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Sean Canonica
Senior Finance Writer
Education
BA, English
University of Washington
About
Sean is a finance writer and content strategist for ComparisonAdviser. He has over three years of experience writing about various topics, such as insurance, financial advisors, and investing. Additionally, he is a co-founder and the CEO of RateSonic, an online insurance resource. Sean values helping readers understand difficult topics by creating easy-to-read and thorough content.
Articles by Sean Canonica
Navigating Holiday Expenses: Tips from Financial Experts
Updated Dec 20, 2024
Balancing long-term goals with increased holiday spending can be difficult. Hear what financial experts say you can do to stay on track.
Retirement Planning After Losing Your Job
Updated Dec 19, 2024
Losing a job can suddenly disrupt your life and retirement plan. We explore actionable ways you can stay on track toward your goals.
Retirement Bucket Strategy: What to Know
Updated Dec 14, 2024
The bucket strategy is a way of drawing down assets during retirement. Discover how it works, its pros and cons, and how an advisor can help.
Avoiding Probate: What Experts Say
Updated Dec 14, 2024
Want to avoid probate? We outline what you should know, featuring tips from three experienced estate planning attorneys.
MLB Player to CFP® Professional: Lessons from Matt Mieske
Updated Dec 6, 2024
The former MLB player and current financial advisor shares his journey to a new career and insights on managing challenges in both money and life.
Osaic Wealth Review
Updated Nov 28, 2024
Osaic Wealth is a wealth management firm offering financial planning and investment advisory. We review what you can expect from its services.
Small vs. Large Financial Advisor Firms: Choosing the Right Fit
Updated Nov 28, 2024
Small and large financial advisor firms each afford clients unique benefits. Learn more about their differences and how to choose the right fit.
Role of Life Insurance in Retirement Plan
Updated Nov 16, 2024
Life insurance can be used as a flexible financial tool during retirement. We break down how it works and the pros and cons to consider.
Wealth Planning for Athletes: What to Know
Updated Nov 15, 2024
Athletes face many unique financial challenges. We break these obstacles down and how you can select an advisor for your needs.
Identity Theft in Retirement: How to Protect Yourself
Updated Nov 11, 2024
Identity theft is a threat that can could damage or derail your retirement. Learn how to take proactive steps to protect yourself.
Healthcare Planning for Retirees: What to Know
Updated Nov 1, 2024
Healthcare is a big and often overlooked expense for retirees. Learn what to know about planning for it, including how an advisor can help.
6 Unexpected Retirement Expenses and How to Handle Them
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Even when you retire, life can throw financial surprises your way. Learn what the most common unexpected expenses are and how to handle them.
Education Planning: How It Works and What to Consider
Updated Oct 25, 2024
Paying for college can feel like a huge financial obstacle. We explain what goes into the education planning process and how an advisor can help.
Avoid These 5 Costly Mistakes When Planning for Retirement
Updated Oct 19, 2024
Planning for retirement is a lifelong process. Avoiding these 5 mistakes along the way can help ensure a smoother transition into your golden years.
What Are Treasury Bills?
Updated Oct 16, 2024
Treasury bills are a short-term investment option that are fully backed by the U.S. government. Learn how they work and their pros and cons.
What Are High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs)?
Updated Oct 11, 2024
High-yield savings accounts offer APYs higher than the average bank account. Learn how they work and what role they may play in a person’s portfolio.
Capital Preservation Strategy: What to Know
Updated Nov 22, 2024
Employing strategies to preserve your capital can be helpful as you near important goals such as retirement. We break down how it works.
How Do You Hedge Against Inflation? What Advisors Say
Updated Sep 27, 2024
Hedging against inflation is important to protect your purchasing power. Learn what advisors say you should consider before doing so.
Top Challenges for New Retirees and How to Overcome Them
Updated Sep 23, 2024
New retirees face many financial challenges once their career ends. We break down the most significant and ways to overcome them.
What Is the Three-Fund Portfolio Strategy?
Updated Sep 13, 2024
The three-fund portfolio is a simple way to construct your portfolio. We explain what you should know, including its pros and cons.
International Stocks: What to Know
Updated Sep 13, 2024
International stocks allow you to invest in non-U.S. companies to diversify your portfolio. We explain how they work and their benefits and risks.
Buy-and-Hold Portfolio Strategy: What to Know
Updated Sep 6, 2024
The buy-and-hold strategy is a simple and efficient way to realize long-term gains. We explain how it works and its benefits and risks.
What Are Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS)?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
TIPS shield investors from inflation by adjusting the principal every six months. Here’s how they work and what you should consider.
What Are Bond Funds?
Updated Sep 6, 2024
Bonds funds are professionally managed portfolios that invest in fixed-income securities. We outline how they work and the benefits and disadvantages.
What Is a Backdoor Roth IRA?
Updated Oct 11, 2024
The backdoor IRA method allows you to convert nondeductible contributions to your traditional IRA into a Roth IRA. We break down how it works and the process’s pros and cons.
Navigating Low Interest Rates: What to Know
Updated Oct 11, 2024
Learn how lower interest rates impact borrowing, saving, and investing, and discover strategies to navigate these changes.
What Is a Money Market Fund?
Updated Aug 16, 2024
Money market funds are highly liquid mutual funds that invest in short-term securities. We break down how they work and their pros and cons.
Investing for Passive Income: What to Know
Updated Aug 9, 2024
Passive income can be highly beneficial to your financial situation. Learn about potential sources of income and what you should consider before you begin.
Does Paying for Financial Advice Make People More Confident?
Updated Sep 26, 2024
Learn how advisors impact confidence in one’s financial plan across ages, with insights from survey data and industry experts.
Personal Cash Flow: What to Know
Updated Jul 26, 2024
Understanding your cash flow allows you to gain a clearer picture of your finances. Learn how it works and how an advisor can help.
What Is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)?
Updated Jul 26, 2024
CDFAs help clients navigate the financial challenges of the divorce process. Learn more about the designation and how to find one.
What Is a Brokerage Account?
Updated Jul 19, 2024
Brokerage accounts allow you to invest your funds and, if needed, liquidate assets and make withdrawals at any time. We break down how they work and where they may fit into your financial plan.
How to Choose an Estate Planner
Updated Jul 22, 2024
Hiring the right estate planner is crucial to ensure your needs are met. Here’s what you should consider before selecting a professional.
AI In the Financial Advisor Industry: Present and Future Impact
Updated Jul 15, 2024
The growth of AI has several impacts on the financial advisor industry. We outline the ramifications and what they mean for both professionals and clients.
How to Find Affordable Financial Advice
Updated Jul 5, 2024
Professional financial advice can be expensive. We cover ways to get the help you need at a reduced cost or even free in certain cases.
Should You Get a Job After You Retire?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Getting a job after you retire allows you to gain purpose and additional income. We will explain what you should know about returning to work.
What Is Market Capitalization?
Updated Jun 28, 2024
Market cap allows investors to quickly and easily value a company, as well as see where it’s positioned. We explain why this metric is important and how to calculate it.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Expirations: Changes That May Impact You
Updated Jun 20, 2024
Many of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions are set to expire by 2026. Learn what these changes are and how they may impact you.
Retirement Planning for Small Business Owners
Updated Nov 1, 2024
As a business owner, it’s up to you to establish a retirement plan for you and your employees. We outline what goes into the process and how an advisor can help.
Gifting for Estate Planning: What to Know
Updated Jun 28, 2024
Gifting assets can help reduce your estate’s tax burden and gain more control over who gets what. We explain what you should know about the process.
What Are Expense Ratios?
Updated Sep 6, 2024
An expense ratio is the total cost an investor must cover each year to own shares of a fund. Here’s how they work and what impact they have on your portfolio.
What Is a SIMPLE IRA?
Updated Jun 7, 2024
The SIMPLE IRA gives small businesses a low-maintenance way to offer a retirement plan for their employees. We outline how the arrangement works.
Short-Term Investments: What to Know
Updated Aug 16, 2024
Short-term investments give those with a small time horizon a way to gain returns while sheltering their funds from risk. We explain how these securities work.
The Great Wealth Transfer: Why to Start Planning Now
Updated Jun 28, 2024
The Great Wealth Transfer is poised to bring over $70 trillion to younger generations. Here’s why it’s crucial to start planning for it now.
How the SEC Regulates Financial Advisors
Updated Oct 11, 2024
The SEC is an agency that protects investors and maintains fair markets. We explain how they regulate the financial advisory industry.
What Is a 457(b)?
Updated May 17, 2024
457(b)s are employer-sponsored retirement plans for local government and tax-exempt organization employees. We break down how they work and their pros and cons.
How Many People Use a Financial Advisor to Invest?
Updated Sep 26, 2024
Investing is crucial for one to reach their goals and build wealth. This study examines how many people use a financial advisor to manage their portfolio.
Required Minimum Distributions: What to Know
Updated Oct 11, 2024
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are amounts you must withdraw from retirement accounts each year, starting at 73. Learn how they work and about their impact.
What Is a SEP IRA?
Updated Apr 19, 2024
A SEP IRA is an employer-funded retirement account. Learn more about how it works and how to set one up in this article.
What Is a High-Net-Worth Individual?
Updated Aug 16, 2024
What criteria makes someone a high-net-worth individual? We explain what gives someone this label and what it means for their finances.
What Is Net Asset Value (NAV)?
Updated Sep 6, 2024
The net asset value (NAV) of a fund is a metric that allows investors to track its per-share value over time. Learn how it works in this article.
What Is a Unified Managed Account (UMA)?
Updated Apr 5, 2024
Unified managed accounts (UMAs) combine various securities and separately managed accounts under one roof. Learn how they work in this article.
What Is an Estate Sale?
Updated Mar 29, 2024
Estate sales are a way to sell off someone’s property all at once. Learn how they work and what it takes to conduct one in this article.
What Are UGMA/UTMA Accounts?
Updated Oct 25, 2024
UGMA/UTMA accounts allow you to set money aside for a child’s future. Learn how they work and their pros and cons in this article.
Risk Tolerance: What to Know
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Before investing, it’s important to know what your risk tolerance is. In this article, we explain what it is and how you can determine it.
What Is the SECURE Act 2.0?
Updated Jun 6, 2024
The Secure Act 2.0 is meant to make it easier to save and invest for retirement. Learn how it works and what it does here.
Understanding the S&P 500 Index
Updated Nov 14, 2024
The S&P 500 is an index that tracks many of the top companies in the U.S. In this article, we explain what it is and how to invest in it.
What Is a Family Office?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Family offices offer comprehensive wealth management solutions to ultra-wealthy families. Learn how they work and who should hire one in this article.
What Are Dividends?
Updated Aug 9, 2024
Dividends are when a company distributes a portion of its profits to its shareholders. Learn more about what they are and how they work here.
Cresset Capital Review
Updated May 31, 2024
Cresset Capital is a firm that specializes in wealth management. Learn how its services and fee structure works in this review.
Remote Financial Advice: Are People Open to It?
Updated Sep 26, 2024
Remote advisors are becoming much more common. This study looks at whether people are open to the concept, as well as how this impacts the industry.
Private Advisor Group Review
Updated Jul 19, 2024
Private Advisor Group is an RIA firm that offers both investment management and financial planning. We review its services in this article.
Mesirow Financial Investment Management Review
Updated Feb 23, 2024
Mesirow Financial Investment Management provides wealth advisory and financial planning services to its clients. We review what you can expect from the firm here.
Capital Gains Tax: What to Know
Updated May 31, 2024
Whenever you sell an asset for a profit, you’re subject to capital gains tax. Learn how it works and ways to reduce it in this guide.
Facet Review
Updated Nov 14, 2024
Facet is a full-service financial planning firm that operates exclusively online. This review breaks down what to expect from its services.
U.S. Bank Automated Investor Review
Updated Feb 16, 2024
U.S. Bank Automated Investor is a robo-advisor exclusive to existing clients of the firm. We review how it works and what it costs in this article.
Hightower Advisors Review
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Hightower Advisors offers both investment management and financial planning. This guide reviews what you can expect from the firm’s services.
Understanding Financial Advisor Disclosures
Updated Oct 11, 2024
Disclosures allow you to assess a financial advisor’s disciplinary history, including regulatory or legal actions. We explain how they work and why they’re so important.
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios Review
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Schwab Intelligent Portfolios builds and manages your portfolio on your behalf without charging an advisory fee. We review its services in this article.
What Is a Roth 401(k)?
Updated Apr 19, 2024
Roth 401(k)s allow you to make payroll-deducted contributions with after-tax dollars. We explain how these plans work in this article.
Acorns Review
Updated Nov 14, 2024
Acorns is a robo-advisor firm that allows to make micro-investments and grow your portfolio over time. We review the firm’s services in this guide.
What Is ESG Investing?
Updated Jan 31, 2024
ESG investing allows you to invest in companies that align with your values. Learn how it works and why it’s important here.
What Is a Wrap Fee Program?
Updated Jun 7, 2024
Wrap fee programs simplify how you pay for investment management and financial advice. Learn how this fee structure works in this article.
Ally Invest Review
Updated May 17, 2024
Ally Invest provides discretionary advisor and investment management services to clients. We review how it works and what to expect from the company.
What Is a Pension Plan?
Updated Feb 9, 2024
Pension plans are employer-sponsored programs that give you guaranteed income after you retire. We explain how they work in this article.
TD Automated Investing Review
Updated Feb 16, 2024
TD Automated Investing builds your portfolio on your behalf according to your goals. We review what you can expect from its services here.
Vanguard Digital Advisor Review
Updated Jan 19, 2024
Vanguard Digital Advisor helps you build your portfolio using a blend of ETFs, mutual funds, and bonds. We review the tool in this guide.
Beginning of Year Personal Finance Checklist
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Each year, it’s smart to look ahead and see how you can get closer to your financial goals. We offer several tasks you can complete ahead of the new year.
End of Year Finance Checklist
Updated Jul 26, 2024
As each year ends, it’s smart to review your finances to see where you stand and identify opportunities. We provide a checklist to help you with this process.
Understanding Net Worth
Updated Dec 8, 2023
Your net worth is a core indicator of your economic position and financial wellbeing. Learn how it works and why it’s important here.
Merrill Guided Investing Review
Updated Dec 1, 2023
Merrill Guided Investing offers automated portfolio management at a low minimum. We review the company and how it works here.
What Are Investable Assets?
Updated Jan 12, 2024
Investable assets are a key part of your financial picture. We explain why they’re important and how you can calculate them here.
What Is a Conflict of Interest?
Updated May 17, 2024
Conflicts of interest are a common issue in the financial advisor industry. Learn what they are and how you can spot them in this article.
Wealthfront Review
Updated Mar 8, 2024
Wealthfront is a robo-advisor firm that primarily offers investment management services. We review what you can expect from the company here.
Betterment Review
Updated Mar 8, 2024
Betterment is a robo-advisor firm that helps clients build their portfolios via automated tools and portfolios. We review the company here.
What Is a Financial Therapist?
Updated Nov 10, 2023
Money can cause a great deal of stress and worry in our day-to-day lives. Learn how a financial therapist can help relieve these feelings.
Managing Inflation in Retirement
Updated Jan 12, 2024
Inflation can significantly impact your retirement income. Learn why this is and what you can do about it in this article.
Retirement Planning for Teachers
Updated May 17, 2024
Teachers have special financial considerations to make before retirement. Here’s what goes into an educator’s retirement and how an advisor can help.
What Is a Broker-Dealer?
Updated Apr 26, 2024
Broker-dealers are firms or individuals who trade within their account or on behalf of clients. Learn more about them and their role here.
Types of Financial Advisors
Updated Dec 6, 2024
Financial professionals provide diverse services, each with unique skillsets. Find the right fit for your needs among investment advisors, wealth managers, planners, and more.
Edelman Financial Engines Review
Updated Dec 29, 2023
Edelman is a financial and investment advisory firm with approximately $291 billion AUM. Learn what you can expect from its services here.
Stifel Advisor Review
Updated Dec 29, 2023
Stifel is a financial advisory firm based in St. Louis, MO. This guide breaks down what you can expect from its planning and portfolio management services.
RBC Wealth Management Review
Updated Feb 2, 2024
RBC Wealth Management offers both financial planning and investment advisory services. Here’s how these services work and what they offer.
What Is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)?
Updated Sep 23, 2024
Chartered alternative investment analysts (CAIAs) help you select and manage assets like hedge funds, private equity, and commodities. Learn more about them in this detailed guide.
Role of Financial Advisors in Retirement Planning
Updated Jul 5, 2024
Retirement planning is important, but it can be challenging for the average person. Learn how a financial advisor can help you prepare for life after work.
Raymond James Advisor Review
Updated Feb 2, 2024
Raymond James is an investment banking and financial services firm with $1.09 trillion AUM. This article reviews what you can expect from its advisory services.
What Is a Hedge Fund?
Updated Apr 16, 2024
Hedge funds give investors access to unique and alternative investment strategies. Learn more about how they work in this article.
U.S. Bank Advisor Review
Updated Feb 9, 2024
U.S. Bank is one of the largest banks in the world. In this guide, we take a look at its wealth and investment advisory services.
UBS Advisor Review
Updated Mar 22, 2024
UBS is a global investment bank and advisory firm with $3.96 trillion AUM. In this guide, we break down what you can expect from the firm’s advisory services.
Merrill Lynch Advisor Review
Updated Dec 29, 2023
Merrill Lynch offers wealth management and investment advisory for various types of clients. Learn more about the firm and its services in this guide.
Charles Schwab Advisor Review
Updated Dec 29, 2023
With over $7 trillion AUM, Charles Schwab is one of the highest rated financial services firms. This review will break down its advisory services.
What Is the Suitability Standard?
Updated Apr 26, 2024
Brokers must follow the suitability standard when they recommend investments for clients. Here’s how it works and why it’s important.
How Estate Taxes Work
Updated Aug 30, 2024
When someone passes away, their estate may be subject to the estate tax depending on its value. We explain how it works in this guide.
How to Create a Budget
Updated Mar 8, 2024
Budgeting is a powerful way to save more and spend less. Learn how it works and why it’s so beneficial in this guide.
Morgan Stanley Advisor Review
Updated Feb 2, 2024
Morgan Stanley is a financial services firm with over $1.3 trillion in AUM. This guide reviews the company’s advisory services.
J.P. Morgan Advisor Review
Updated Sep 16, 2023
J.P. Morgan, one of the world’s largest banks, offers wealth management and financial advice. Learn how these services work and what they include here.
Fidelity Wealth Management Review
Updated Aug 16, 2024
Fidelity is a financial services company that offers wealth management and investment advice. We break these services down here.
Edward Jones Advisor Review
Updated Apr 5, 2024
Edward Jones is a financial services firm with over $1.7 trillion AUM. Learn more about the company’s advisor services here.
Vanguard Advisor Review
Updated Dec 29, 2023
Vanguard is an investment and advisor firm with over $7 trillion AUM. We break down its advisor products and what each offers you.
Are Financial Advisor Fees Negotiable?
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Financial advisors can be expensive. We explain how you can negotiate with a professional to lower your total advisory fees.
What Are Certificates of Deposit (CDs)?
Updated Oct 25, 2024
CDs allow you to save your money at higher interest rates for a fixed period. Learn how they work and their pros and cons here.
How Dollar-Cost Averaging Works
Updated Jan 31, 2024
Dollar-cost averaging helps you balance risk and reward as you invest over time. We break down how it works and who should consider it.
How to Set Financial Goals
Updated Jan 12, 2024
Setting financial goals is an important step in planning for the future. We break down each step so you can get closer to your objectives.
Assets Under Management (AUM)
Updated Nov 9, 2024
Firms use AUM as a measuring stick for success, as well as a way to market to clients. Here’s how it works and why it matters.
What Is an Investment Advisor Representative (IAR)?
Updated Apr 26, 2024
Investment advisor representatives work for large advisory firms and help you build and manage your portfolio. Learn more about them here.
How to Save and Invest for College
Updated Oct 25, 2024
Saving for your child’s college education is important, but it can be daunting. We break down how to plan for this crucial step in their life.
Passive Real Estate Investing Strategies
Updated Nov 14, 2024
There are ways to invest in real estate so you can create passive income. Here’s an in-depth look at seven strategies that may work for you.
What Is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)?
Updated Jan 6, 2024
Chartered financial consultants can help you with a wide range of financial planning tasks. Learn more about them here.
What Is an Executor?
Updated Jul 19, 2024
The executor is the individual who carries out the deceased’s wishes according to their will. Here’s how they work and what they do.
What Is a Letter of Intent?
Updated Aug 2, 2024
Writing a letter of intent helps you convey your last wishes to your loved ones. Here’s what you should include in this document.
What Is Asset Allocation?
Updated Aug 16, 2024
Asset allocation is an investment strategy to balance risk and reward. Here’s why it’s important and how it works.
Retiring Early: What to Know
Updated Oct 19, 2024
Retiring early is a dream for many Americans. We explain what it takes to achieve this.
How Does a Will Work?
Updated Jun 14, 2024
Wills allow you to distribute property according to your wishes after your death. Learn how they work and why they’re important here.
What Are REITs?
Updated Aug 9, 2024
REITs are a passive way to invest in real estate. Find out how they work, their pros and cons, and how to invest in them here.
What Are Bonds?
Updated Apr 18, 2024
Bonds are a relatively low risk way to diversify your portfolio. Learn how they work, as well as about the pros and cons of investing in them.
What Is a Roth IRA?
Updated Mar 8, 2024
Roth IRAs allow you to contribute and grow your money tax-free. Here’s how they work and why they can be extremely useful for retirement.
What Is an Individual Retirement Account (IRA)?
Updated Jun 6, 2024
IRAs allow you to save for your retirement with specific tax advantages. Learn more about how they work here.
What Is an Annuity?
Updated Nov 1, 2023
Annuities allow you to create an extra income stream during retirement. Find out how they work and why they can be beneficial.
Pension vs. 401(k)
Updated Jul 29, 2024
Pensions and 401(k)s are staples of employee retirement programs. However, each are very different from one another. Learn why this is and the benefits of each here.
What Are Mutual Funds?
Updated Sep 23, 2024
Mutual funds are an investment that can help you minimize risk and diversify your portfolio. Here’s how they work and what the pros and cons of investing in them are.
Fee-Only vs. Fee-Based Financial Advisors
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Financial advisors typically charge on either a fee-only or fee-based basis. Here’s what each means and what their pros and cons are.
What Is Tax Planning?
Updated Aug 22, 2024
Taxes are a necessary part of everyone’s life. With proper planning, you can avoid mistakes and maybe even save money.
What Is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
Updated Sep 14, 2023
CPAs are highly qualified professionals. But do you need one? Discover what role they play and whether you should hire one.
How Much a Financial Advisor Costs
Updated Nov 27, 2024
Financial advisors can be pricey. But it depends on what you need. We explain how much you can expect one to cost and ways you can pay less.
Do I Need a Financial Advisor?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Financial advisors can help you plan for and reach your goals. But do you need one? We’ll break down situations where you may need an expert by your side.
How to Maximize Your Social Security
Updated Jun 28, 2024
Social security is a crucial part of most Americans’ retirement. Learn how you can maximize payments in six steps.
What Is Estate Planning?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Estate planning is a necessary component of any financial plan. Here’s how it works, what it’ll cost, and how to find a planner.
What Is an Investment Manager?
Updated Aug 2, 2024
Building an effective portfolio can be hard. An investment manager can help you identify smart investments and grow your wealth the right way.
What Is a Wealth Manager?
Updated Aug 22, 2024
A wealth manager can help you preserve and grow your fortune. Discover why they’re important and how they work.
What Is a Financial Planner?
Updated Dec 8, 2023
Having a financial planner in your corner can help you get closer to reaching your goals. Learn what they do and how to find one.
What Is a Fiduciary?
Updated Aug 30, 2024
Fiduciaries are advisors who put your interests ahead of their own. Learn why this is important as well as how to find one here.
What Is a Robo-Advisor?
Updated Jul 12, 2024
Robo-advisors are a cost-effective way to plan your financial future. Learn more about what they do and how they work.