nearly half of middle-class household wealth. We outline reasons for and against selling this asset in retirement.
Understanding Tax Loss Carryforwards
Updated May 31, 2024
Tax loss carryforwards allow you to reduce your tax burden in future years. Learn more about how it works here.
Understanding the Nasdaq Composite Index
Updated Jun 28, 2024
The Nasdaq Composite is a well-known market index that tracks nearly every stock in the Nasdaq exchange. Learn more here.
What Is the Rule of 55?
Updated Jun 6, 2024
The rule of 55 allows you to withdraw funds from your workplace retirement plan penalty-free. Learn how it works here.
Retirement Security Rule: What It Means for Investors and Advisors
Updated May 17, 2024
The Retirement Security Rule introduces new changes to the retirement advice industry. We outline what it means for investors and advisors.
529 Plans vs. UGMA/UTMA Accounts for College Saving
Updated Jul 23, 2024
529s and UGMA/UTMA accounts are both common ways of saving for your kid’s college education. We break down their differences and advantages.
Understanding FINRA
Updated Apr 26, 2024
FINRA is an organization that regulates brokers and U.S. capital markets. We break down how it works and what it does here.
What Is a 403(b)?
Updated Jun 7, 2024
403(b)s are tax-advantaged retirement accounts for public sector and non-profit employees. We explain how they work and their pros and cons in this article.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: What to Know
Updated May 31, 2024
Cash and cash equivalents are a primary type of asset class that offer flexibility and stability. Learn more about them and how they work.
Retiring Abroad: What to Know
Updated Apr 19, 2024
Retiring in another country can be rewarding and stressful. We explain six details to consider before moving abroad.
Understanding the Russell 2000 Index
Updated Jun 28, 2024
The Russell 2000 is a market index that tracks 2,000 small-cap companies in the nation. Learn why it’s important and what criteria it uses in this article.
What Is a Conservatorship?
Updated Apr 5, 2024
Conservatorships allow a court-appointed individual to manage another person’s affairs. Learn how they work in this article.
How Age and Time Horizon Impact Investor Decisions
Updated Apr 8, 2024
Many factors influence the decisions investors make. This study examines how age and time horizon affect reactions after a sharp market drop.
Separately Managed Account (SMA) Basics
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Separately managed accounts are a personalized investment advisory service, often for high-net-worth clients. Learn how they work here.
SigFig Review
Updated Mar 15, 2024
SigFig is a robo-advisor with more than $2 billion AUM. We review what you need to know about the company and its services here.
Ellevest Review
Updated May 17, 2024
Ellevest is a robo-advisor and wealth management company for women. Learn more about how it works in this review.
Cerity Partners Review
Updated May 17, 2024
Cerity Partners is a wealth management firm with over $50 billion AUM. This page reviews its services and reputation in-depth.
Understanding the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)
Updated Jun 28, 2024
The DJIA is a market index that tracks 30 of the most successful U.S. companies. We explain what it is and how it works here.
Mercer Global Advisors Review
Updated Jul 19, 2024
Mercer Global Advisors is an RIA firm that offers financial planning and investment management. We review the firm and its services in this article.
What Is a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC)?
Updated Feb 23, 2024
CRPCs are professionals that can help you plan for retirement, as well as life after. In this article, we explain what they do and how to find one.
Portfolio Rebalancing: What to Know
Updated Mar 8, 2024
Rebalancing helps keep your portfolio on track toward your objectives. Learn more about how it works on this page.
LPL Financial Review
Updated Feb 23, 2024
LPL Financial is a large RIA and broker-dealer with over $360 billion AUM. This page reviews its services, fee structure, and reputation.
What Is a Unit Investment Trust (UIT)?
Updated Apr 5, 2024
Unit investment trusts (UITs) are funds that invest in a specific set of securities. We break down how they work in this guide.
CIBC Private Wealth Advisors Review
Updated May 17, 2024
CIBC Private Wealth Advisors is an advisory firm with over $50 billion AUM. This page reviews its services, fee structures, and reputation.
Mariner Wealth Advisors Review
Updated Feb 9, 2024
Mariner Wealth Advisors is a large RIA firm with offices in 34 states. This page reviews its services, fee structures, and reputation.
Creative Planning Review
Updated Jan 26, 2024
Creative Planning is a large investment advisor firm with over $150 billion AUM. We review its services, fee structures, and reputation here.
Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services Review
Updated Jan 26, 2024
Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services is an RIA firm with over $55 billion AUM. This page reviews its services, fee structure, and reputation.
Morgan Stanley Core Portfolios Review
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Offered via the E*TRADE Platform, Core Portfolios is Morgan Stanley’s robo-advisor product. Find out how it works in this review.
CAPTRUST Advisor Review
Updated Mar 22, 2024
CAPTRUST is an advisory firm exceeding $700 billion AUM. We review its services and fee structures in detail here.
How Emergency Funds Work
Updated Jan 12, 2024
Emergencies often come without warning and at a high cost. Find out how you can set money aside and plan for them here.
Voya Investment Management Review
Updated Jul 5, 2024
Voya Investment Management is a large advisory firm with over $230 billion AUM. This page reviews its services and fee structures.
MFS Investment Management Review
Updated Jan 19, 2024
MFS Investment Management is an advisory firm that exclusively serves institutional investors. We review the company and its services in this guide.
Pros and Cons of Hiring a Financial Advisor
Updated Dec 22, 2023
Employing the services of a financial advisor can give you peace of mind as you build your finances. But it’s not always for everyone. Learn why here.
Fidelity Go Review
Updated Dec 8, 2023
Fidelity Go is a robo-advisor with automated investing and portfolio rebalancing. Find out how it works and how much it costs in this review.
SoFi Wealth Review
Updated Dec 1, 2023
SoFi offers automated investment management and financial planning. Learn more about how it works in this review.
How Financial Advisors Help Small Businesses
Updated Jun 14, 2024
Learn more about the various ways financial advisors can help you optimize and manage your small business.
What Are Alternative Investments?
Updated Dec 8, 2023
Alternative investments have different features from traditional assets, such as stocks or bonds. Find out how they work in this article.
How Compound Interest Works
Updated Jan 9, 2024
Compound interest can significantly increase your savings over a long period of time. Learn how it works here.
Retirement Planning for HENRYs
Updated Jul 19, 2024
Are you a high earner without a lot saved up? Learn more about the steps to take to set yourself up for retirement.
T. Rowe Price Advisor Review
Updated Jul 5, 2024
T. Rowe Price is a large financial services company with over $1 trillion AUM. Read more about its advisory products and fee structures.
Empower Advisor Review
Updated Oct 27, 2023
Empower offers a range of financial advisory services for many types of clients. Learn about the firm’s products and fee structures here.
Discretionary vs. Non-Discretionary Management
Updated Feb 9, 2024
Learn more about the difference between discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio managers and why it’s important.
How Divorce Affects Retirement
Updated Jul 26, 2024
Find out how a divorce can drastically affect your retirement plan, and why a professional can help in this article.
Lincoln Financial Advisors Review
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Lincoln Financial Advisors offers asset management and financial planning services. Learn more about the company here.
What Is the FIRE Movement?
Updated Nov 10, 2023
The FIRE Movement is a popular strategy for retiring early. Learn how it works and its pros and cons here.
Wells Fargo Advisors Review
Updated Jul 5, 2024
Wells Fargo Advisors is a well-known advisory firm with over $500 billion AUM. This page reviews its services, fee structures, and more.
Pros and Cons of Retiring Early
Updated Apr 19, 2024
Retiring early can give you lots of free time to do what you want. However, it can also have some drawbacks. Learn more in this article.
Fisher Investments Review
Updated Dec 29, 2023
Fisher Investments is an advisory firm with well over $200 billion AUM. This page reviews its services, fee structure, and reputation.
Ameriprise Advisor Review
Updated Apr 5, 2024
Ameriprise is a brokerage and investment advisor firm with over $1.7 trillion AUM. This article reviews its services.
How to Become a Financial Advisor
Updated Dec 8, 2023
Learn about the qualifications, education, and experience financial advisors need before they serve clients.
Advance Healthcare Directives: What to Know
Updated Jul 19, 2024
Healthcare directives can help you ensure you get the treatment you want when you can’t communicate. Learn how they work here.
What Is Tax-Loss Harvesting?
Updated Apr 22, 2024
Tax-loss harvesting can help you offset taxes on capital gains. We break down how it works in this article.
What Is Portfolio Management?
Updated Mar 8, 2024
Managing a portfolio often necessitates the skills and expertise of a professional. Learn more about how it works here.
Form ADV: A Detailed Overview
Updated May 17, 2024
Form ADV reveals information about an advisor’s compensation, AUM, and more. Learn what it is and how to look it up here.
Investing in Gold: What to Know
Updated Jun 7, 2024
Adding gold to your portfolio can help you hedge against inflation and diversify. Learn the benefits and disadvantages here.
What Is a Flat-Fee Financial Advisor?
Updated Nov 23, 2023
Flat fees are one of the most common payment structures individual advisory professionals and firms use. Learn more about how they work here.
What Is a 529 Plan?
Updated Jun 7, 2024
Discover how a 529 savings plan can help you put away and invest money for your children’s college tuition.
What Is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)?
Updated May 17, 2024
Well-versed in providing financial advice, RIAs must register with the government and follow a fiduciary standard. We define them here.
Types of Asset Classes
Updated May 31, 2024
Asset classes contain investments with similar risks, rewards, and laws to follow. Find out more about the different types on this page.
What Is Diversification?
Updated Mar 22, 2024
A diverse investment portfolio can help you effectively manage risk and generate stable returns. Find out how it works in this article.
Power of Attorney: What It Means
Updated Jun 14, 2024
Entrusting someone with power of attorney (POA) can help ensure your wishes are met if you can’t communicate. Learn more.
What Is Probate?
Updated Jun 14, 2024
Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they pass away. Learn more about it and how it works.
What Are ETFs?
Updated Jun 7, 2024
ETFs enable you to diversify your portfolio with many different securities. Find out more about how they work in this article.
What Is a Beneficiary?
Updated Feb 2, 2024
Naming beneficiaries allows you to pass on your assets beyond your lifetime. Learn how to choose them, as well as the different types here.
Talking to a Financial Advisor? What to Know
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Meeting with a financial advisor requires some preparation. We cover what you need to do before you talk to your professional.
What Are Stocks?
Updated May 31, 2024
Stocks are a popular asset that allow you to own a piece of a large company. Learn how they work and about their pros and cons here.
Passive Real Estate Investing Basics
Updated Mar 8, 2024
Investing in real estate doesn’t always involve flipping or renting out houses. Find out how to add passive real estate to your portfolio.
What Is a Trust?
Updated Jun 14, 2024
Trusts allow you to protect your assets both during and past your lifetime. This article details how they work and the different types.
What Are Index Funds?
Updated Jun 28, 2024
Index funds are passive investments that often provide predictable long-term returns. Find out how they work in this article.
Risk Management in Financial Planning
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Navigating risk is an important part of financial planning and investment success. We break down how it works here.
What Is a 401(k)?
Updated May 24, 2024
401(k)s are a way many people save for retirement through their employer. This article will explain how they work.
CFAs vs. CFPs
Updated Feb 9, 2024
CFAs and CFPs are both highly respected financial professionals. But they’re not the same. Learn more about their differences.
What Is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)?
Updated Feb 23, 2024
Certified financial planners (CFPs) can help you effectively plan your finances. Learn more about them here.
What Is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?
Updated Nov 23, 2023
Chartered financial analysts (CFAs) have significant education and experience in investment management. Learn more about them here.
How to Choose a Financial Advisor
Updated Jul 22, 2024
Finding a financial advisor is tough with so many options on the table. This article will help you get started and narrow your search.
What Is a Financial Advisor?
Updated Apr 26, 2024
Financial advisors can help you manage your money responsibly. Find out what they do, how to find one, the cost to hire one, and more.