Additional menu
ComparisonAdviser
Realize Your Financial Goals
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
Your First Year With a Financial Advisor: What to Expect
Updated May 17, 2025
The first year with a financial advisor is crucial for laying the foundation for your long-term goals. We outline what this time may look like.
5 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Updated May 13, 2025
While important, estate planning can be complex. Avoid making these 5 mistakes that could disrupt wishes from being carried out.
Is a 1% Financial Advisor Fee Worth It?
Updated May 2, 2025
The 1% AUM fee is a common price point in the financial advisor industry. But is it worth the cost? We break down how to find out.
5 Common Financial Blind Spots, According to Experts
Updated Apr 22, 2025
Overlooking important financial issues can impact your goals and plans. Discover some of the most common, according to financial advisors.
Dynasty Trusts: Basics and Benefits
Updated Apr 18, 2025
Dynasty trusts allow you to protect and preserve wealth over several generations. We explain how they work and when they may be right for you.
Roth Conversion Basics: Benefits and Drawbacks
Updated Apr 12, 2025
Converting a traditional retirement account into a Roth IRA can have several benefits. We break down the process and how to decide whether it’s worth it for you.
Expert Estate Planning Insights from Laura DiFiglio, CFP®, ChFC®
Updated Apr 5, 2025
Laura DiFiglio, CFP®, ChFC® shares her insights and experience with estate planning and how it evolves across various life stages.
Top 10 Financial Advisor Firms in the U.S.
Updated Mar 15, 2025
We break down the 10 leading financial advisor firms in the nation and how you can choose the right one for your needs.
5 Ways to Maximize an Initial Financial Advisor Meeting
Updated Mar 10, 2025
Are you meeting a financial advisor for the first time? We list important ways to get the most out of your initial consultation.
Carson Wealth Management Review
Updated Mar 7, 2025
Carson Wealth Management is a large and well-known advisory firm with over $26 billion AUM. We review its minimums, services, and fees.
Active vs. Passive Portfolio Management
Updated Mar 7, 2025
We examine and compare active and passive approaches to investing, as well as share insight into how to choose between them.
EP Wealth Advisors Review
Updated Feb 22, 2025
EP Wealth Advisors is a large RIA firm with offices in several states. We review its types of clients, services, and fee structure in-depth.
5 Critical Estate Planning Misconceptions
Updated Feb 21, 2025
We explain and clear up five recurring misconceptions surrounding planning your estate, including the insights of industry experts.
Balancing Retirement Planning With Today’s Needs
Updated Feb 14, 2025
How do you maintain a balance between retirement planning and your current lifestyle needs? We explore and examine this question in detail.
Truist Wealth Review
Updated Feb 14, 2025
Truist Wealth is a large RIA firm with over $61 billion AUM. We review its minimums, services, and fee structure.
What Happens to Debt When Someone Dies?
Updated Feb 12, 2025
How do unpaid debts get settled when someone passes away? With expert insight, we explore what happens and who must pay.
What Is a Bond Ladder?
Updated Feb 1, 2025
Bond laddering involves staggering maturity dates of fixed-income assets. Learn how it works and the benefits here.
Building a Long-Term Relationship with Your Financial Advisor
Updated Jan 25, 2025
We explore what to know as you build a long-term relationship with your financial advisor, including setting expectations and building trust.
MML Investors Services Review
Updated Jan 16, 2025
MML Investors Services is an RIA with over $70 billion AUM. We review its minimums, services, and fee structures in-depth.
Where Should You Retire? Factors to Consider
Updated Feb 22, 2025
How can you decide where to retire? We outline essential factors to consider as you map out preferred places to live.
How to Evaluate a Financial Advisor’s Performance
Updated Dec 14, 2024
Are you happy with your financial advisor? Find out how to assess their performance and what to do if they don’t meet expectations.
Retirement Income Taxes: What to Know
Updated Apr 12, 2025
Taxes are a critical element in a comprehensive retirement plan. Discover how they affect your income and how to manage them here.
What Is a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA)?
Updated Dec 6, 2024
CIMA professionals are experienced with investment management and advanced financial topics. Learn more about them and their education here.
How Retirement Planning Evolves With Age
Updated Jan 11, 2025
Planning for retirement often looks unique in different stages of life. We explore how approaches shift in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Understanding Financial Advisor Credentials
Updated Dec 6, 2024
Credentials are a crucial element of identifying the highest quality experts in the financial advice industry. Learn what they represent and why they matter.
5 Signs It’s Time to Retire
Updated Feb 18, 2025
When should you consider retirement? We break down five signs it may be around the corner, including the insights of three experts.
5 Influencing Factors of AUM Fees
Updated Nov 9, 2024
Many financial advisors charge clients based on AUM percentages. We uncover five factors that influence these fee structures.
Managing Debt: How Financial Advisors Help
Updated Nov 12, 2024
Debt can be a source of pressure and stress. Discover how a financial advisor can help you approach it effectively.
What Is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)?
Updated Nov 1, 2024
CEPA professionals specialize in helping clients plan exits from their businesses. We break down their skill sets and how to find one.
Why Homeowners Should Hire a Financial Advisor
Updated Dec 19, 2024
Are you a homeowner? Here are five reasons you should consider hiring a financial advisor to have in your corner.
Planning a Big Purchase? 5 Considerations
Updated Oct 19, 2024
Large purchases can feel like choices with many possible ripple effects. Find out what to consider before you make one.
Early Retirement Number: Basics and How to Calculate
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Early retirement requires careful planning and saving. We explain how to calculate how much you need to stop working early.
5 Reasons to Switch Financial Advisors
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Are you happy with your advisor? Here are five signs it’s time to consider a switch to another expert.
Investing in Commodities: What to Know
Updated Sep 23, 2024
Commodities are an alternative investment option that can diversify one’s portfolio. Discover how they work and their pros and cons.
What Is an A-B Trust?
Updated Feb 5, 2025
An A-B trust can be a valuable tool for married couples in their estate plans. Learn how it works and its benefits and drawbacks here.
Understanding a Fund Prospectus
Updated Sep 6, 2024
A prospectus includes essential information about a mutual fund or ETF. Learn more about what’s in them here.
Should You Get a Prenup? What Experts Say
Updated Sep 6, 2024
A prenuptial agreement can secure your assets following a divorce. Find out more about them and their advantages.
Irrevocable Trusts: What to Know
Updated Feb 5, 2025
Irrevocable trusts have tax and asset protection challenges, but can’t be taken back once created. We break down critical details about them.
Charitable Giving: Role in a Financial Plan
Updated Aug 23, 2024
Charitable giving can be a fulfilling and satisfying way to use your money for good. Learn how it fits into a financial plan and the various methods of doing so.
What Is a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA)?
Updated Dec 6, 2024
CPWA professionals are skilled in working with the needs of high-net-worth clients. Learn more about their expertise and how to find one.
Impact of an Inheritance on Retirement Planning
Updated Nov 27, 2024
Find out how an inheritance can transform your financial landscape and retirement outlook, as well as what to do and avoid.
What Is a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)?
Updated Aug 9, 2024
CLU professionals have experience in insurance and estate planning. We cover how they earn their title, what they do, and how to find one.
What Is a Living Trust?
Updated Feb 5, 2025
A living trust is a flexible estate planning tool you can change during your lifetime. Learn more about how it works.
Private Equity as an Alternative Investment
Updated Aug 2, 2024
Private equity is an important alternative investment available to high-net-worth investors. We break down what it is and how it works.
What Is an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP)?
Updated Aug 16, 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 Mar 4, 2025
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 Sep 3, 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 Apr 4, 2025
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 Oct 25, 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 Apr 2, 2025
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 Sep 13, 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 Aug 30, 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 Sep 26, 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 Sep 3, 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 Feb 4, 2025
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 Feb 5, 2025
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 Mar 4, 2025
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 Sep 23, 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 Jan 11, 2025
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 Sep 26, 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 Dec 26, 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 Jan 7, 2025
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 Apr 21, 2025
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 Sep 6, 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 Nov 14, 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 Jan 10, 2025
Mariner Wealth Advisors is a large RIA firm with offices in 44 states. This page reviews its services, fee structures, and reputation.
Creative Planning Review
Updated Dec 27, 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 3, 2025
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 Jan 3, 2025
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 Jan 4, 2025
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 Nov 14, 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 Mar 5, 2025
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 Jan 3, 2025
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 Apr 2, 2025
Learn more about the various ways financial advisors can help you optimize and manage your small business.
What Are Alternative Investments?
Updated Sep 23, 2024
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 Jan 17, 2025
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 Jan 17, 2025
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 Nov 14, 2024
Learn more about the difference between discretionary and non-discretionary portfolio managers and why it’s important.
How Divorce Affects Retirement
Updated Apr 21, 2025
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 Dec 2, 2024
Lincoln Financial Advisors offers asset management and financial planning services. Learn more about the company here.
What Is the FIRE Movement?
Updated Oct 11, 2024
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 Mar 15, 2025
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 Aug 9, 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 Jan 3, 2025
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 Dec 27, 2024
Ameriprise is a brokerage and investment advisor firm with over $1 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 Dec 6, 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 Sep 23, 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 Apr 21, 2025
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 Aug 30, 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 Dec 27, 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 Sep 23, 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 Feb 7, 2025
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 Sep 23, 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 Aug 30, 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 Aug 30, 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 Aug 9, 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 Aug 9, 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 Sep 13, 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 Sep 23, 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 Nov 14, 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 Feb 25, 2025
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 Jan 11, 2025
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 Aug 30, 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.