Insights & Education
Keeping you at the forefront of modern investing
The latest commentary
Banking Saga Continues
The banking crisis has sparked immense focus on financial stability; with an attendant tightening in credit conditions, the risk of a formal recession has risen notably.
Perspective: Ups and Downs
Market surprises force investors—and the Federal Reserve—to re-evaluate yet again.
Market Snapshot
Liz Ann Sonders shares her perspective on the U.S. stock market and economy in this monthly Market Snapshot video.
Waves of Inflation
Although inflation may be receding, intermittent waves of price increases may cause investor uncertainty about the direction of economic growth and central banks' policy response.
Prepare for tax season
How to Minimize the Risk of an IRS Audit
A number of tax audits result from preventable mistakes. Here are the five most common audit red flags—and what to do to avoid them.
Smart Tax Moves for 2022
Tax Day is coming soon. But it's not too late to manage your tax liability.
6 Questions for Tax Season
Asking these six questions could help reduce your taxable income and minimize what you owe come tax season.
Learn tax-smart strategies for filing.
Go to tax planning guide
Trading news
Popular topics
Tax Tips for Traders
Traders have special tax considerations, including Schedule D, Form 8949, Section 1256 contracts, and collectibles tax treatment. Here are a few tips for tackling the extra filing.
Inflation Reduction Act Facts
The $750 billion Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 aims to combat climate change and increase tax revenues. Here's what it could mean for you.
How to Minimize the Risk of an IRS Audit
A number of tax audits result from preventable mistakes. Here are the five most common audit red flags—and what to do to avoid them.
Personal finance 101
Retirement Match From Uncle Sam
The Saver's Credit is like a retirement match from Uncle Sam if you qualify. Here's what you need to know—and do.
Your 401(k) Questions Answered
Have 401(k) questions? Get answers to the most frequently asked 401(k) questions to demystify the most common type of your workplace retirement plan.
Planning for Retirement
Learn the basics of retirement planning, like setting a retirement goal, choosing between a Roth and Traditional IRA, and deciding how to manage your investments.
Investing 101
Fixed Income Mutual Funds
If you're considering fixed income investments to diversify your portfolio and get a steady income stream, you might want to consider fixed income mutual funds.
Income Investments Bring Risk
During times of market volatility, many investors look for yield in fixed income and dividend stocks. But there's risk in these investments. Learn what they are before investing.
ETF vs. Mutual Fund
Support your strategy and portfolio by knowing when to invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), index funds, and actively managed mutual funds.
How to Choose Dividend-Paying Stocks
Dividend-paying stocks are an essential part of many investors' portfolios—though not always for the same reasons.
The Risk of Too Much Cash
When it comes to long-term growth, cash isn't king. Learn why it might be worth the effort to reinvest your money through portfolio rebalancing and reentering the market gradually.
Trading 101
Recovering From a Trading Loss
In a volatile market, you may find yourself with a surprising amount of trading losses, and big ones can undermine your confidence. Here's how to bounce back.
What's a Brokerage 1099 Tax Form?
Learn what types of brokerage accounts typically generate a 1099, some important sections of the document, and when to expect your brokerage 1099 tax form.
Margin: How Does It Work?
In the same way a bank can lend you money if you have equity in your house, your brokerage firm can lend you money against the value of the investments in your portfolio.
Retire with confidence
The Future of Social Security
Current forecasts project a Social Security shortfall in about a decade. Knowing when to collect can help you maximize your benefits. Find out when could be the right time for you to start collecting Social Security payments.
Should You Disinherit a Child?
Family rifts sometimes lead to estrangement—resulting in thoughts of disinheritance. But consider the consequences before you exclude a loved one from your estate.
4 Retirement Risks to Avoid
The five years before and after retirement are among the most important—and vulnerable—for your savings. Make the most of your later years by getting ahead of the potential risks.
Keep Beneficiaries Current
Designating beneficiaries is a simple way to help protect your estate and avoid probate.
