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Broker Articles

Articles about choosing the right brokerage for your situation.
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Recent Articles

A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
Nov. 2, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Prediction: Here's How Much a $10,000 Brokerage Account Could Grow by 2050

You might be surprised at how much your money could grow without too much effort. Check out what you need to know.
woman sitting at table holding a pen and looking at a calculator and a pad of paper.
Nov. 2, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How Much Money Should You Have in Your 401(k) by Age 40?

There's no perfect number to answer this question. Read on for guidelines to help you gauge your progress.
Two people looking at asset prices on investing apps.
Nov. 1, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

I Tried Investing in Stocks With 3 Popular Brokers. Here's How They Did

When you're ready to invest in stocks, finding the right broker is important. Check out my firsthand experience investing with a few of the top brokers.
Hijabi looks at investment documents in an office.
Nov. 1, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

3 Red Flags Your Broker Is Putting Profits Above Your Financial Health

Worried your broker's after their own profits, not your financial health? Check out these three red flags to spot sketchy brokers and find one that's actually on your side.
A person sitting at a desk in a sunny home office and typing on a laptop.
Nov. 1, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Charles Schwab Has $9.92 Trillion in Assets Under Management. How Does Your Brokerage Compare?

Charles Schwab manages more assets than the combined GDP of Germany and Japan. Find out what other features matter when you're choosing a brokerage.
An older couple laughing while riding a moped.
Oct. 28, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Worried About Retirement? You May Be Better Off Than You Think

Almost three-quarters of retirees have enough money to live comfortably. Find out why so many of them worried about retirement when they were still working.
A young adult sits cross-legged while typing on a laptop in their bedroom.
Oct. 28, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

With Stocks Near an All-Time High, Is Now the Time to Start an IRA? The Answer Might Surprise You

Just because stocks seem expensive doesn't mean they truly are. See why it's still a good time to start investing.
A calculator against a green background
Oct. 27, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

3 Higher-Paying Alternatives to Investing in CDs

Several popular investments have much better returns than CDs. Check out high-paying options so you can find the best place for your money.
A person looking at paperwork and a laptop while standing at the kitchen counter.
Oct. 27, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How Much Money Should I Have in a Brokerage Account by Age 50?

There's no perfect rule for how much you should have invested by 50. But find out how to tell if you're on the right path.
A man looking upset while reading something on his phone.
Oct. 23, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

Here Are My 3 Worst Investment Decisions (and How I Survived Them)

Three investment blunders nearly wrecked my portfolio. Check out these hard-earned lessons before you dive into the market with your pants down.
A man reading paperwork at his desk.
Oct. 22, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

IRA Contribution Rules Are Changing in 2025. Here's What That Means for You

There are some significant changes coming, and we don't just mean higher contribution limits. Keep reading for new IRA rules.
A pile of bills
Oct. 21, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Millions of Americans Have $50,000 or More in Forgotten 401(k)s. Here's How to Make Sure You Don't

There are over 29 million unclaimed workplace retirement accounts, containing over $1.5 trillion in total. Find out how to track down any lost 401(k)s in your name.
A young businessperson does paperwork in coffee shop and checks their phone.
Oct. 20, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

I'm Saving an Extra $3,000 This Year Thanks to One Simple Change

Discover how I'm boosting my retirement savings without lifestyle changes. Learn the psychology behind effective saving and how to implement it yourself.
A hand holding a rolled up wad of bills
Oct. 19, 2024 | By Danielle Antosz

Got an Old 401(k)? Here's What to Do With It

Not sure what to do with an old 401(k)? Learn about your options, from keeping it where it is to rolling it into an IRA or new 401(k), and avoid costly mistakes.
A man sitting at a desk with his laptop open and looking stressed with his chin in his hands.
Oct. 18, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

The Fastest Way to Go Into Debt When Investing

Leverage leaves you vulnerable to a glitch in human psychology. Find out why many smart investors avoid investing with debt.
A middle-aged couple embraces happily in a kitchen.
Oct. 14, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

How Much Money Should You Have in Your 401(k) by Age 50?

It can be tough to figure out if you're on track for retirement. Here's a helpful guideline on how large your 401(k) balance should be by age 50.
A couple smiles excitedly at their laptop screen in their living room.
Oct. 14, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Have an Old 401(k)? You Can Get a Great Bonus for Moving It to This Broker

Many brokers offer bonuses for rollover IRAs, but this one is among the best we've seen. Here's what you need to know.
Two young adults wearing loungewear use their devices and a pad of paper to discuss finances.
Oct. 8, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

The Average 20-Something Has $6,264 in Retirement Savings. But Is That Enough?

Wondering if your 20s are too early to start saving for retirement? Learn how to grow your savings and take control now.
Well-dressed mature couple enjoying wine with a fancy meal.
Oct. 6, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Here's How Much Money It Takes to Be Rich

Americans view a net worth of $2.5 million as rich and $778,000 to be financially comfortable. Find out how you can become rich -- or at least richer.
A couple sits in bed drinking coffee and smiling at something on a laptop screen.
Oct. 6, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Millennials Are Out-Saving Boomers, Analysis Shows

Millennials could be better placed than boomers when it comes to retirement. Find out how to maintain the same quality of life once you stop work.
two men sitting at desk speaking to woman in business attire
Oct. 4, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

These Are the 2 Most Popular Brokers. Should You Open an Account With One?

Fidelity and Charles Schwab are two of the most popular stock brokers. Find out whether it's worth opening an account with either one.
A person sitting at a sunny dining room table and typing on a laptop.
Sept. 29, 2024 | By Danielle Antosz

Need $1,000 Fast? A New IRS Rule Lets You Pull It out of Retirement Savings

Learn how the new emergency personal expense withdrawal rule works and how it can impact your retirement plans.
A financial advisor meets with an older man at his home.
Sept. 28, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

Nearing Retirement? Here's What the Fed Rate Cut Means for You

The Fed's rate cuts are a mixed bag for anyone nearing retirement. Find out how lower rates will impact your money and what you can do about it.
A smiling woman looking at the phone in her hand while sitting at a desk in her living room with her laptop open in front of her.
Sept. 28, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

​​3 Reasons Why Retirees Should Forget About CDs

Not only are rates falling but taxes on CD interest can seriously reduce your gains. See why CDs aren't as great a place for your nest egg as they first seem.
A woman sitting at her dining table and typing on her laptop.
Sept. 27, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's What I'm Doing to Catch Up on Retirement Contributions in My 30s

All hope is not lost if you're just getting started saving for retirement in your 30s. These tips may help you get closer to your retirement goals.