4 Alternative Investments for Accredited Investors
Accredited investors—those meeting SEC income or net‑worth thresholds—can tap into alternative assets such as private equity, venture capital, private credit, real estate, and hedge funds. These options promise higher return potential and portfolio diversification but often involve illiquidity, higher fees, and greater risk. The article outlines each investment type’s key characteristics, from venture‑backed startups to income‑generating private loans. It also stresses the importance of professional advisory guidance to align these complex products with an investor’s goals.
How to Save for a Car: Savings Plan and Example
Buying a car requires a disciplined savings plan that accounts for the full cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. Experts recommend keeping total transportation expenses—including loan, insurance, fuel and maintenance—under 15‑20% of take‑home pay and setting a concrete,...
AI Attitudes, Adoption, and Benefits by State – 2026 Study
SmartAsset’s 2026 AI Adoption study ranks every U.S. state by workplace AI use, ChatGPT activity, and AI‑related job density. Nationwide, 18.1% of workers have incorporated AI tools into their daily tasks, but adoption varies widely. Washington tops the list with...
Ask an Advisor: What Taxes Will My Daughter and Granddaughter Pay When They Inherit My IRA?
The article outlines how a daughter and granddaughter will be taxed on an inherited IRA. Federal law treats traditional IRA withdrawals as ordinary income, while Roth IRA distributions can be tax‑free if requirements are met. There is no federal inheritance...
Real Estate Holding Company: How It Works, Pros and Cons
A real estate holding company is a legal entity that centralizes ownership of multiple properties while separating liability. Typically structured as a parent LLC or corporation owning subsidiary LLCs that hold individual assets, the model isolates risk and streamlines portfolio...
REIT Mutual Funds: How They Generate Income, Benefits and Risks
REIT mutual funds aggregate shares of publicly traded REITs, offering investors diversified exposure to multiple property sectors through a single vehicle. They generate income primarily via rental revenues passed through as dividends, which must distribute at least 90% of taxable...
Risk Management for Small Business: Services and Examples
Small businesses confront a spectrum of threats—from lawsuits and property damage to cyber attacks and cash‑flow volatility. Effective risk management follows a four‑step cycle: identify, evaluate, prioritize, and then avoid, reduce, transfer, or accept each risk. Professional services—including business continuity...
Retirement Planning for Federal Employees: Services and Examples
Federal employees under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) receive a three‑part retirement package: a defined‑benefit pension, Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The pension formula is 1% of years of service times salary, rising to 1.1% after...
A Family Office Experience For Everyday Investors: Melissa Day’s Success Story
Melissa and Todd Day launched the Independent Advisor Team in Winston‑Salem in 2023, positioning it as a boutique firm that delivers a family‑office experience to everyday investors. By leveraging SmartAsset’s Advisor Marketing Platform, roughly 70% of their pipeline now originates...
Where Home Prices Increased Most – 2026 Study
SmartAsset’s 2026 study of 100 major U.S. metros shows a mixed picture for home values. While the typical home price fell in 70% of cities, the year‑over‑year change ranged from a 9.1% decline in Oakland to a 5.6% increase in...
How Long Does It Take to Improve Your Credit Score?
Improving a credit score varies widely based on starting point and the specific negative items on a report. Quick wins like lowering credit utilization can show gains in 30‑45 days, while moving from poor to fair credit typically requires six...
How Life Insurance Can Fund a Buy-Sell Agreement
Business co‑owners face uncertainty if a partner dies without a plan. A buy‑sell agreement outlines how ownership shares transfer, and life insurance is the most common method to fund that transfer by providing an immediate lump‑sum death benefit. The agreement...
Understanding Client Acquisition Cost and How Financial Advisors Can Lower It
Client acquisition cost (CAC) measures the total marketing and sales spend required to win a new financial‑advisor client, typically calculated by dividing total acquisition expenses by the number of new clients. In 2024 the average CAC for advisors was about...
What a Roommate Can Save You in 100 U.S. Cities – 2026 Study
SmartAsset’s 2026 study shows that sharing a two‑bedroom apartment can save the average renter about $541 per month, roughly $6,500 a year. Cleveland, Ohio leads with a 47.8% rent reduction, while New York City offers the biggest dollar savings at...
Ask an Advisor: Can I Invest in a Real Estate Project Within My Roth IRA? Will the Future Growth and...
A self‑directed Roth IRA can be used to fund a commercial real‑estate build, but only if the property title is transferred to the IRA. The investor must avoid any prohibited transactions with disqualified persons, meaning they cannot lend to themselves,...
