Senior Finance Writer
BA, English, University of Washington
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.
Updated Apr 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.
Updated Apr 26, 2024
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are amounts you must withdraw from retirement accounts. Learn how they work and what their impact is on your retirement in this article.
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.
Updated Apr 11, 2024
What criteria makes someone a high-net-worth individual? We explain what gives someone this label and what it means for their finances.
Updated Apr 5, 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.
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.
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.
Updated Mar 29, 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.
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.
Updated Apr 26, 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.
Updated Mar 19, 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.
Updated Mar 15, 2024
Family offices offer comprehensive wealth management solutions to ultra-wealthy families. Learn how they work and who should hire one in this article.
Updated Mar 8, 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.
Updated Mar 15, 2024
Cresset Capital is a firm that specializes in wealth management. Learn how its services and fee structure works in this review.
Updated Apr 8, 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.
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Private Advisor Group is an RIA firm that offers both investment management and financial planning. We review its services in this article.
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.
Updated Feb 16, 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.
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Facet is a full-service financial planning firm that operates exclusively online. This review breaks down what to expect from its services.
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.
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.
Updated Feb 3, 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.
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.
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.
Updated Feb 16, 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.
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.
Updated Feb 9, 2024
Wrap fee programs simplify how you pay for investment management and financial advice. Learn how this fee structure works in this article.
Updated Jan 19, 2024
Ally Invest provides discretionary advisor and investment management services to clients. We review how it works and what to expect from the company.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated Feb 16, 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.
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.
Updated Dec 1, 2023
Merrill Guided Investing offers automated portfolio management at a low minimum. We review the company and how it works here.
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.
Updated Apr 26, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated Apr 26, 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.
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.
Updated Apr 3, 2024
Not all financial advisors are the same. Find the right fit for your unique needs among investment advisors, wealth managers, and more.
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.
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.
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.
Updated Nov 18, 2023
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.
Updated Jan 29, 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.
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.
Updated Apr 16, 2024
Hedge funds give investors access to unique and alternative investment strategies. Learn more about how they work in this article.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated Apr 17, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated Jan 5, 2024
Fidelity is a broker financial services company. It also offers wealth management and investment advice. We break these services down here.
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.
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.
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Financial advisors can be expensive. We explain how you can negotiate with a professional to lower your total advisory fees.
Updated Sep 8, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Updated Apr 5, 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.
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.
Updated Apr 17, 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.
Updated Mar 8, 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.
Updated Jan 6, 2024
Chartered financial consultants can help you with a wide range of financial planning tasks. Learn more about them here.
Updated Aug 1, 2023
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.
Updated Sep 15, 2023
Writing a letter of intent helps you convey your last wishes to your loved ones. Here’s what you should include in this document.
Updated Apr 19, 2024
Asset allocation is an investment strategy to balance risk and reward. Here’s why it’s important and how it works.
Updated Apr 19, 2024
Retiring early is a dream for many Americans. We explain what it takes to achieve this.
Updated Sep 15, 2023
Wills allow you to distribute property according to your wishes after your death. Learn how they work and why they’re important here.
Updated Mar 8, 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.
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.
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.
Updated Apr 19, 2024
IRAs allow you to save for your retirement with specific tax advantages. Learn more about how they work here.
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.
Updated Jan 25, 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.
Updated Mar 8, 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.
Updated Nov 23, 2023
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.
Updated Feb 16, 2024
Taxes are a necessary part of everyone’s life. With proper planning, you can avoid mistakes and maybe even save money.
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.
Updated Feb 1, 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.
Updated Mar 22, 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.
Updated Apr 22, 2024
Social security is a crucial part of most Americans’ retirement. Learn how you can maximize payments in six steps.
Updated Mar 28, 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.
Updated Mar 22, 2024
Building an effective portfolio can be hard. An investment manager can help you identify smart investments and grow your wealth the right way.
Updated Mar 22, 2024
A wealth manager can help you preserve and grow your fortune. Discover why they’re important and how they work.
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.
Updated Apr 26, 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.
Updated Apr 22, 2024
Robo-advisors are a cost-effective way to plan your financial future. Learn more about what they do and how they work.