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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
U.S. Bank Advisor Review
Updated Sep 30, 2023
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 Sep 30, 2023
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 Sep 27, 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 Sep 22, 2023
With over $7 trillion AUM, Charles Schwab is one of the highest rated financial services firms. We break down its advisory services in this guide.
What Is the Suitability Standard?
Updated Sep 21, 2023
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 Sep 15, 2023
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 Sep 21, 2023
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 Sep 12, 2023
Morgan Stanley is a financial services firm with over $1.3 trillion in AUM. We break down the company’s advisory services in this guide.
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 Services Review
Updated Sep 13, 2023
Fidelity is a broker financial services company. It also offers wealth management and investment advice. We break these services down here.
Edward Jones Advisor Review
Updated Sep 13, 2023
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 Sep 13, 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 Sep 6, 2023
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 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.
How Dollar-Cost Averaging Works
Updated Sep 8, 2023
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 Sep 14, 2023
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 Sep 7, 2023
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 Sep 8, 2023
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 Sep 8, 2023
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 Aug 16, 2023
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 Aug 22, 2023
Chartered financial consultants can help you with a wide range of financial planning tasks. Learn more about them here.
What Is an Executor?
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.
What Is a Letter of Intent?
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.
What Is Asset Allocation?
Updated Aug 24, 2023
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 Sep 30, 2023
Retiring early is a dream for many Americans. We explain what it takes to achieve this.
How Does a Will Work?
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.
What Are REITs?
Updated Aug 3, 2023
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 Aug 3, 2023
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 Sep 8, 2023
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 Sep 8, 2023
IRAs allow you to save for your retirement with specific tax advantages. Learn more about how they work here.
What Is an Annuity?
Updated Sep 19, 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 Sep 8, 2023
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 Aug 3, 2023
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 Sep 8, 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.
What Is Tax Planning?
Updated Aug 14, 2023
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 Sep 6, 2023
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 Sep 6, 2023
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 Sep 8, 2023
Social security is a crucial part of most Americans’ retirement. Learn how you can maximize payments in six steps.
What Is Estate Planning?
Updated Sep 15, 2023
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 Sep 6, 2023
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 14, 2023
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 Sep 14, 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 14, 2023
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 Sep 14, 2023
Robo-advisors are a cost-effective way to plan your financial future. Learn more about what they do and how they work.